• 


Ihtiuersttg  af 

REFERENCE 


No. 

Division 

Range 

Shelf 

Received 


•  A 

MANUAL 


OF 


PUBLIC   LIBRARIES, 


INSTITUTIONS,  AND  SOCIETIES, 


UNITED    STATES, 


BRITISH  PROVINCES  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


BY    WILLIAM     J.     RHEES, 

CHIEF   CLERK    OF   THE   SMITHSONIAN   INSTITUTION. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

J.    B.    LIPPINCOTT    &    CO. 
1859. 


SCHOOL  ; 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1859, 

BY   WILLIAM    J.    RHEES, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  District  of  Columbia. 


C.  SHERMAN  &  SON,  PRINTERS, 

Corner  Seventh  and  Cherry  Streets,  Philadelphia. 


CONTENTS. 


NOTES  AND  ERRATA, 

INTRODUCTION,  .... 

THE  CONSTRUCTION  OF  LIBRARY  BUILDINGS, 

Lighting  and  Heating  Libraries, 

Fittings  and  Furniture, 
LOCAL  ARRANGEMENT, 
ROUTINE  DUTIES,   .... 
CLASSIFICATION,          .... 
CATALOGUES,          .... 

Preparation,          .... 

Cost  of  Catalogues,     . 
CLASSES  OF  BOOKS  READ, 
NUMBER  OF  VOLUMES  READ, 
BOOKS  IN  DIFFERENT  LANGUAGES, 
EXCHANGES,  .... 

SALARIES  OF  LIBRARIANS, 
STATISTICAL  TABLES, 
NOTICES  OF  LIBRARIES  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

"  "  CANADA, 

"  "  NOVA  SCOTIA, 

COMMON  SCHOOL  LIBRARIES, 
SUNDAY-SCHOOL  LIBRARIES, 
MILITARY  LIBRARIES, 
LIST  OF  LIBRARIES  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES,    . 

"  u  "        BRITISH  PROVINCES, 

INDEX,  ..... 


PAGE 

iv 

v 

vii 

viii 

ix 

xi 

xi 

xiii 

xiv 

xiv 

xvi 

xvii 

xx 

xxi 

xxii 

xxiii 

xxiii 

1 

528 
550 
552 
578 
582 
585 
666 
66G 


NOTES  AND  ERRATA. 


Page  39.  ILL.  Springfield.  111.  Institution  for  the  Blind  is  located  at  Jack 
sonville,  not  Springfield. 

Page  41.  111.  Institution  for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  is  at  Jacksonville,  not 
Springfield. 

Pages  55  and  597.  KY.  Augusta.  "  Augusta  College  has  ceased  to  exist.'1 — 
Letter  from  J.  Doniphan,  late  Secretary.  1858. 

Page  88.  The  College  of  St.  James  is  not  in  Chestertown,  as  might  be  sup 
posed  from  the  types.  Its  post-office  is  "  College  of  St.  James." 

Page  124.    Harvard  College:   lines  IS  to  27  should  be  omitted. 

Page  404.  Franklin  College  is  the  post-office  as  well  as  the  name  of  the 
College.  It  is  not  in  Columbia,  Term. 

Page  405.  Hiawassee  College  is  the  post-office  of  the  College  of  that  name, 
not  Greeneville,  Term. 

Page  525.  Only  $5000  have  been  appropriated  for  the  Territorial  libraries 
of  Kansas  and  Nebraska. 

Page  597.  KY.  Harrodsburg.  Bacon  College  is  now  "  Kentucky  University/' 
Letter  from  H.  H.  White,  May,  1859. 

Page  040.  S.  C.  Theological  Department  of  Furman  University  is  disconti 
nued,  and  an  independent  Theological  Seminary  established,  for  which  $100,000 
have  been  raised  in  South  Carolina.  Letter  from  C.  H.  Judson,  May,  1859. 

Page  042.  TEXAS.  Chappell  Hill.  Soule  University  succeeds  Chappell  Hill 
College,  and  has  its  buildings,  &c. 

The  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia  is  now  the  largest  in 
this  country,  having  2000  members  and  a  large  library.  A  full  notice  of  this 
highly  useful  and  important  society  was  accidentally  omitted  in  the  proper  place. 

An  account  of  the  Agricultural  Societies  in  the  United  States,  may  be  found 
in  the  Patent  Office  Reports  for  1S57  and  1858.  Most  of  these,  however,  have 
but  small  libraries. 

The  "Boston  Library"  has  been  transferred  to  the  "  Athemcunr'  in  the  same 
city. 

The  Mass.  Historical  Society  now  has  100  members. 

"Normal  College,"  North  Carolina,  is  now  called  "Trinity  College."  It  has 
a  library  of  GOO  volumes.  Columbian  Society,  2500 ;  and  Hesperian  Society, 
2400  volumes. 

Part  of  the  Introduction  was  transposed  after  the  Index  was  printed. 


INTRODUCTION. 


THIS  work  was  commenced  with  the  intention  of  making  it  merely 
a  continuation  of  a  report  prepared  by  Professor  C.  C.  Jewett  in  1850 
for  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  but  the  materials  which  were  collected 
in  answer  to  circulars,  contained  much  information  relative  to  educa 
tional  and  other  institutions  that  the  compiler  thought  too  important 
to  be  omitted.  When,  however,  the  work  was  presented  to  the  Secre 
tary  of  the  Institution,  he  found  it  so  extended  with  matter  not  within 
the  original  design,  that  he  did  not  think  himself  authorized  to  adopt 
it  as  a  Smithsonian  report  on  libraries.  The  work  is  therefore  pub 
lished  by  the  compiler  in  the  belief  that  the  additional  matter,  while 
swelling  the  cost  beyond  the  appropriation  which  was  made  for  it  by 
the  Institution,  will  greatly  increase  its  value,  and  render  it  more 
acceptable  to  the  public.  Full  acknowledgment  is  here  made  for  the 
materials  collected,  and  the  facilities  afforded  in  the  preparation  of  this 
volume,  by  the  Smithsonian  Institution. 

The  difficulties  in  procuring  information,  and  of  properly  arrang 
ing  the  data,  can  only  be  appreciated  by  those  who  have  been  engaged 
in  statistical  inquiries.  While  much,  which  could  be  desired,  has 
not  been  accomplished,  many  imperfections  may  be  attributed  to  the 
fact  that  the  work  was  prepared  at  the  intervals  of  leisure,  during 
several  years,  from  the  engrossing  duties  of  a  responsible  position,  and 
that  unavoidable  delays  have  occurred  in  the  publication. 

It  is  hoped,  however,  that  the  facts  presented  will  be  considered 
valuable  and  instructive,  and  will  not  only  serve  to  throw  new  light 
on  our  advancement  as  a  people;  but  will  tend  to  produce  greater 
interest  in  those  powerful  means  of  mental  and  moral  improvement, — 
our  Public  Libraries. 


VI  INTRODUCTION. 

The  name  of  Professor  Jewett  is  affixed  in  the  index  to  those 
notices  taken  in  whole  or  in  part,  from  his  Report ;  and  other  autho 
rities  are  also  referred  to  in  the  same  manner.  Special  acknowledg 
ments  are  due,  however,  to  the  following  persons  :  S.  Hastings  Grant, 
Esq.,  Colonel  J.  H.  Wheeler,  Y.  Peyton  Page,  Esq.,  William  Q.  Force, 
Esq.,  D.  Jay  Browne,  Esq.,  Ben.  Perley  Poore,  Esq.,  Lyman  C.  Draper, 
Esq.,  Pierre  J.  0.  Chauveau,  Esq.,  and  F.  B.  Hough,  Esq. 

Also  to  the  following  publications :  C.  B.  Norton's  Literary  Gazette 
and  Annuals,  R.  A.  Guild's  Librarian's  Manual,  Thomas  Hodgin's 
Canada  Educational  Directory,  H.  Barnard's  Journal  of  Education, 
R.  C.  McCormick's  Young  Men's  Magazine,  The  Quarterly  Reporter 
and  Young  Men's  Christian  Journal,  Rev.  Z.  Freeman's  Manual  of 
American  Colleges,  American,  Almanac,  Educational  Year  Book. 

The  size  of  this  volume  precludes  the  insertion  of  articles  on  seve 
ral  subjects,  which  were  originally  designed  to  form  a  part  of  the  In 
troduction.  Instead  of  these,  however,  extracts  containing  much 
important  information  relative  to  the  construction  of  library  buildings, 
lighting  and  heating,  fittings  and  furniture,  local  arrangement,  routine 
duties,  and  the  classification  of  books,  are  made  from  an  elaborate  and 
highly  valuable  work  by  Mr.  Edward  Edwards,  of  England,  entitled 
"Memoirs  of  Libraries,"  published  since  the  greater  part  of  this 
volume  was  printed. 

We  also  give  the  results  of  the  examination  of  the  materials  at  our 
command  relative  to  the  construction  of  catalogues  and  cost  of  print 
ing  them ;  classes  and  number  of  books  read ;  books  in  different  lan 
guages  ;  exchanges;  salaries  of  librarians,  and  statistical  tables. 

After  the  Introduction,  with  several  articles  and  tables  not  here 
given,  was  prepared,  it  was  lost  by  the  person  to  whom  it  had  been 
sent  for  examination,  and  the  appearance  of  the  volume  has  therefore 
been  delayed,  until,  as  much  as  time  would  allow  could  be  repro 
duced. 


LIBRARY   BUILDINGS.  Vll 


THE  CONSTRUCTION  AND  FURNISHING  OF  LIBRARY 
BUILDINGS.* 

"1.  THE  site  must  be  dry  and  airy,  and  capable  of  affording  light 
on  several,  and  (when  possible)  on  all  sides.  The  building  should, 
therefore,  be  isolated,  and  if  it  be  necessary  to  place  it  near  to  any 
great  thoroughfare,  as  much  open  space  as  possible  should  intervene. 

"2.  The  building  should  be  fire-proof;  walls,  floors,  and  roof  should 
be  exclusively  formed  of  brick,  stone,  iron,  and  slate.  If  the  reading- 
room,  or  any  other  special  apartment  have  a  wooden  floor,  it  should 
be  embedded  in  stucco  upon  a  stone  flagging,  or  upon  brick  arches. 

"  3.  The  ground  floor  should  be  vaulted,  and  in  the  external  walls  of 
the  entire  structure  there  should  be  ample  passages  and  channels  for 
ventilation.  If  the  building  be  extensive,  large  water  pipes  ('fire 
mains')  should  be  carried  along  the  roof. 

"  4.  In  general,  the  building  should  not  exceed  two  stories  in  height, 
and  the  upper  floor  should  be  lighted  by  sky-lights,  lantern  lights,  or 
cupolas. 

"  5.  The  principal  room,  or  rooms,  for  the  reception  of  books  should 
be  of  such  proportions,  and  be  so  constructed,  as  to  admit  of  the 
greater  part  of  the  contents  of  the  library,  if  of  moderate  extent, 
being  seen  at  one  view. 

"  6.  The  entire  collection  of  books  should  be  accessible  without  steps 
or  ladders.  This  condition  may  be  attained  in  the  loftiest  rooms  by 
the  use  of  light  galleries  of  perforated  iron,  with  railings  breast  high, 
and  with  small  spiral  staircases  at  each  angle.  These  galleries  should 
be  placed  in  tiers  at  intervals  of  about  every  seven  feet,  of  the  height 
of  the  inner  walls  j  so  that  if  these  be  thirty-five  feet  high  in  the 
clear,  there  would  be  four  such  tiers  on  all  sides  of  the  room. 

"  7.  The  reading-rooms  should  invariably  be  distinct  from  the  rooms 
appropriated  to  the  main  collection  of  books.  If  the  library  be  a 
large  one,  two  reading-rooms  at  least  should  be  provided.  Such 
rooms  should  be  shelved  for  the  reception  of  books  of  common  refer 
ence,  and  of  a  selection  of  such  as  form  the  bibliographical  apparatus 
of  a  library.  A  smaller  and  contiguous  room  should  be  assigned  for 

*  E.  Edwards,  Memoirs  of  Libraries,  2  vols.  8vo.,  Triibner  &  Co.  London: 
1859.  Most  of  this  matter  is  also  found  in  vol.  xiii  of  the  Encyclopaedia  Bri- 
tannica. 


Vlll  LIBRARY   BUILDINGS. 

the  use  of  such  readers  as  need  special  facilities  for  collation,  copying, 
and  other  like  pursuits.  The  reading-rooms  should  be  provided  with 
a  series  of  shelved  closets,  which  might  be  distinguished  by  the  letters 
of  the  alphabet,  for  the  reception  of  books  which  are  in  continuous 
use  by  readers  from  day  to  day. 

"8.  There  should  be  an  ample  provision  of  smaller  rooms  for  the 
general  business  and  internal  working  of  the  library.  In  any  con 
siderable  library,  the  following  rooms  will  be  indispensable :  1.  A 
receiving  and  unpacking  room,  with  access,  if  possible,  distinct  from 
that  of  the  public.  2.  A  stamping  and  registering  room.  3.  A 
cataloguing  and  account-keeping  room  for  clerks  and  transcribers. 
4.  A  bookbinding  room.  If  the  binding  be  done  within  the  library 
premises,  this  room  should  communicate  with  the  workshop ;  but  if 
otherwise,  advantage  will  result  from  the  assigning  a  separate  small 
room  to  the  business  connected  with  binding.  5.  Committee  or  board 
room,  with  ante-room  thereto.  6.  Librarian's  room  or  study.  In  a 
large  library,  this  room  also  should  have  its  vestibule  or  waiting-room. 
7.  Rooms  for  the  assistant  librarians  and  attendants,  according  to  the 
extent  and  character  of  the  library.  8.  Cloak-rooms,  lavatories,  and 
other  conveniences.  9.  A  room,  the  extent  and  situation  of  which 
must  depend  on  the  other  arrangements  of  the  library,  into  which  the 
books  can  be  readily  wheeled  on  proper  trucks  or  barrows,  for  the 
dusting  and  cleansing,  which  is  periodically  needful. " 

LIGHTING  AND  HEATING. 

"  It  may  now  be  taken  to  be  a  settled  point,  that  a  library  can  be  so 
constructed  as  to  be  warmed  either  by  open  fire-places  (which  in  most 
cases  would  have  descending  flues),  or  by  hot  water  pipes  carried 
throughout  the  building  with  equal  and  absolute  security  against 
danger  by  fire.  In  the  former  case,  the  fire-places  should  be  grated 
and  the  grates  locked ;  in  the  latter,  the  apparatus  should  be  heated 
by  furnaces  and  boilers  placed  either  in  fire-proof  vaulted  chambers 
beneath  the  library,  or  in  an  isolated  building;  the  pipes  should  be 
carried  through  all  the  apartments  in  channels  provided  in  the  fire 
proof  floors,  at  a  distance  of  at  least  three  feet  from  the  nearest  books ; 
other  pipes  should  be  carried  round,  or  near  to,  all  extensive  glazed 
surfaces,  and  the  circulation  of  the  heated  water  should  be  uninter- 
mittent. 


LIBRARY  BUILDINGS.  ix 

"  It  may  also  be  taken  to  be  an  established  maxim,  that  gas  may 
with  perfect  safety  be  introduced  into  a  properly  constructed  building; 
but  the  gas-fittings  should  invariably  include  tubes  for  the  carrying 
off  of  the  vapors  produced  by  its  combustion.  Such  tubes  may  be 
either  pendent  from  the  ceilings  or  attached  to  the  walls ;  the  inner 
tube  may  be  of  copper,  and  the  outer  one  of  opaque  glass  :  or,  on  the 
other  hand,  the  lights  may  be  placed  entirely  on  the  outside  of  the 
building,  of  which  method  very  successful  applications  may  be  seen 
at  University  College,  London,  and  elsewhere." 

FITTINGS  AND  FURNITURE. 

"  Oak,  or  well-seasoned  deal,  without  veneering,  staining,  or  other 
deceptive  process,  should  be  employed  for  cases.  If  it  be  determined 
that  the  book-cases  shall  be  wholly  uninflammable,  the  shelves  may  be 
made  of  enamelled  slate,  and  the  other  portions  of  galvanized  and 
perforated  rolled  iron.  Whatever  the  material,  the  shelves  should  be 
movable.  The  cases  should  everywhere  be  perfectly  flush,  and  with 
out  any  sort  of  protruding  ornament  near  the  shelves,  or  of  cavity  at 
the  sides.  There  should  always  be  a  space  between  the  back  of  the 
cases  and  the  inside  of  the  external  walls  against  which  they  are  to 
stand,  and  a  plinth  of  at  least  six  inches  between  the  lowest  shelf  and 
the  level  of  the  floor.  It  will  also  be  found  both  advantageous  and 
economical  to  make  the  framework  of  the  various  presses  of  equal 
dimensions,  as  much  as  may  be,  so  that  the  shelves  should  be  mutu 
ally  transferable,  and  even  the  presses  themselves,  should  occasion 
arise  for  their  removal. 

"  In  estimating  the  extent  of  shelving  which  it  may  be  necessary  to 
provide,  we  may  fairly  calculate  that  in  an  ordinary  library,  such  as 
would  now  be  formed,  a  space  two  feet  high  and  two  feet  wide  will,  on 
the  average,  contain  about  thirty-five  volumes ;  or,  in  other  words,  it 
may  be  estimated  roughly  that  every  thousand  volumes  in  the  library 
will  require  about  one  hundred  and  ten  square  feet  of  shelving. 

"  All  shelves  intended  for  choice  and  richly-bound  books  should  be 
covered  with  leather,  and  especially  such  as  are  intended  for  books  of 
large  sizes. 

"  For  the  bulk  of  a  great  collection  of  books,  I  see  little  or  no  advan 
tage  in  the  use  of  closed  cases,  whether  wired  or  glazed.  Under  pro 
per  regulations,  and  with  the  precaution  of  a  railing  carried  around  all 


X  LIBRARY   BUILDINGS. 

rooms  to  which  the  public  have  access,  at  about  four  feet  from  the  front 
of  the  book-presses,  there  is  as  much  safety  without  them  as  with  them. 
They  sometimes  induce  carelessness  as  to  the  proper  condition  and  fit 
binding  of  the  books;  and  if  the  latter  are  well  bound  and  well  kept, 
they  undeniably  detract  from  the  external  effect  and  beauty  of  appear 
ance  :  and,  in  fine,  their  great  cost  would  go  far  towards  an  important 
increase  in  the  valuable  contents  of  the  library — a  consideration  to  be 
especially  borne  in  mind  where  the  funds  for  enlargement  are  of  small 
amount.  But  in  all  cases,  the  rarities  and  choice  contents  of  a  library 
should  be  protected  by  glass;  and  all  open  presses,  without  exception, 
should  be  furnished  with  curtains,  of  linen,  or  other  fit  material,  on 
spring  rollers,  for  which  provision  should  be  made  under  the  cornice 
or  entablature  of  the  presses.  Every  shelf  should  have  its  "fall"  of 
leather,  morocco  cloth,  or  other  good  material,  from  two  to  three  and 
a  half  or  four  inches  in  depth,  according  to  the  size  of  the  volumes  for 
which  the  shelves  are  intended. 

"  Some  fixed  shelves  will  be  needed  for  the  select  books,  and  the 
usual  height  may  be  specified  : — 

For  folios,  18  to  21  inches. 

"     quartos,  12  to  15      " 

"    octavos,  10  inches. 

"    duodecimos,  7       " 

"  These  spaces  will  allow  ample  room  for  the  average  sizes.  As  to 
the  depth,  it  should  never  be  less  than  20  inches  for  folios,  15  inches 
for  quartos,  8  inches  for  octavos  and  duodecimos,  which  dimensions 
will  allow  of  the  free  circulation  of  air  behind  the  books.  The  ( Atlas 
folios/  '  elephant  folios/  and  the  like,  are  best  accommodated  in 
single  shelves,  on  which  they  may  lie  flat,  or  on  l  trays'  in  table- 
cases.  Some  of  the  library  tables  should  also  be  fitted  up  for  the 
reception  of  maps  and  charts,  if  the  extent  of  the  collection  be  not 
considerable  enough  to  induce  the  setting  apart  of  a  particular  room 
or  gallery  for  them.  Others  should  be  provided  with  drawers,  or 
t  trays/  in  tiers,  for  the  preservation  and  arrangement  of  the  cata 
logue  titles  or  slips. 

"  Book  barrows  or  trucks  are  serviceable.  The  tops  and  end  rails 
are  covered  with  padded  leather,  and  on  such  barrows  books  may  be 
wheeled  from  one  end  of  the  library  to  the  other,  speedily,  and  with 
out  risk  of  injury.  Leather-covered  trays  are  also  necessary. 

"  In  no  library  in  the  world  can  better  examples  of  nearly  all  the 


LOCAL   ARRANGEMENT — ROUTINE   DUTIES.  XI 

varied  mechanical  arrangements  and  appliances  be  seen  than  those  of 
the  British  Museum/7 

LOCAL  ARRANGEMENT. 

"  If  the  books  come  by  purchase,  the  first  thing  to  be  attended  to,  is 
their  collation  and  comparison  with  the  booksellers'  bill.  The  mark 
ing  of  each  volume  with  the  dealer's  name,  and  the  date  of  acquisi 
tion,  is  a  useful  precaution.  The  next  process  is  the  stamping  of  the 
book  with  the  library  mark.  The  preparation  of  the  title-slip  is  the 
next  step.  Then  comes  the  placing  of  the  book  on  its  proper  shelf  in 
the  library;  and  its  press-marking,  both  on  the  inside  of  the  cover, 
preferably  upon  a  label  bearing  the  name  of  the  library,  and  also  a 
reference  to  the  place  of  the  book  in  the  classed  catalogue,  and  like 
wise  on  the  outside. 

"  The  sort  of  *  press-marks'  to  be  employed  will,  perhaps,  be  partly 
determined  by  the  size  of  the  collection.  Progressive  numbers  to 
each  volume  may  suit  a  small  library,  but  would  be  very  inconvenient 
in  a  large  one.  The  better  plan  will  be  that  (long  since  adopted  at 
the  British  Museum)  of  numbering  the  presses,  distinguishing  the 
shelves  by  letters,  and  numbering  the  books  of  each  several  shelf." 

ROUTINE  DUTIES. 

"  The  duties,  from  highest  to  lowest,  which  have  to  be  daily  provided 
for  in  a  public  library,  if  it  be  steadily  growing,  may  be  thus  enume 
rated  : — 

"1.  The  examination  of  booksellers'  catalogues,  and  of  sale  cata 
logues;  the  selection,  from  time  to  time,  of  books  to  be  purchased,  or 
recommended  for  purchase. 

"  2.  Attendance  at  sales,  and  in  the  shops  of  dealers;  and  the  corre 
spondence  respecting  purchases. 

"3.  Examination  and  registration  of  periodical  and  serial  works,  in 
order  to  their  punctual  supply  or  completion. 

"  4.  Collation  of  books  purchased ;  examination  and  signature  of  the 
booksellers'  bills. 

"  5.  Examination,  entry,  and  due  acknowledgment  of  all  books  pre 
sented. 

"  6.  Stamping,  cataloguing,  classification,  and  shelving,  from  time 
to  time,  of  all  books  added  to  the  library,  whether  by  gift  or  purchase. 


Xll  ROUTINE    DUTIES. 

"  7.  Entry  of  all  books  added  in  the  accession  catalogue,  shelf  cata 
logue,  and  classed  catalogue,  respectively. 

"  8.  The  daily  supply  of  books  to  readers  in  the  Reference  Depart 
ment  ;  the  classified  record  of  the  books  so  supplied ;  and  their  due 
return  (1st)  to  the  distributing  table,  and  (2dly)  to  the  shelves. 

"  9.  The  daily  supply  of  books  to  borrowers  in  the  Lending  Depart 
ment;  the  numerical  registration,  and  the  classified  abstracts  of  the 
books  lent;  the  checking  or  'marking  off'  of  the  books  returned; 
and  the  examination,  from  time  to  time,  of  the  registers. 

"  10.  The  preparation  of  lists  of  the  books  unduly  detained  by  bor 
rowers;  the  filling  up  and  delivery  of  the  necessary  circulars;  notices 
to  guarantees,  &c. 

"  11.  The  periodical  examination  of  both  departments  of  the  library : 
shelf  by  shelf,  and  book  by  book ;  every  book  being  duly  marked  off 
in  the  shelf  catalogues. 

"12.  The  daily  examination  of  the  'vouchers'  sent  in  by  appli 
cants  for  admission  to  the  Lending  Department;  their  signature, 
when  approved  of;  the  signature,  entry,  and  delivery  of  tickets. 

"  13.  The  frequent  examination  of  the  condition  of  both  departments 
of  the  library;  as  to  binding;  the  selection  and  entry  of  every  book 
needing  binding  or  repair;  the  preparation  of  'letterings;'  the  colla 
tion  of  periodicals  for  binding;  the  classification  and  chronological 
arrangement  of  tracts  of  all  kinds:  the  examination  and  checking  of 

O  '  O 

all  books  returned  by  the  binders ;  the  verification  and  signature  of 
the  binders'  bills ;  the  elimination  and  entry,  or  marking  off  in  the 
shelf  catalogues,  of  books  worn  out  by  constant  use. 

"  14.  The  preparation  of  monthly  and  annual  reports  of  the  progress 
of  the  library,  and  of  special  reports  from  time  to  time;  and  their 
entry  in  a  'Report  Book.' 

"  15.  The  examination  and  signature  of  the  miscellaneous  accounts; 
the  preparation  of  the  schedules  of  salaries  and  wages;  the  payment 
of  wages,  and  of  petty  cash  accounts. 

"  1G.  The  general  correspondence  of  the  library,  as  well  for  the 
information  of  inquirers  and  of  students,  as  for  its  ordinary  and  im 
mediate  business. 

"  17.  The  reception  of  visitors  and  the  assistants  of  readers  in  their 
researches. 

"  18.  Attendance  on  committees  and  sub-committees,  and  the  special 
duties  thence  arising." 


CLASSIFICATION.  xili 


CLASSIFICATION. 

Mr.  Edwards,  after  a  careful  examination  of  every  system  of  clas 
sification  proposed,  in  ancient  or  modern  times,  gives  the  following- 
plan,  as  founded  on  the  broad  principles  which  experience  has  indorsed, 
but  modified,  with  a  view  to  the  special  characteristics  and  require 
ments  of  the  new  institutions.  His  aim  is  to  avoid  over-elaboration 
on  the  one  hand,  and  confusion  on  the  other.  He  proposes  six  main 
classes:  I.  THEOLOGY;  II.  PHILOSOPHY;  III.  HISTORY;  IV.  POLI 
TICS  and  COMMERCE;  V.  SCIENCES  and  ARTS;  VI.  LITERATURE 

AND  POLYGRAPHY. 

"  CLASS  I.  THEOLOGY. — Div.  1.  Holy  Scriptures.  Div.  2.  Sacred 
Philology.  Div.  3.  Collective  works  of  Theologians.  Div.  4.  Dog 
matic  and  Polemic  Theology.  Div.  5.  Catechetical  Theology.  Div. 
6.  Pastoral  and  Hortatory  Theology.  Div.  7.  Mystical  Theology. 
Div.  8.  Liturgies  and  Treatises  on  Ecclesiastical  Rites  and  Ceremo 
nies.  Div.  9.  Works  relating  to  Judaism.  Div.  10.  Natural  Theo 
logy. 

"  CLASS  II.  PHILOSOPHY. — Div.  1.  Collective  works  of  Philosophers 
and  general  treatises  on  Philosophy.  Div.  2.  Treatises  on  Ethics,  or 
Moral  Philosophy  in  particular.  Div.  3.  Treatises  on  Metaphysics, 
or  Intellectual  Philosophy  in  particular. 

"CLASS  III.  HISTORY. — Div.  1.  Treatises  and  Lectures  on  the  Com 
position  and  Study  of  History,  and  on  its  objects  and  uses.  Div.  2. 
Universal  History  and  Biography,  including  Treatises  on  Geography, 
on  Travel,  and  general  collections  of  Voyages  and  Travels.  Div.  3. 
Ancient  History  and  Biography.  Div.  4.  History  of  the  Middle  Ages. 
Div.  5.  General  Ecclesiastical  History.  Div.  6.  History  of  Modern 
Europe  generally.  Div.  7.  History  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland. 
Div.  8.  Modern  History  of  the  other  countries  of  Europe.  Div.  9. 
History  of  America.  Div.  10.  Modern  History  of  Africa,  and  of 
Asia,  and  of  parts  thereof. 

"  CLASS  IV.  POLITICS  AND  COMMERCE. — Div.  1.  General  Treatises 
on  Politics,  on  the  objects  and  functions  of  Government,  and  on  the 
Province  of  Legislation.  Div.  2.  National  Constitutions,  and  Trea 
tises  relating  thereto.  Div.  3.  Treatises  on  Monarchy.  Div.  4.  Trea 
tises  on  Parliamentary  and  Representative  Assemblies.  Div.  5.  Trea 
tises  on  the  Administration  of  Civil  Government.  Div.  6.  General 


XIV  CATALOGUES. 

Treatises  on  Law.  Div.  7.  Collections  of  Laws,  and  Expository  trea 
tises  thereon.  Div.  8.  Treatises  on  Criminal  Laws.  Div.  9.  Poli 
tical  Economy.  Div.  10.  Treatises  on  Church  Establishments  and 
Revenues,  and  on  Religious  Liberty,  and  matters  connected  therewith. 
Div.  11.  Treatises  on  Public  Education.  Div.  12.  Treatises  on 
Armies  and  Navies ;  their  organization,  maintenance,  and  discipline. 
Div.  13.  Treatises  on  Foreign  Policy,  and  on  the  rights,  duties,  and 
payment  of  Ambassadors  and  Consuls.  Div.  14.  Political  Satires, 
and  Miscellaneous  Treatises  on  the  Liberty  of  the  Press. 

"  CLASS  Y.  SCIENCES  AND  ARTS. — Div.  1.  Treatises  on  the  Sci 
ences  and  Arts  collectively ;  Dictionaries  of  Science  and  Art ;  Gene 
ral  Transactions  of  Philosophical  Societies.  Div.  2.  Physical  Sciences. 
Div.  3.  Mathematical  Sciences.  Div.  4.  Mechanical  Arts.  Div.  5. 
Military  and  Naval  Arts.  Div.  6.  Arts  of  Design.  Div.  7.  Art  of 
"Writing.  Div.  8.  Musical  and  Histrionic  Arts.  Div.  9.  Medical 
Arts.  Div.  10.  Domestic  and  Recreative  Arts. 

"  CLASS  VI.  LITERATURE  AND  POLYGRAPHY. — Div.  1.  General 
Treatises  on  Literature  and  Literary  Compositions;  Histories  of  Lite 
rature  in  general.  Div.  2.  Linguistics  or  Philology.  Div.  8.  Poetry 
and  Fiction.  Div.  4.  Oratory,  or  Collections  of  Speeches  on  various 
and  Miscellaneous  subjects;  and  Treatises  on  Oratory.  Div.  5. 
Essays,  Proverbs,  and  Literary  Miscellanies.  Div.  6.  Epistologra- 
phy;  or  Collections  of  Letters  on  various  and  miscellaneous  subjects; 
and  Treatises  on  Letter- Writing.  Div.  7.  Bibliography,  and  Literary 
history  of  particular  countries.  Div.  8.  Polygraphy,  i.e.  Collections 
of  works  and  treatises  on  subjects  extending  over  two  or  more  of  the 
classes  comprised  in  this  scheme  of  classification/' 


CATALOGUES. 

The  Smithsonian  Institution  has  endeavored  for  many  years  to  pro 
cure  all  the  catalogues  of  public  libraries  which  have  been  printed, 
and  it  is  believed  has  now  the  largest  collection  of  this  kind  to  be 
found  in  this  country.  Much  attention  has  also  been  given  to  the 
preparation  of  general  rules  for  cataloguing,  and  the  establishment  of 
a  uniform  system.  It  appears,  however,  that  unanimity  cannot  be 
secured. 

The  plan  of  cataloguing  which  seems  the  most  generally  useful  and 


CATALOGUES.  XV 

practical,  and  which  has  been  adopted  by  the  Astor  Library,  Mer 
cantile  Libraries  of  New  York.  Cincinnati,  and  Philadelphia;  the 
American  Antiquarian  Society,  New  York  State  Library,  New  York 
Society  Library,  and  other  high  authorities,  is  that  of,  first,  an  Alpha 
betical  arrangement  of  all  the  titles;  and,  second,  an  Index,  either 
alphabetical  or  classified. 

One  of  the  ablest  and  most  experienced  librarians  in  this  country, 
E.  C.  Herrick,  Esq.,  of  Yale  College,  remarks  respecting  cata 
logues  : — 

"After  considering  the  question  of  the  best  manner  of  doing  the 
work,  and  after  reading  the  various  discussions  respecting  the  new 
Catalogue  of  the  British  Museum  Library,  and  consulting  other 
sources  of  information,  I  find  still  so  many  points  doubtful,  that  I 
have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  no  system,  logical  and  consistent 
with  itself  and  equitable  to  authors,  can  be  carried  out  without  mak 
ing  the  Catalogue  unreasonably  large ;  and  that  no  scheme  of  indi 
cating  the  subjects  can  hope  to  be  anything  more  than  a  most 
imperfect  guide  to  the  resources  of  the  library  on  any  given  topic.  I 
doubt  further  whether  it  is  best  to  incur  the  expense  of  printing  a 
Catalogue,  unless  a  very  condensed  one;  leaving  to  a  MS.  Catalogue 
in  the  library  the  minuter  details." 

The  following  remarks  relative  to  Catalogues  were  made  by  Nath. 
B.  Shurtleff,  Esq.,  in  his  report  of  the  Council  of  the  American  Anti 
quarian  Society,  October,  1856  : — 

"  Many  plans  and  projects  which  appear  very  plausible  in  theory 
are  found  to  fail  in  practice,  and,  without  subserving  any  important 
object,  to  throw  great,  and  in  many  cases  insuperable  obstacles  in  the 
way  of  convenient  administration. 

"  Experience  has  clearly  shown  that  large  Catalogues  can  be  quickly 
made  and  printed,  if  the  undertaking  is  earnestly  and  enthusiastically 
commenced,  and  industriously  pursued;  and  this  at  a  moderate  and 
economical  charge,  if  a  satisfactory  index,  only,  instead  of  a  labored 
bibliography,  is  attempted." 

Professor  Turner,  Librarian  of  the  Patent  Office,  remarks : — 

"  Experience  has  abundantly  proved  that,  for  a  library  of  a  general 
character,  an  alphabetically  arranged  Catalogue  is  the  best,  it  being 
the  only  one  which  is  both  easy  to  construct  and  easy  to  use.  An 
arrangement  by  the  order  of  numbers  would  be  easy  to  make,  but  not 
easy  to  use ;  for  one  must  know  that  the  book  is  in  the  library,  and  the 


XVI 


COST   OF   CATALOGUES. 


number  that  happens  to  be  attached  to  it,  before  he  could  look  for  it 
in  the  Catalogue.  An  arrangement  by  subjects  is  difficult  to  make, 
and  a  Catalogue  so  made  is  difficult  to  consult,  because  it  is  often 
doubtful  under  what  head  a  work  should  be  placed,  and  consequently 
where  it  should  be  looked  for.  The  proper  arrangement,  as  said 
before,  is  the  alphabetical  one,  beginning  each  title  with  the  author's 
name,  or  in  the  case  of  Transactions,  &c.,  of  learned  bodies,  with  the 
name  of  the  Institution;  where  the  publication  is  anonymous,  begin 
with  the  first  word  of  the  title,  excepting  particles,  which  may  be 
inserted  afterwards  in  a  parenthesis.  A  copy  of  the  Smithsonian 
pamphlet  on  the  Cataloguing  of  Libraries  will  indicate  more  fully  how 
the  titles  should  be  written  out. 

"  In  the  case  where  a  person  desires  to  consult  a  certain  book,  the 
name  of  which  he  knows,  this  alphabetical  catalogue  is  sufficient;  but 
as  it  is  often  requisite  to  know  what  means  of  information  a  library 
possesses  on  some  given  subject,  it  is  necessary  to  add  to  the  alpha 
betical  Catalogue  an  index  of  subjects,  and  of  this  a  very  good  model 
is  presented  in  the  Classified  Index  to  the  London  Catalogue  of  Books 
published  in  Great  Britain." 


COST  OF  CATALOGUES, 

The  expense  of  catalogues  formed  a  subject  of  special  inquiry;  but 
the  returns  received  are  somewhat  indefinite,  as  to  the  items  in 
cluded.  The  following  are  sufficient,  however,  as  examples,  and  may 
serve  as  a  guide  to  those  wishing  to  print  catalogues : — 


Library. 

Mercantile  Library,  San  Francisco,  Cal., 
Delaware  College,  Newark,  Del., 
University  of  Georgia,  Athens,  Geo., 
Young  Men's  Association,  Chicago,  111., 
Mercantile  Library,  Portland,  Me., 
Maryland  Institute,  Baltimore,  Md., 
Mercantile  Library,  Baltimore,  Md., 
Odd  Fellows'  Library,  Baltimore,  Md., 
Boston  Library,  Boston,  Mass., 
Boston  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  Boston,  Mass., 
Mercantile  Library,  Boston,  Mass., 
Boston  Public  Library,  Boston,  Mass., 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assoc.,  Boston,  Mass., 


Size. 

No.  of  Pages. 

No.  of  Copies. 

Cost. 

Svo. 

244 

500 

$1000 

Svo. 

52 

500 

50 

Svo. 

31 

350 

50 

Svo. 

120 

1000 

325 

Svo. 

52 

500 

65 

Svo. 

300 

500 

275 

Svo. 

338 

1000 

700 

Svo. 

60 

1000 

82 

Svo. 

180 

500 

543 

Svo. 

26 

1000 

40 

Svo. 

294 

3000 

1736 

Svo. 

180 

5000 

935 

Svo. 

64 

1000 

121 

BOOKS   READ. 


XV11 


Library. 

Athenrenm,  Fall  River,  Mass., 
Lawrence  Academy,  Groton,  Mass., 
Peabody  Institute,  South  Danvers,  Mass., 
State  Library,  Jackson,  Miss., 
Mercantile  Library,  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
Albany  Institute.  Albany,  N.  Y., 
Athenaeum,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y., 
Young  Men's  Association,  Buffalo,  N.  Y,,    Svo. 
Apprentices'  Library,  New  York,  N.  Y.,  12mo. 
Mercantile  Library.  New  York,  N.  Y., 
Young  Men's  Association,  Troy,  N.  Y., 
Mercantile  Library,  Cincinnati,  O., 
Historical  Society,  Philadelphia.  Pa., 
Mercantile  Library.  Philadelphia,  Pa., 
Brown  University,  Providence,  R.  I., 


Size.  Xo.  of  Pages. 

No.  of  Copies.   Cost. 

2  mo. 

30 

500 

07 

Svo. 

200 

500 

250 

Svo. 

121 

1000 

225 

Svo. 

53 

500 

50 

Svo. 

315 

1000 

477 

Svo. 

354 

300 

347 

Svo. 

04 

1000 

150 

Svo. 

MO 

1000 

202 

.2  mo. 

2  -IS 

2000 

733 

Svo. 

460 

2000 

1500 

Svo. 

113 

1000 

1  00 

Svo. 

750 

1000 

1191 

Svo. 

30 

250 

35 

Svo. 

132 

750 

3  SO 

Svo. 

500 

750 

1000 

CLASSES  OF  BOOKS  PJ2AD. 

The  character,  as  well  as  the  number,  of  the  books  read,  formed  a 
subject  of  inquiry;  but  comparatively  few  responses  have  been  re 
ceived.  In  most  general  libraries,  the  readers  of  fiction  largely  pre 
ponderate  ]  in  the  Xew  Bedford  Free  Public  Library,  reaching  three- 
fourths;  in  the  Buffalo  Young  Men's  Association,  San  Francisco 
Mercantile  Library,  and  large  numbers  of  others,  throughout  the 
country,  about  one-half. 

The  following  extract,  from  a  recent  report  of  the  Astor  Library,  is 
worthy  of  attention  : 

"With  respect  to  the  extent  of  the  use  of  the  library  the  following 
statement  is  believed  to  be  as  exact  as  the  nature  of  the  case  will 
admit.  One  hundred  volumes  a  day  is  a  low  average  of  the  daily  use, 
making  the  whole  number  which  have  been  in  the  hands  of  readers, 
since  it  was  opened,  about  30,000 ;  and,  as  these  were  often  single 
volumes  of  a  set  of  from  two  to  fifty  volumes,  it  may  be  considered 
certain  that  more  than  half  of  our  whole  collection  has  been  wanted 
during  the  first  year.  But  this  is  a  matter  in  which  numerical  statis 
tics  do  not  afford  much  satisfaction ;  nothing  short  of  a  specification 
of  the  books  read  or  consulted,  would  show  the  importance  which  the 
library  is  to  the  public,  as  a  source  of  information  and  knowledge ; 
and  as  this  cannot  be  given,  a  more  general  account  must  serve  as  a 
substitute.  On  observing  the  classes  and  kinds  of  books  which  have 


XV111  BOOKS    READ. 

been  called  for,  I  have  been  particularly  struck  with  the  evidence  thus 
afforded  of  the  wide  range  which  the  American  mind  is  now  taking 
in  thought  and  research;  scholastic  theology,  transcendental  meta 
physics,  abstruse  mathematics,  and  oriental  philology,  have  found 
many  more  readers  than  Addison  and  Johnson ;  while,  on  the  other 
hand,  I  am  happy  to  be  able  to  say,  that  works  of  practical  science 
and  of  knowledge  for  evcry-day  use,  have  been  in  great  demand. 
Very  few  have  come  to  the  library  without  some  manifestly  distinct 
•aim ;  that  is,  it  has  been  little  used  for  mere  desultory  reading,  but 
for  the  most  part  with  a  specific  view.  It  would  not  be  easy  to  say 
which  department  is  most  consulted,  but  there  is  naturally  less  depen 
dence  upon  the  library  for  books  of  theology,  law,  and  medicine,  than 
in  the  others, — the  three  faculties  being  better  provided  for  in  the 
libraries  of  the  institutions  especially  intended  for  them.  Still,  in 
each  of  these  departments,  the  library  has  many  works  not  elsewhere 
to  be  found.  It  is  now  no  longer  merely  a  matter  of  opinion;  it  is 
shown  by  experience  that  the  collection  is  not  too  learned  for  the 
wants  of  the  public.  No  one  fact  will  better  illustrate  this  position 
than  the  following :  in  the  linguistic  department,  it  possesses  diction 
aries  and  grammars,  and  other  means  of  instruction  in  more  than  a 
hundred  languages  and  dialects,  four-fifths  of  which  have  been  called 
for  during  the  first  year  of  its  operation.  Our  mathematical,  mecha 
nical,  and  engineering  departments  are  used  by  great  numbers,  and 
they  are  generally  known  to  be  so  well  furnished,  that  students  from 
a  distance  have  found  it  a  sufficient  object  to  induce  them  to  spend 
several  weeks  in  New  York,  to  have  the  use  of  them.  The  same 
remark  applies  to  natural  history,  all  branches  of  which  are  much  stu 
died  here.  In  entomology,  we  are  said  to  have  the  best  and  fullest 
collection  in  this  country,  to  which  naturalists  have  free  access.  Pass 
ing  to  the  historical  side  of  the  library,  we  come  to  a  department  in 
which  a  very  general  interest  has  been  taken — far  more  general  than 
could  have  been  anticipated  in  our  country, — it  is  that  of  heraldry  and 
genealogy.  Among  the  early  purchases  for  the  library,  there  were 
but  few  books  of  this  class,  as  it  was  supposed  but  few  would  be  wanted; 
a  year  or  two's  experience  proved  the  contrary,  and  the  collection  has 
been  greatly  enlarged ;  it  is  now  sufficiently  ample  to  enable  any  one 
to  establish  his  armorial  bearings,  and  trace  his  pedigree  at  least  as 
far  back  as  the  downfall  of  the  Western  empire.  From  this  rapid 
glance  at  the  library,  it  has  been  seen  that  there  are  students  and 


BOOKS    READ.  XIX 

readers  in  all  departments  of  it,  and  that  no  one  greatly  preponder 
ates  over  the  rest;  still,  I  think  it  may  be  stated,  that  on  the  whole, 
that  of  the  fine  arts,  taken  collectively,  is  the  one  which  has  been 
most  extensively  used;  practical  architects,  and  other  artists  have 
had  free  access  to  it,  many  of  whom  have  often  had  occasion  to  con 
sult  it." 

The  librarian  of  the  Providence  Athenaeum  has  paid  particular  at 
tention  to  collecting  information  as  to  the  number  and  character  of 
books  read.  From  his  reports  for  1855  and  1857,  the  following  facts 
are  taken  as  illustrations  : — 

1855.  1857. 

Shares  used,        ......  55:2  540 

Volumes  delivered, 17.S-1G  19,289 

Average  number  of  volumes  to  a  share,       .  32  35 

Fiction, 8.971  9,214 

Biography  and  History,        ....  2,158  2,971 

Voyages  and  Travels,          ....  1,481  1.8G5 

Poetry  and  Belles-Lettres,             .          .          .  1,733  1,774- 

Art,  Science,  and  Law,        ....  972  1,OS7 

Religion  and  Philosophy,    .          .          .          .  843  873 

Periodical  and  Miscellaneous  Literature,      .  1,088  1,505 

"  From  an  estimate  by  the  delivery  of  their  works,  the  following  is 
the  order  in  which  the  authors  here  mentioned  are  ranked  by  our 
reading  community;  or  rather,  we  should  say,  by  those  who  use  the 
books  in  the  Athenaeum  Library.  First,  Sir  Walter  Scott;  next, 
Simms,  Cooper,  and  Dickens,  with  not  ten  volumes  difference  between 
them;  Irving  stands  next;  then  Mrs.  Stowe;  after  her,  Prescott,  the 
historian,  Charlotte  Bronte  and  Mrs.  Hentz ;  then  Bulwcr,  Longfel 
low,  Willis,  Kingslcy,  Thackeray,  Abbott,  Macaulay,  James,  Bayard 
Taylor,  Curtis,  Hawthorne,  and  Bancroft,  in  the  order  in  which  we 
have  placed  them.  As  some  consolation  to  those  who  stand  last  in 
this  list,  it  is  proper  to  state  that  Shakspeare,  if  enumerated,  would 
have  to  take  his  stand  after  the  last  of  them.  This  apparent  anomaly 
is  only  to  be  accounted  for  by  the  supposition  that  this  author  is  to  be 
found  on  the  shelves  of  almost  every  one. 

"  It  should  be  remembered,  in  connection  with  the  classes  of  books 
taken  out,  in  which  that  of  Fiction  so  greatly  preponderates,  that  many 
proprietors  of  shares  possess  very  considerable  private  collections  of 
books;  and  perhaps  the  larger  number  of  the  actual  readers,  although 
not  owning  large  libraries,  do  possess  more  or  less  of  the  standard 


XX  BOOKS    READ. 

works.  These  are  not  often  the  buyers  of  works  of  fiction  or  ephe 
meral  literature,  and  rely  upon  the  library  of  the  Athenaeum  for  them. 
This  sufficiently  accounts  for  the  limited  demand  from  the  Athenaeum 
for  standard  works  in  history,  biography,  and  other  higher  departments 
of  literature. 

"  A.  very  slight  circumstance  will  serve  to  turn  the  current  of  taste 
of  our  reading  public  into  a  particular  channel;  and  a  newspaper  dis 
cussion  or  a  popular  lecturer  sensibly  influences  the  demands  for  the 
books  on  our  shelves.  The  publication  of  Dr.  Kane's  travels,  and  the 
discussion  about  the  (  cold  term/  gave  a  great  impulse  to  the  demand 
for  Arctic  adventures;  and  the  course  of  lectures  given  by  a  celebrated 
astronomer  during  the  last  winter,  kept  our  shelves  bare,  for  a  time, 
of  all  astronomical  works.  The  reading  year  commenced  simulta 
neously  with  the  publication  of  i  Dred/  by  Mrs.  Stowe;  and  for  a 
month  or  two  the  demand  for  the  works  of  that  authoress  was  com 
mensurate  with  that  for  the  works  of  Scott;  but  before  the  close  of 
the  year  it  had  dwindled  below  that  of  the  lowest  on  our  list;  while, 
on  the  other  hand,  the  demand  for  the  works  of  Charlotte  Bronte, 
owing  to  the  publication  of  her  Life  by  Mrs.  Gaskell,  has  increased  in 
nearly  the  same  ratio.  Such  writers  as  Scott  and  Cooper,  Irving  and 
Dickens,  are  the  general  favorites,  and  the  call  for  them  appears  to  be 
about  as  great  at  one  time  as  another." 

Many  other  facts  on  this  subject  will  be  found  in  this  volume. 


NUMBER  OF  VOLUMES  READ, 

For  comparison,  in  relation  to  the  subject  of  the  number  of  books 
read,  we  give  the  following  items  from  recent  reports  of  British  Public 
Libraries : — 

From  the  report  of  the  Free  Public  Library  and  Derby  Museum, 
Liverpool,  England,  1857,  we  learn  that  the  readers  number  100,346, 
or  an  average,  for  twelve  months,  of  583  per  day.  Among  the  710,000 
readers  since  the  commencement  of  the  library,  twenty  shillings  would 
cover  all  the  losses  sustained.  There  has  been  a  considerable  increase 
in  every  class  of  reading  except  that  of  novels  and  works  of  imagina 
tion,  which  exhibits  a  decrease  of  0130  volumes. 

In  the  lending  libraries,  the  issues  for  the  year  ending  31st  August, 
1857,  have  been  308,200  volumes,,  and  the  returns  302,240  volumes, 


BOOKS   READ. 


XXI 


making  610,440  volumes;  the  actual  number  passed  through  hands 
averaging  1970  per  diem.  Each  volume  has  been  lent,  on  an  average, 
eighteen  times.  The  statistics  show  an  increase  in  the  number  of  vo 
lumes  lent  of  78,552  over  the  previous  year. 

Ten  volumes  are  in  embossed  printing  for  the  use  of  the  blind, 
which  are  proving  very  attractive  to  this  interesting  class  of  readers. 
Although  these  books  have  been  only  a  short  time  in  the  library,  there 
are  already  fourteen  blind  persons  eagerly  enjoying  the  privilege  thus 
afforded. 

The  number  of  visitors  to  the  Salford  Museum,  during  the  year 
ending  November,  1855,  was  448,220,  while  the  number  of  volumes 
issued  to  readers  was  115,457.  The  total  issues  from  the  lending 
department  from  1850  to  1857  were  179,725. 

The  only  library  issuing  as  large  a  number  of  books  to  readers,  in 
this  country,  is  the  Mercantile  Library  in  New  York.  The  following 
is  a  list  of  all  the  public  libraries  from  which  20,000  volumes  or  up 
wards  were  lent  during  a  single  year : — 

Mercantile  Library, 
Mercantile  Library, 
Public  Library  of  the  City, 
Maryland  Institute, 
Apprentices'  Library, 
Mercantile  Library, 
Apprentices'  Library, 
Mercantile  Library, 
Youths'  Free  Library 
Public  Library, 
Young  Men's  Association, 
Odd  Fellows'  Library, 
Mercantile  Library  As 
Public  School  Library, 
Peabody  Institution, 
Newark  Library  Ass 
Young  Men's  Institute, 
Free  Public  Library, 
Young  Men's  Association, 


.     New  York, 

100,274 

.     Boston, 

90,000 

e  City,         ..." 

89,423 

.     Baltimore, 

00,000 

r,                                             Philadelphia, 

48,000 

t: 

45,000 

f,                                             New  York, 

30,987 

.     Cincinnati, 

35,000 

30,000 

.     Newburyport, 

29,502 

ation,           .          .          .     Buffalo, 

27,830 

y,       .          .          .          .     Baltimore, 

27,400 

Association,          .          .     Baltimore, 

20,000 

y,                 .          .          .     Poughkeepsie, 

25,000 

.     South  Danvers, 

24,957 

lociation,      .          .          .     Newark, 

24.000 

te,                  .          .          .     Hartford, 

24,000 

.     New  Bedford, 

23,240 

ation,            .          .          .     Troy, 

20,000 

XX11  BOOKS   IN    DIFFERENT   LANGUAGES — EXCHANGES. 


BOOKS  IN  DIFFERENT  LANGUAGES. 

The  library,  from  which  reports  have  been  received,  having  the 
largest  collection  of  books  printed  in  FRENCH  is  that  of  St.  Louis 
University,  Missouri,  4000  volumes ;  of  those  printed  in  GERMAN, 
that  of  the  Union  Theological  Seminary,  in  New  York,  GOOO  volumes; 
of  SPANISH,  that  of  the  College  of  Nva.  Sva.  de  Guadelupe,  at  Santa 
Incs,  California,  596  volumes;  of  all  modern  languages  other  than 
English,  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  and  Georgetown  College,  Dis 
trict  of  Columbia. 

Of  LATIN,  GREEK,  and  CLASSICAL  works,  Union  Theological  Se 
minary,  New  York  City;  Georgetown  College,  D.C.;  Brown  Univer 
sity,  Providence,  R.  I. ;  Columbia  College,  N.  Y. ;  St.  Louis  University, 
Mo.;  Santa  Clara  College,  Cal.;  Trinity  College,  Hartford,  Ct.;  the 
College  of  New  Jersey,  Princeton;  St.  Joseph's  College,  Bardstown, 
Ky.;  the  University  of  Vermont,  Burlington;  Newton  Theological 
Institution,  Newton  Centre,  Mass. ;  have  the  most  extensive  collec 
tions. 

EXCHANGES. 

In  connection  with  the  subject  of  the  increase  and  improvement  of 
our  public  libraries,  it  is  proper  to  allude  to  the  system  of  international 
exchanges,  established  and  actively  carried  on  for  some  years,  by  the 
Smithsonian  Institution,  by  which  the  volumes  published  by  all  the 
leading  Societies  in  the  world,  are  annually  received,  and  placed  on 
the  shelves  of  our  own  libraries.  This  benefit  is  reciprocal,  for  the 
foreign  institutions  thus  become  possessed  of  the  latest  American 
works  on  all  subjects  of  importance ;  the  existence  of  which,  in  most 
cases,  would  otherwise  be  unknown  to  them ;  and  nothing  has  been 
more  advantageous  to  the  cultivators  of  literature  and  science  in  the 
United  States,  and  the  promotion  of  friendly  feelings  between  literary 
and  scientific  men  of  different  nations. 

During  the  years  1851-'58,  the  Smithsonian  Institution  received 
from  abroad,  over  20,000  packages  of  books,  for  its  own  and  other 
libraries  in  this  country;  and  forwarded  in  exchange,  47,000  parcels, 
contained  in  about  four  hundred  boxes,  weighing  over  100,000  pounds. 
These  facts  will  give  some  idea  of  the  magnitude  of  the  system  which 


SALARIES   OF   LIBRARIANS.  xxiii 

is  constantly  increasing,  and  contributes  materially  to  the  growth  and 
development  of  American  libraries.  A  full  account  of  its  details  is 
given  in  the  Smithsonian  Report  for  1857. 

It  should  also  be  mentioned  that  a  system  of  international  exchange 
has  been  carried  on  for  several  years,  through  the  agency  of  Mr.  Yat- 
temare,  of  France,  in  which  some  of  our  State  and  city  governments 
have  participated.  From  1847  to  1851,  30,655  books  and  pamphlets 
were  sent  to  the  United  States,  and  80,356  volumes  transmitted  to 
foreign  countries,  through  this  agency.  The  State  of  New  York  pays 
Mr.  Yattemare  a  salary  of  $400,  and  an  annual  appropriation  of  8600 
is  made  for  exchanges.  The  Smithsonian  system,  however,  is  the 
principal  medium  of  exchanges  for  nearly  all  the  learned  Societies  of 
the  world;  and  the  Smithsonian  library,  it  might  here  be  mentioned, 
has  the  largest  collection  in  this  country,  of  the  proceedings  of  such 
Societies. 

SALARIES  OF  LIBRARIANS, 

Yery  many  public  institutions  pay  no  salary  to  librarians,  the  officer 
usually  employed  in  this  capacity,  receiving  compensation  for  some- 
other  duty. 

The  principal  institutions  paying  the  largest  amounts  are  the 

State  Library,  Massachusetts, $1900 

State  Library,  Virginia,       .         .         .         .          .         .         .1020 

Mercantile  Library,  New  York, 1500 

Mercantile  Library,  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  ....  1500 
South  Carolina  College,  South  Carolina,  ....  1500 

Harvard  College,  Massachusetts, 1300 

State  Library,  Louisiana, 1200 

Charleston  Library  Society,  South  Carolina,  .  .  .  1000 
Mercantile  Library,  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  .  .  1000 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  New  York,  .  .  1000 

Mercantile  Library,  Baltimore,  Maryland,  .         .         .      1000 

Young  Men's  Association,  Buffalo,  New  York,    .         .         .     1000 

Eighty-six  libraries  give  an  average  of  §450,  as  the  annual  salary, 
thirty-nine  being  above,  and  forty-seven  below  this  amount.  Most  of 
these  officers  receive  other  compensation  besides  that  nominally  given 
as  pay  of  librarians.* 

*  The  salary  of  the  Chief  Librarian  of  the  Liverpool  Free  Library  is  $900 ; 
of  the  Manchester  Library,  $1000;  of  the  British  Museum,  $4000. 


XXIV 


STATISTICS. 


STATISTICAL  TABLES, 

Mr.  Jewett,  in  his  "  Xotices  of  Public  Libraries/'  in  1850,  gave 
the  following  summary,  stating  the  number  of  Libraries  at  10,190, 
and  their  aggregate  contents  at  3,753,964.  Exclusive  of  Public 
School  Libraries,  however,  the  number  was  694,  with  2,201,632 
volumes. 

MR.  JEWETT'S  SUMMARY  ix  1850. 


Xo.  of 

Aggregate 

Libraries. 

No.  of  Volumes. 

State  Libraries,          .... 

39 

288,937 

Social  Libraries,         .... 

126 

6]  1,334 

College  Libraries,      .... 

126 

580,912 

Students'  Libraries,  .... 

142 

254,039 

Academies  and  Professional  Schools, 

227 

320,909 

Scientific  and  Historical  Societies,     . 

C4 

138,901 

Public  School  Libraries,     . 

9,505 

1,552,322 

Total, 

10,199 

3.753.964 

The  following  Table  is  also  given  for  reference  from  Mr.  De  Bow's 
Compendium  of  the  Census  of  1850  : — 


SUMMARY  OF  UXITED  STATES  CEXSUS,  1850. 


Public  Libraries, 
School  Libraries, 
Sunday-School  Libraries, 
College  Libraries, 
Church  Libraries, 


Xo.  of 
Libraries. 

1,217 

12.007 

1,988 

213 

130 

15,015 


Aggregate 
No.  of  Volumes. 
1,446,015 
1,047,404 
542.321 
942,321 
58,350 

4.631,411 


Mr.  E.  Edwards,  of  England,  has  given   the   following  table   in 
Triibncr's  "  Guide  to  American  Literature." 


STATISTICS. 


XXV 


MR.  EDWARDS'S  SUMMARY,  1856. 


Character  of  the  Libraries. 

Collegiate, 

Proprietary, 

State  and  Congressional, 

Town  and  Parochial, 

School, 


No.  of  Libraries 

Average  No.  of  Vols. 
Estimated  No.      in  each  Library  of 
of  Vols.  in         the  several  classes 

in  each  class. 

the  aggregate. 

respectively. 

149 

1,083,954 

7,274 

. 

133 

819,594 

6,102 

. 

30 

333,321 

9,258 

. 

11 

94,1SS 

8,502 

12 

40,830 

3,402 

341 


2,371,887 


Mr.  Edwards  states  that  he  has  no  information  of  later  date  than 
that  contained  in  the  Census  of  1S50,  respecting  the  "  Public  School/' 
"District/'  and  " Township"  Libraries,  and  does  not  include  them  in 
his  table. 

From  the  data  before  us  the  following  tables  have  been  prepared, 
the  same  general  arrangement  as  Mr.  Jewett's  being  adopted.  In  the 
first  column  is  included  State,  Congressional,  and  City  or  Town  Libra 
ries,  not  depending  on  subscription  of  individual  members  for  support. 
The  mimler  of  Libraries  from  our  list,  of  which  we  have  no  informa 
tion  respecting  the  size,  is  first  given,  and  then  the  number  of  those 
with  the  volumes  reported  : — 


XXVI 


STATISTICS. 


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XXV11 


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XSY111 


STATISTICS. 


PUBLIC   LIBRARIES  IN   THE  UNITED   STATES. 


STATE. 

Average 
No.  of  Vols. 
added 
annually. 

Average 
No.  of  Vols. 
lent 
annually. 

Average 
No.  of 
Persons 
borrowing. 

Average  am't 
annually 
expended  for 
Books. 

130 

559 

95 

$200 

034 

Q    194. 

333 

Connecticut,     .... 

348 
8G 

4,852 
3  250 

101 
115 

202 

500 

Georgia        ... 

190 

34(3 

91 

307 

Illinoi*    .... 

291 

o  493 

238 

250 

Indiana,  
Iowa       

408 
221 

2,077 
500 

114 

245 

025 

Kentucky,    

231 

4  080 

491 

255 

750 

oOO 

566 

94 

3310 

159 

111 

Maryland 

479 

13  430 

1  465 

458 

Mas*achucett5 

509 

8  77° 

SGI 

241 

Michigan,    ... 

149 

1  570 

145 

2°  6 

Mississippi,  

40 

793 

508 

0  215 

442 

070 

New  Hampshire,  . 
New  Jersey,     .... 

217 
545 

9,820 
5  °20 

300 
244 

247 
233 

New  York  .     .     . 

587 

1°  232 

443 

511 

North  Carolina,     .     .     . 
Ohio        

412 
245 

719 
4  °°5 

78 
094 

270 
350 

Pennsylvania,  .... 
Rhode  Island,  .... 
South  Carolina, 
Tennessee,  
Texas     . 

204 
413 
319 
235 

80 

5,918 
7,815 
1,070 
010 
300 

408 
791 
110 

SO 

355 
425 
494 
129 
1  500 

Vermont      .      . 

12G 

031 

94 

85 

Virginia,      
Wisconsin.  ...           . 

381 
248 

2,406 
1  029 

244 
1°6 

342 
224 

Average,     .     .     . 

345 

5,856 

416 

310 

GENERAL  SUMMARY,  1859. 

No. 

LIBRARIES  with  volumes  reported,  1.297 

"          estimated,  1,593 

of  COMMON  SCHOOLS,  18,000 

of  SUNDAY  SCHOOLS,  30,000 


Grand  Aggregate, 


50,890 


Vols. 

4,220,080 

500,000 

2,000,000 

0,000,000 

12,720,080 


PUBLIC    LIBRARIES 


UNITED   STATES. 


ALABAMA. 


MOBILE, 

FRANKLIN  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     2500  vols. 

FOUNDED  January  17,  1835.  This  Society  occupies  a  building 
erected  by  itself  and  the  Freemasons.  The  library  room  is  62  feet  long 
by  32  wide.  About  60  volumes  are  added  annually,  and  50  lent  to 
readers. 

TTJSCALOOSA. 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ALABAMA.     (1857.)     6000  vols. 

Founded  1831.  The  receipts  from  the  annual  fund  during  1854, 
were  $200;  during  1856,  $344.  Expended  for  periodicals,  830;  salaries, 
$144 ;  incidentals,  §3  50.  The  library  is  open  for  the  free  use  of  the 
students  one  hour  three  times  a  week.  During  1854,  687  volumes 
were  lent  to  95  persons.  Of  the  volumes  in  the  library  (1857),  5000 
are  in  English,  210  French,  10  German,  10  Spanish,  20  other  modern 
languages,  140  Latin,  120  Greek,  6  Hebrew.  The  librarian  receives  a 
salary  of  $144.  About  200  volumes  are  added  annually. 

The  library  is  in  "The  Rotunda,"  a  large  circular  apartment,  85 
feet  in  diameter,  which  is  occupied,  besides,  as  a  chapel,  and  for  pub 
lic  exhibitions.  The  whole  building  cost  875,000.  The  foundation,  to 

1 


-  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

about  four  feet  above  the  surface,  is  of  sandstone ;  the  residue  of  the  walls 
of  brick.  The  first  printed  catalogue,  a  pamphlet,  was  published  in  1838. 
The  last,  a  volume  of  257  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  in  1848.  It  was 
prepared  by  Prof.  Wilson  G-.  llicliardson.  The  plan  of  it  is  substan 
tially  the  same  with  that  of  the  Edinburgh  Signet  Library.  The  Cities 
of  works  are  recorded  alphabetically,  under  the  names  of  the  authors,  or 
persons  to  whom  they  refer.  These  also  follow  the  alphabetical  arrange 
ment,  except  that  the  complete  works  of  a  writer  stand  first,  and  biogra 
phies  by  another  hand  last,  single  works  occupying  the  intermediate 
space.  Anonymous  publications  are  usually  registered  under  the  name 
of  the  individual  to  whom  they  relate,  and,  in  some  instances,  with  refer 
ence  to  the  principal  word  of  the  title. 

During  the  last  five  years  81500  have  been  expended  for  books.  An 
nual  cost  of  support  8350. 

The  students'  libraries  contain  (1857)  4000  volumes. 

PHILOMATHIC  SOCIETY,  UNIV.  OF  ALA.  (1855.)     2200  vols. 

Founded  7th  January,  1832.  It  is  supported  by  an  annual  contribu 
tion  of  three  dollars  from  each  member.  The  receipts  during  1854 
were  8121;  expenditures  for  books,  8100;  periodicals,  820;  incidentals, 
81.  The  library  is  open  every  Saturday  morning  for  three  hours.  Of 
the  works  taken  out  during  1854,  31  were  theological,  4  law,  6  medical, 
300  historical,  and  600  novels.  A  number  of  English  and  American 
reviews  are  taken.  The  librarian  is  elected  every  two  months. 


CALIFORNIA. 

MARYSVILLE. 

MARYSVILLE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     2500  vols. 
Organized  1855.     All  of  the  books  are  new,  and  of  standard  cha 


racter. 


MONTEREY. 

MONTEREY  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1138  vols. 
Organized   1849.     This,  it  is  believed,  was  the  first  public  library 


CALIFORNIA. 


established  in  California.  It  is  placed  on  a  permanent  basis.  The 
greater  part  of  the  library  was  purchased  in  New  York,  and  consists  of 
English  and  Spanish  works  of  standard  character.  8135  have  been  ex 
pended  annually  for  books;  68  volumes  added,  and  420  volumes  lent. 


SAN  FRANCISCO, 

MERCANTILE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     6135  vote. 

The  first  meeting  to  organize  this  Association  was  held  on  the  22d 
December,  1852,  at  which  82000  were  subscribed.  The  constitution 
was  adopted  January  25th,  1858.  A  valuable  collection  of  books 
belonging  to  General  Hitchcock,  consisting  of  1500  volumes  of  standard 
literature,  was  purchased  as  a  nucleus,  and  the  library  was  opened  the 
1st  of  March,  1854. 

In  the  report  for  1854  it  is  stated  that  the  "institution  is  now 
firmly  established  on  a  permanent  basis.  Its  success  has  been  unex 
ampled  in  the  history  of  any  association  of  a  like  character." 

The  capital  stock  is  850,000,  divided  into  2000  shares  of  825  each. 
The  annual  assessment  is  $3.  Clerks  and  employees  pay  §5  initiation, 
and  83  quarterly  in  advance.  Persons  in  business  on  their  own  account 
pay  an  initiation  of  810  and  an  assessment  of  83. 

The  whole  number  of  books  withdrawn  from  the  library  by  readers 
during  the  year  1850  was  10.460,  classified  as  follows,  viz.  : 


4  54  S 

Biography,    .     .      ,      , 

.     .     .     1,157     .     . 

"11        " 

Travels,  

.     .     .     1,422     .     . 

"14       " 

History                   . 

,     .        922     .     . 

«         9        " 

Belles-Lettres,        .     . 

.     .     .        789     .. 

"         8       " 

Arts  and  Sciences, 

,     .     ,        341     .. 

"3       " 

Poetry 

,     .        404     .     . 

"         4       " 

Law  and  Politics,  . 

117     .. 

"          1        " 

Religion,       .... 

,     ,     ,           69     .. 

.     .     less  than    1       " 

Bound  Periodicals, 

.     ,     .        262     .     . 

.     .     or  about     2£     " 

Miscellaneous, 

435     ,     . 

«        4       « 

Total,     .....  10,406  volumes. 

The  whole  number  of  books  on  the  shelves  of  the  library  (1857)  is 
6135;  classified  as  follows,  viz.  : 


PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


Romance, 730 

Biography, 398 

Travels, 407 

History, 431 

Belles-Lettres, 391 

Arts  and  Sciences 3SG 


Law  and  Politics,  ....  340 

Religion,  .......  274 

Bound  Periodicals,      .     .     .  082 

Miscellaneous, 52  G 

Newspapers,  bound,  ...  73 

Scott's  Lectures,     .     .     .     .  302 


Poetry, 2S7 

There  are  likewise  from  four  to  five  hundred  valuable  pamphlets,  em 
bracing  statistical  reports,  &c.,  many  of  them  relating  to  California,  all 
of  which  possess  more  or  less  interest  for  the  general  reader. 

The  whole  number  of  members  who  have  enjoyed  the  privileges  of  the 
Association  since  the  date  of  its  organization  is  1486. 

The  estimated  current  expenses  of  the  institution  amount  to  about 
8650  per  month,  or  §1950  per  quarter,  leaving  a  clear  surplus  of  81050 
per  quarter,  after  paying  all  expenses  ;  which  amount  may  be  entirely 
appropriated  to  the  purchase  of  books. 

The  total  amount  of  receipts,  from  all  sources,  by  the  treasurer,  during 
the  year  1856,  including  a  balance  of  §1896  41,  transferred  at  the  com 
mencement  of  the  year  by  the  former  treasurer,  was  $12,196  41;  total 
amount  of  disbursements  for  the  year,  88989  27  :  leaving  a  cash  balance 
in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  83207  14. 

The  whole  number  of  members  belonging  to  the  Association  at  the 
present  time  (1857)  is  1250,  viz.:  life-members,  84;  honorary  mem 
bers,  62;  shareholders,  554;  subscribing  members,  550;  total  1250. 

The  following  statistics  will  show  the  condition  of  the  library  at  the 
end  of  the  year,  commencing  with  the  period  of  its  organization  in 
January,  1853  :  Xuinbcr  of  volumes  at  date  of  Annual  Report,  January, 
1854,2705;  1855,3315;  1856,3833;  1857,6135. 

140  newspapers,  from  all  parts  of  the  world,  are  received,  also  10 
American  and  6  English  magazines. 

A  catalogue  was  published  in  August,  1854,  Svo.,  244  pages.  Five 
hundred  copies  cost  81000. 

ODD-FELLOWS'  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  1856.  This  library  contains  the  largest  collection  of  books 
in  the  United  States  upon  the  subject  of  Odd-Fellowship.  It  also  con 
tains  nearly  all  the  books  published  in  relation  to  California  and  the 
Pacific  coast. 

The  library  is  open  daily  from  9  A.  M.  to  10  p.  M.,  at  the  Odd-Fellows' 
Hall,  Montgomery  Street. 


CALIFORNIA.  5 

SOCIETY  OF  CALIFORNIA  PIONEERS.     (1857.)     1200  vols. 

Organized  August,  1850.  "  The  object  of  this  Society  is  to  cultivate 
the  social  virtues  of  its  members,  to  collect  and  preserve  information 
connected  with  the  early  settlement  and  conquest  of  the  country,  and  to 
perpetuate  the  memory  of  those  whose  sagacity,  enterprise,  and  love  of 
independence  induced  them  to  settle  in  the  wilderness  aiul  become  the 
germ  of  a  new  State." 

All  funds  remaining  after  the  current  expenses  arc  paid,  are  to  be 
appropriated  exclusively  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  widows  and 
orphans  of  pioneer  immigrants,  members  of  the  Society. 

The  anniversary  meeting  is  held  on  the  7th  of  July, — the  day  when 
the  American  flag  was  first  hoisted  in  California. 

Every  effort  is  to  be  made  to  collect  records,  relics,  minerals,  curiosi 
ties,  &c.,  connected  with  the  early  history  of  the  State. 

The  admission  fee  is  $10,  and  annual  dues  $12. 

The  library  was  commenced  in  1854.  Since  that  time  $200  have 
been  expended  for  books,  and  400  volumes  added  annually.  About 
1100  volumes  are  lent  every  year  to  members. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (185G.)     12T3  volumes. 

Founded  1854.     During  1856,  511  volumes  were  taken  out.     Re 
ceipts,  1856,  $2739  92 ;  expended  for  books,  $500. 


SANTA  CLARA. 
SANTA  CLARA  COLLEGE.     (1855.)     8000  vols. 

Founded  in  1851,  by  Rev.  John  Nobili,  S.  J.  Incorporated  April, 
1855.  The  sum  of  $500  is  appropriated  annually  for  the  library. 
During  1855  over  $1000  were  expended  for  books.  The  books  are 
arranged  by  subjects,  and  the  library  is  open  daily  from  10  to  11  A.M., 
and  from  4  to  5  P.M.  There  are  2500  volumes  in  English,  3000  in 
French,  10  in  German,  500  in  Spanish,  2000  in  other  modem  lan 
guages;  2000  in  Latin,  50  in  Greek,  3  in  Hebrew,  and  2  Oriental.  A 
collection  of  all  the  Latin  and  Greek  Fathers  of  the  Church  has  lately 
been  purchased  in  Europe  for  the  library. 

"  Besides  an  able  and  numerous  body  of  experienced  professors  from 


0  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES'. 

the  best  colleges  of  the  Society  of  Jesuits,  both  in  Europe  and  in  the 
Atlantic  States,  the  institution  enjoys  considerable  advantages  for  the 
mental  and  physical  training  of  the  students.  Among  others,  it  pos 
sesses,  1st,  a  complete  philosophical  and  chemical  apparatus,  from  the 
best  manufacturers  of  Paris,  which  cost  the  institution  nearly  ten  thou 
sand  dollars  ji2d;  a  large  collection  of  specimens  of  minerals  imported 
from  Paris;  3d,  an  artificial  bathing-pond,  of  elliptic  form,  with  a 
cemented  brick  wall,  160  feet  long,  and  120  wide,  supplied  with  water 
by  an  artesian  well;  4th,  an  extensive  gymnasium  for  athletic  exercises; 
GO  feet  lono;  and  40  wide." 


SANTA  INES. 
COLLEGE  OF  N'VA  S'YA  DE  GUADALUPE.     (1857.)     853  vols. 

Founded  1844.  In  this  institution,  instruction  is  given  on  all 
branches  of  education.  The  library  is  composed  principally  of  books 
formerly  belonging  to  the  late  Picv.  F.  Garcia  Diego,  first  Roman 
Catholic  Bishop  of  California.  174  volumes  arc  in  Latin,  20  in  Eng 
lish,  596  in  Spanish,  57  in  French,  4  in  German,  2  Italian.  The 
library  can  be  freely  consulted  by  any  one. 

STOCKTON, 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1855.)     VG  vols. 

Founded  January  29,  1855.  Any  person  under  forty  years  of  age, 
a  member  of  an  evangelical  church,  can  become  an  active  member. 
Any  one  of  good  moral  character  can  become  an  associate  member. 
Annual  fee,  81.  Meetings  are  held  every  other  Saturday  evening. 


CONNECTICUT. 


BIRMINGHAM. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  INSTITUTE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     103  vols. 

Organized  February  18, 1857.     103  volumes  have  been  added  during 
the  last  ei»;lit  months. 


CONNECTICUT. 


CROMWELL, 

FRIENDLY  ASSOCIATION  (formerly  of  Upper  Middlctoicn}. 
(1857.)     600  vols. 

Founded  February  22d,  1810.  Incorporated  1851.  The  library  is 
open  once  a  week  from  October  to  April,  and  once  a  month  during  the 
rest  of  the  year.  The  increase  of  the  library  has  been  very  slow, — only 
about  200  volumes  in  five  years.  A  catalogue  of  12  pages  Svo.  was 
published  in  1848. 


EAST  WINDSOR, 

THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     6400  vols. 

Founded  1833.  Incorporated  1834.  The  library  is  open  twice  a 
week, — Wednesdays  and  Saturdays.  900  volumes  were  received  during 
the  year  1855,  from  the  library  of  the  late  Rev.  Stephen  Dodd.  Ave 
rage  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  825.  Average 
annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  about  50.  Average 
annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  300. 

The  Society  of  Inquiry  and  the  Nettleton  Rhetorical  Society  have 
small  libraries.  The  Athenaeum  is  furnished  with  about  50  periodicals. 


HARTFORD. 

HARTFORD  COUNTY  LAW  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION. 

Founded  December,  1854.  It  is  the  design  of  this  association  to 
obtain  English  reports  and  valuable  text-books,  and  in  general  such 
works  of  reference  as  are  not  usually  found  in  the  private  libraries  of 
the  members  of  the  legal  profession.  It  has  received  a  munificent 
donation  from  the  heirs  of  the  late  Hon.  Thos.  Day,  consisting  of  several 
hundred  volumes  of  valuable  English  and  American  reports,  &c.  Among 
them  might  be  specified  a  complete  series  of  the  Statutes  of  Connecticut, 
from  the  edition  of  1673,  and  a  set  of  the  British  Statutes  at  Large. 

The  annual  fee  for  membership  is  ten  dollars.  The  library  belongs  to 
the  State  of  Connecticut,  and  in  case  of  the  dissolution  of  the  Society, 
becomes  a  part  of  the  State  library.  It  is  now  kept  with  that  collection. 


PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  OF  CONNECTICUT.     (1857.)     8000  vols. 

This  society  was  incorporated  in  1825.  Owing,  however,  to  the 
removal  of  several  of  the  more  prominent  members  from  the  State,  its 
operations  were  suspended  for  several  years.  Its  charter  was  revived  in 
1839,  and  soon  after,  through  the  intervention  of  Mr.  Henry  Barnard, 
the  present  library  was  obtained. 

This  collection  was  made  by  the  late  Rev.  Thomas  Bobbins,  D.D.,  a 
clergyman  of  Rochester,  Massachusetts,  formerly  of  East  Windsor,  Con 
necticut,  one  of  the  founders  of  the  society.  In  early  life  he  determined 
to  buy  about  8200  worth  of  books  every  year.  This  he  continued  to  do 
nearly  half  a  century,  till  he  had  accumulated  about  5000  volumes. 
It  is  a  curious  and  valuable  collection. 


STATE  LIBRARY  OF  CONNECTICUT.     (1857.)     6000  vols. 

A  collection  of  some  3000  volumes  of  public  documents  and  miscel 
laneous  books  was  placed  under  the  care  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  as  a 
nucleus  for  a  State  library,  before  a  distinct  department  of  the  kind  had 
been  organized.  In  the  May  session,  1854,  it  was  resolved  by  the 
General  Assembly  that  a  committee  should  be  appointed  to  regulate  the 
affairs  of  the  library,  and  select  a  librarian.  J.  Hammond  Trumbull 
was  appointed,  and  entered  on  the  discharge  of  his  duties  in  the  autumn 
of  1854. 

The  rooms  in  the  upper  story  of  the  State  House  at  Hartford,  until 
then  appropriated  to  the  library,  were  found  too  small  and  inconvenient, 
and  another  room  was  constructed,  well  adapted  for  the  purpose,  and 
readily  accessible  from  all  parts  of  the  building.  In  February,  1855, 
the  books  were  removed  to  it,  classified  and  arranged  upon  the  shelves. 
A  catalogue  was  prepared  for  use  in  the  library ;  but  in  view  of  a  pro 
bable  rearrangement  of  the  books,  and  of  changes  consequent  upon 
supplying  missing  volumes  and  filling  up  imperfect  series  of  reports,  &c., 
the  numbering  of  the  books  has  not  been  completed. 

The  librarian  remarks  in  his  report,  1855,  "As  yet,  Connecticut  has 
only  the  beginning  of  a  library,  not  entirely  complete  in  any  of  its  depart 
ments,  and  in  some  very  deficient — far  from  being  adequate  to  supply 
necessary  books  of  reference  to  the  legislators,  judges,  state  officers,  and 
others  who  have  occasion  to  resort  to  it.  Its  increase  has  been,  neces 
sarily,  very  slow,  having  been  mainly  dependent  on  exchanges  with  other 


CONNECTICUT. 


States,  the  receipt  of  public  documents  and  other  works  distributed  by 
Congress,  and  (since  1849)  the  operations  of  the  system  of  international 


exchange." 


The  library  of  the  Hartford  County  Law  Library  Association,  which 
contains  a  valuable  collection  of  rare  and  important  works,  has  been 
practically  united  with  that  of  the  State. 


TRINITY  COLLEGE.     (1855.)     GOOD  vols. 

Historical  Sketch. — "  At  a  very  early  period  in  the  history  of  the 
Diocese  of  Connecticut,  after  its  complete  organization  by  the  consecra 
tion  of  Seabury,  its  first  bishop,  in  1784,  a  seminary  of  sound  learning 
and  Christian  education  began  to  be  regarded  as  a  desideratum.  The 
first  step  in  this  direction  was  the  founding  of  the  Cheshire  Academy ; 
the  earliest  measures  for  the  establishment  of  which  were  taken  by  a 
Convocation  of  the  Clergy  of  the  Diocese  under  Seabury,  held  at  East 
Hacldam,  in  February,  1792.  This  institution,  which  was  incorporated 
with  limited  privileges  in  1801,  was  designed  to  serve  as  the  foundation 
of  an  institution  of  a  higher  character  as  soon  as  a  charter  conferring 
full  collegiate  powers  could  be  obtained  from  the  State.  In  this  view  it 
was  often  spoken  of  as  l  Seabury  College.' 

"Unavailing  efforts  were  made  to  enlarge  the  powers  of  the  Academy 
in  1804,  and  again  in  1810.  In  one  instance  only  were  they  so  far 
successful  that  an  act  granting  a  collegiate  charter  was  passed  by  a 
decided  vote  in  the  House  of  lleprescntatives,  but  rejected  by  the 
Council  (Senate).  Vacancy  in  the  Episcopate,  and  afterwards  the  esta 
blishment  of  the  General  Theological  Seminary,  were  among  the  causes 
which  led  the  churchmen  of  Connecticut  to  defer  their  project  for  found 
ing  a  college  to  happier  times,  which  seem  to  have  dawned  with  the 
adoption  of  the  State  Constitution  in  1818;  for  Bishop  Brownell,  who 
was  consecrated  in  1819,  was  enabled  shortly  after  to  carry  the  design 
into  execution.  A  petition,  numerously  signed,  was  presented  to  the 
Legislature  on  the  loth  of  May,  1823.  On  the  16th  the  charter  passed 
the  lower  House,  and  soon  after  received  the  sanction  of  the  Senate  and 
the  signature  of  the  Governor. 

"  The  news  of  the  final  passage  of  the  bill  granting  the  charter  was 
received  with  great  joy  by  the  citizens  of  Hartford.  Cannon  were 
fired  and  bonfires  lighted.  Measures  were  immediately  taken  to  raise 
the  requisite  funds,  the  charter  having  provided  that  the  trustees  should 


10  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

not  proceed  to  organize  the  institution  until  funds  to  the  amount  of 
830,000  should  be  secured.  Over  850,000  were  immediately  sub 
scribed  ;  three-fourths  of  this  sum  in  Hartford  and  its  vicinity.  An 
ample  site,  possessing  rare  capabilities,  was  secured  on  an  eminence 
overlooking  the  city  of  Hartford,  and  about  half  a  mile  west  of  the  State 
House.  The  buildings  were  begun  in  June,  1824,  and  the  College  com 
menced  its  operations  in  September  of  the  same  year,  Bishop  Brown  ell 
beino;  its  first  President.  The  first  Commencement  was  held  in  August, 
1827,  in  the  Centre  Church,  when  ten  young  gentlemen  received  the 
degree  of  B.  A. 

"Bishop  Brownell,  finding  that  the  cares  and  labors  of  the  Diocese 
required  his  undivided  attention,  resigned  the  presidency  in  1831,  and 
was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  N.  S.  Wheaton,  D.D.,  who  continued  at  the 
head  of  the  College  until  1837.  During  his  presidency,  and  chiefly  by 
his  personal  efforts,  the  Hobart  Professorship  was  endowed  with  the 
sum  of  820,000;  the  Scabury  Professorship  of  Mathematics  and  Natural 
Philosophy  with  814,000,  and  large  additions  made  to  the  general  funds 
of  the  institution.  The  Rev.  Silas  Totten,  D.D.,  was  chosen  President 
in  1837,  and  continued  to  hold  the  office  till  the  close  of  the  academic 
year  in  1848.  During  his  incumbency  Brownell  Hall  was  erected  (in 
1845)  j  the  funds  having  been  mainly  contributed  by  the  citizens  of 
Hartford.  About  the  same  time  a  charity  fund,  amounting  to  812,000 
was  raised  by  subscription  throughout  the  Diocese,  to  enable  the  College 
to  give  free  tuition  in  the  form  of  scholarships  to  those  who  may  need 
such  assistance. 

"  By  permission  of  the  legislature  of  this  same  year  (1845)  the  name 
of  the  College  was  changed  from  Washington  to  TRINITY.  It  was  in 
1845  that  the  Trustees  passed  certain  statutes  organizing  the  House  of 
Convocation  and  creating  the  Board  of  Fellows. 

"The  Rev.  Dr.  Totten  was  succeeded  in  1848  by  the  Rev.  John  Wil 
liams,  D.D.,  an  alumnus  of  the  College.  Under  his  presidency  the 
library  was  considerably  augmented,  the  number  of  students  increased, 
the  Professorship  of  Public  Economy  established,  and  a  Theological 
Department  organized.  In  1849,  by  an  alteration  of  the  charter,  the 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese  was  made  Chancellor  and  ex  officio  President  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees.  In  1851,  Dr.  Williams  was  elected  Assistant  Bishop 
of  this  Diocese,  and  in  1853,  finding  that  his  Episcopal  duties  demanded 
his  whole  time  and  attention,  he  resigned  the  presidency  of  the  College. 
His  successor  is  the  Rev.  Daniel  R.  Goodwin,  D.D.,  late  of  Bowdoin 


CONNECTICUT.  11 

College,  who  entered  on  his  duties  in  September,  1853.  The  year  1854 
saw  the  Scovill  Professorship  of  Chemistry  and  Natural  Science  endowed 
with  $20,000  by  a  single  family,  and  a  donation  of  85000  from  a  single 
individual,  which  is  to  be  known  as  the  Elton  Fund  for  the  library.  It 
is  the  purpose  of  the  trustees  and  friends  of  the  College  to  go  on  and 
endow  at  least  one  professorship  every  year  until  its  apparatus  for  instruc 
tion  is,  in  all  respects,  of  the  most  complete  and  perfect  character. 

"  The  College  Halls,  three  in  number,  are  built  of  Portland  stone,  and 
in  the  Ionic  style.  Jarvis  Hall,  which  was  erected  in  1824,  is  45  feet 
in  width,  150  in  length,  and  four  stories  high.  Seabury  Hall,  erected  in 
1824,  90  by  55  feet,  arid  three  stories  high,  contains  the  chapel,  50  by 
35  feet,  which  is  furnished  with  a  fine  organ,  the  library,  and  cabinet, 
each  of  the  same  dimensions  with  the  chapel,  the  laboratory,  the  philo 
sophical  and  other  public  rooms.  Brownell  Hall,  built  in  1845,  is  48 
by  150  feet,  and  four  stories  high. 

"  The  cabinet  contains  an  extensive  collection  of  minerals  and  geolo 
gical  specimens,  to  which  has  recently  been  added  one  of  the  finest  col 
lections  of  shells  in  the  country." — (Catalogue.*) 

u  The  library  was  commenced  in  1824.  It  is  open  every  Monday  to  all 
who  wish  to  consult  it,  a  small  sum  being  charged  to  under-graduates 
for  its  use.  3500  vols.  are  in  English,  500  French,  100  other  modern 
languages,  1600  Latin,  250  Greek,  and  about  50  Oriental.  Among 
the  rarer  works  may  be  mentioned  a  fine  copy  of  Walton's  Polyglot, 
with  the  Lexicon,  8  vols.  folio,  the  gift  of  Dr.  J.  W.  Francis,  of  N.  Y., 
Flutter's  Polyglot,  Nuremburg,  1599,  and  Bagster's  superb  copies  of 
the  Codex  Bezre,  and  the  Codex  Alexandrinus  of  the  New  Testament, 
Stephens' s  Greek  Testament,  1550,  and  of  Greek  works  printed  before 
1600,  the  following  in  folio  : 

Plutarch,  Paralella,  Basle,  1533. 

Plutarch,  Moralia,  Basle,  1542. 

Isocrates,  Wolfii,  Basle,  1570. 

Isocrates,  II.  Stephens,  1593. 

Suidas,  Lexicon,  Basle,  1544. 

Dionysius,  Halicarnassus,  Frankfort,  1586. 

Plato,  H.  Stephens  (with  the  dedicatory  epistles),  1578,  3  vols.  in  2. 

Nicetas,  Acorn.  Wolfii,  1593. 

Demosthenes  and  Eschines,  Wolfii,  1572,  2  vols. 

Eusebius,  Preparatio  Evang.,  Paris,  1544,  Editio  Princeps, 

yEschyli  Tragoediae  VII,  H.  Stephens,  1557. 


12  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

A  large  number  of  rare  and  valuable  English  pamphlets,  many  of 
which  probably  could  not  be  duplicated  in  this  country,  among  which 
are: 

Bishop  Provost's  collection,  20  vols. 

That  of  Rev.  Cfcsar  Otway,  Minor  Canon  of  St.  Patrick's,  58  vols. 

From  the  Duke  of  Sussex's  collection,  6  vols. 

Collected  by  the  Father  and  Grandfather  of  the  late  Dean  Rennel, 
42  vols. 

Collected  by  Dean  Rcnnel,  Catholic  Emancipation,  &c.,  48  vols. 

Collected  by  Dean  Rennel,  Reform  and  Education,  23  vols. 

A  collection  of  very  scarce  and  curious  Tracts  on  Popery,  from  1606 
to  1746,  7  vols. 

About  60  more  bound  volumes,  and  nearly  2000  unbound. 

And  about  2000  American  pamphlets. 

A  copy  of  Junius's  Letters,  original  Edition,  with  MS.  corrections,  by 
Junius  himself, — presented  by  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  Hartwell  Home. 

Of  early  printed  works,  we  have  : 

Henry  de  Hessia's  Exposition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer,  &c.,  1470 — 14-74. 

St.  Augustine  dc  Civitate  Dei,  1490. 

The  interest  of  the  Elton  Fund,  85000,  founded  by  John  P.  Elton, 
Esq. ,  of  Waterbury,  and  other  funds  of  small  amount,  are  devoted  to  the 
increase  of  the  miscellaneous  library.  The  interest  of  the  fund  pre 
sented  by  Bishop  Burgess,  of  Maine,  8500,  is  devoted  exclusively  to  the 
purchase  of  recent  theological  works. 

Jos.  E.  Sheffield,  Esq.,  has  also  given  85000  to  the  library  fund. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1832.     8vo.  pp.  24. 

The  libraries  of  the  ATHENAEUM  and  the  PARTHENON  Societies  con 
tain  upwards  of  7000  volumes/' — (6".  J.  Iloadty.) 

ATTIEX^KUM,  TRINITY  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     3G25  vols. 

"  The  history  of  the  Athenrcum  dates  from  the  earliest  days  of  Trinity 
College.  In  the  fall  of  1S24  the  first  movement  was  made  for  its  organi 
zation,  and  at  a  meeting  of  the  students  of  Trinity  (then  Washington) 
College,  a  committee,  consisting  of  the  lit.  Rev.  T.  C.  Brownell,  Pro 
fessor  G.  W.  Doane  (now  Bishop  of  New  Jersey),  and  Messrs.  Wallace, 
Crary,  and  Clemens,  was  appointed  to  frame  a  constitution  for  the  pro 
posed  literary  society.  The  first  regular  meeting  was  held  on  the  4th 


CONNECTICUT.  13 

June,  1825,  at  which  time  the  constitution  was  presented,  adopted,  and 
subscribed.  From  this  time  weekly  meetings  were  regularly  held,  and 
an  enthusiastic  devotion  uniformly  manifested  to  the  interests  of  a  society 
'established  for  the  literary  improvement  of  its  members,  especially  in 
declamation,  composition,  and  extemporaneous  debate/ 

"  The  badge  and  motto  of  the  Athenaeum  were  not  determined  upon 
until  the  year  1826.  In  the  month  of  January  in  that  year,  the  badge 
was  adopted,  and  the  motto  declared  to  be  :  SAPIENS  SOLUS  EST  LIBER. 
The  form  for  diplomas  was  first  set  forth  in  1827,  although  none  were 
issued  until  1831,  in  which  year  also  the  method  of  conferring  them 
was  arranged. 

"  On  the  27th  October,  1827,  the  request  of  nineteen  members  to  with 
draw  was  granted,  and  an  honorable  dismission  given.  This  defection 
resulted  in  the  establishment  of  another  society,  known  as  the  Parthenon. 

"In  the  summer  of  1828,  some  members  of  the  Athenaeum  were  dis 
missed  to  carry  into  effect  their  wish  to  found  a  third  society.  The 
endeavors  of  these  members  issued  in  the  organization  of  the  0B@}  a 
society  of  which  little  is  now  known  save  the  mere  name. 

"  The  hall  at  present  occupied  by  the  Athenaeum  was  obtained  from 
the  Faculty,  and  furnished  during  the  year  1828 ;  but  it  was  not  till  the 
year  1849  that  the  very  large  accumulation  of  books  rendered  a  separate 
library-room  necessary. 

"With  the  exception  of  the  small  sums  necessary  for  incidental  ex 
penses,  all  the  treasury  money  is  devoted  to  the  improvement  of  the 
library." 

The  average  increase  of  the  library  has  been  110  volumes  annually. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     11,611  vols. 

The  first  meeting  for  the  formation  of  this  society  was  held  on  Friday 
evening,  19th  May,  1838,  at  which  Hon.  Thos.  S.  Williams  was  chair 
man,  and  Wm.  Jas.  Hammersley,  secretary.  Henry  Barnard,  2d, 
was  elected  president.  Before  the  close  of  the  first  year  a  reading-room 
was  opened,  a  library  of  2600  volumes  established,  a  course  of  twenty 
lectures  given,  two  debating  classes  formed,  and  83  life  and  344  annual 
members  obtained.  An  arrangement  was  also  effected  with  the  share 
holders  of  the  Hartford  Library  Company,  by  which  their  valuable  col 
lection  of  3000  volumes  was  transferred  to  the  Institute. 

In  1839  an  act  of  incorporation  was  procured. 


14  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

Every  member  of  the  Institute  who  has  paid  all  sums  due  from  him 
to  the  Institute,  and  made  good  all  damage  and  loss  which  he  may  have 
occasioned,  and  any  person  by  paying  83  a  year,  in  advance,  to  the  libra 
rian,  is  entitled  to  all  the  privileges  of  the  library  and  reading-room. 

The  library  is  open  for  the  delivery  and  receipt  of  books  every  day 
(Sundays  excepted),  from  10  A.  M.  until  9  P.  M. 

The  following  tables  show  the  progress  and  statistics  of  the  Institute  : 

VOLUMES    IN    THE    LIBRARY. 


Year. 

Whole  No. 

Donated. 

Purchased. 

Expenditure. 

Mem  be 

1839, 

5,020 

800 

1500 

§1,201  91 

1S40, 

0,335 

159 

597 

831  80 

427 

1841, 

0,9-24 

120 

403 

078  57 

497 

1842, 

7,453 

175 

478 

443  39 

484 

1843, 

7,819 

75 

280 

393  43 

540 

1S44, 

8,701 

116 

882 

1,078  SO 

490 

184  5, 

8,871 

121 

49 

590  13 

529 

1840, 

S39S9 

21 

97 

40  21 

500 

1847, 

9,218 

27 

202 

253  90 

510 

1848, 

9.340 

23 

105 

151  84 

472 

1849, 

9,405 

30 

83 

252  54 

478 

1850, 

9,000 

40 

95 

135  78 

584 

1851, 

9,987 

103 

284 

ISO  85 

004 

185:2, 

10,349 

59 

303 

349  18 

075 

1853, 

10,730 

03 

324 

479  08 

725 

1854, 

10,940 

43 

101 

172  08 

758 

1855, 

11,181 

51 

190 

315  47 

792 

1850, 

11,611 

40 

123 

Owing  to  the  time  and  labor  required  in  making  the  necessary  esti 
mates,  few  of  the  reports  announce  the  number  of  volumes  annually 
circulated  by  the  Institute. 

The  following  are  the  estimates  that  have  been  made : 


Circulation, 

first  year, 

do. 

fourth  year,     . 

do. 

fifth  year, 

do. 

eighth  year,    . 

do. 

ninth  year, 

do. 

tenth  year, 

do. 

eleventh  year, 

do. 

fourteenth  year, 

do. 

fifteenth  year, 

2,000  volume: 
25,178 
23,250         " 
25,115         " 
23,100         -; 
24,000 
22.100 
25,000         « 
24,000 


CONNECTICUT.  15 

MIDDLETOWN, 

AVESLEYAX  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     6850  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1831  •  the  library  was  commenced  the  same  year.  It 
contained,  August  1, 1848,  5623  volumes,  a  few  MSS.,  maps,  and  coins, 
and  in  1855,  64UO  volumes.  An  income  of  about  $225  per  annum  is 
derived  from  a  tax  upon  the  under-graduates.  A  catalogue  was  printed 
in  1837,  containing  fifty  pages  8vo.  The  library  is  opened  five  days  in 
the  week,  in  term  time,  for  one  hour.  The  persons  entitled  to  the  use 
of  the  books  are  :  the  faculty,  president,  graduates,  and  under-graduates. 
The  last  pay  $2  per  annum.  A  member  of  the  faculty  acts  as  librarian, 
with  no  additional  salary. 

Eleven  periodicals  are  taken  regularly. 

Besides  the  college  library,  the  PEITHOLOGIAN  and  PHTLORIIETORIAN 
Societies  of  students,  connected  with  the  University,  possessed,  in  1850, 
5500  volumes. 

"  The  college  library  has  been  enriched  by  many  valuable  donations, 
only  a  few  of  which  can  be  here  noticed.  The  most  valuable  was  made 
by  Thomas  Chapman,  Esq.,  of  Camden,  New  Jersey,  and  is  called,  as  a 
token  of  respect  to  the  donor,  the  Chapman  Library  of  the  Wesleyan 
University.  This  portion  of  the  library,  in  number  about  2000  volumes, 
consists  of  all  the  books  in  cases  D,  E,and  F,  except  such  as  are  marked 
with  a  •(•.  There  are  among  them  177  folios  and  121  quartos.  Of 
these,  1655  volumes  were  fixed  at  a  low  price  :  one-half  of  the  amount 
was  presented  by  Mr.  Chapman,  and  the  other  half  paid  by  the  trustees. 
The  remainder  of  the  2000  volumes  was  given  with  no  reserve  but  the 
privilege  of  adding  to  the  number.  Among  the  latter  is  a  splendid 
copy  of  the  Antwerp  Polyglot,  in  8  folio  volumes.  That  part  of  the 
catalogue  distinguished  by  a  §,  numbering  375  volumes,  was  the  library 
of  the  late  John  Summer-field,  and  presented  to  the  University  by  his 
brother-in-law,  James  Blackstock,  Esq.,  of  New  York.  Those  distin 
guished  by  a  *,  are  books  presented  by  the  British  Conference,  valued 
at  £100.  Other  valuable  presents  have  been  made  by  authors  and  other 
individuals,  of  which  more  specific  notice  cannot  be  taken  in  this 
place/' 

Two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  were  expended  for  books  during  1854, 
8207  26  during  1855.  From  1851-6,  $960  66.  During  1855,  520 
volumes  were  taken  out  by  91  persons.  About  150  volumes  are  added 
yearly. 


16  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

NEW  BRITAIN, 

STATE  NORMAL  SCHOOL.     (185G.)     5GOO  vols. 

Established  by  the  Legislature  in  1849.  The  school  is  furnished  with 
the  best  works  on  the  theory  and  practice  of  education,  which  the 
Normal  pupils  are  expected  to  read,  and  on  some  of  which  they  are 
examined.  The  library  has  recently  been  increased  by  the  addition  of 
the  best  standard  works  in  English  literature;  and  the  members  of  the 
school  have  free  access  to  all  the  best  dictionaries  and  encyclopedias  in 
the  language. 

The  library  is  open  on  Wednesday  and  Saturday,  from  8-J  to  9  o'clock 
A.  M.  About  §50  are  annually  expended  for  books.  1600  volumes  are 
lent  during  the  year. 

NEW  HAVEN. 

YALE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     35,000  vols. 

"  In  the  year  1700,  ten  of  the  principal  ministers  met  at  New  Haven 
and  formed  themselves  into  a  society,  and  agreed  to  form  a  college  in 
the  colony.  At  their  next  meeting,  which  was  at  Brariford,  the  same 
year,  each  of  them  brought  a  number  of  books,  and,  presenting  them  to 
the  society,  said  :  (  I  give  these  looks  for  the  founding  of  a  college  in 
this  colony.' 

" Bishop  Berkeley,  about  1733,  sent  to  the  library  from  Europe  'the 
finest  collection  of  books  that  ever  came  together  at  one  time  into 
America/  Sir  Isaac  Newton,  Sir  Ilichard  Steele,  Drs.  Burnet,  Wood 
ward,  Hallcy,  Bently,  Kennet,  Calamy,  Edwards,  the  Reverend  Mr. 
Henry,  and  Mr.  Winston,  presented  their  own  works  to  the  library. 

"The  growth  of  the  library  till  1845  was  very  gradual.  In  that  year 
a  very  large  and  valuable  accession,  selected  and  purchased  in  Europe 
by  Professor  Kingsley,  gave  to  the  library  a  new  and  vigorous  impulse, 
and  placed  it  among  the  best  collections  of  books  in  this  country. 

"  The  library  contains  also  a  few  MSS.,  charts,  and  engravings — not 
easy  to  specify  in  numbers.  The  MSS.  bequeathed  by  President  Stiles 
are  in  about  40  volumes." 

For  the  ten  years  preceding  1849,  from  900  to  1000  volumes  were 
added  annually ;  since  that  time  the  number  has  been  about  2000. 


CONNECTICUT.  17 

"  There  is  a  permanent  fund  of  827,000  for  the  increase  of  the  library, 
yielding  annually  81620.  In  1845-46  a  building  was  erected  for  the 
use  of  the  College  Library  and  the  three  Society  libraries.  The  material 
is  red  sandstone  from  Portland,  Connecticut.  The  total  cost  was  840,000. 
The  books  are  arranged  on  the  shelves  according  to  subjects,  as  far  as 
may  be  conveniently  practicable.  The  books  are  not  numbered.  Cata 
logues  were  printed  in  1743, 1755, 1791, 1808,  and  1823.  The  library 
is  open  every  day  in  the  year  (except  Sundays  and  three  or  four  public 
days),  in  term  time,  from  10  A.M.  to  1  P.M.,  and  from  3  to  5  P.M.  ;  and 
in  summer,  commonly  an  hour  or  two  more :  in  vacation,  every  day  from 
3  to  5  hours.  The  persons  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  books  are,  the 
professors,  members  of  the  professional  schools  of  the  college,  and 
members  of  the  senior  and  junior  classes.  Seniors  and  juniors  pay  a 
small  charge ;  others  pay  nothing.  The  privileges  of  the  library  are 
granted  to  many  literary  and  scientific  persons  in  town.  Books  are  lent 
out,  but  consultation  in  the  library  is  encouraged  in  preference.  The 
number  of  volumes  lent  during  1854  was  2389  to  323  persons.  The 
term  of  loan  is  one  month,  except  to  the  officers  of  the  college,  who 
frequently  retain  books  until  the  general  return  in  August.  The  number 
of  visitors  from  curiosity  and  study  is,  in  fair  weather,  large.  The 
number  of  consulters  may  vary  from  five  to  fifteen  daily.  Books  are 
lent  to  persons  at  a  distance  on  application  to  the  library  committee,  and 
without  charge.  For  two  or  three  years  past,  books  have  been  con 
stantly  out  of  town  under  this  regulation." 

The  expenditure  for  books  during  the  year  ending  July  1,  IS 54,  was,      $3208  13 

"       binding  85  30 

"       periodicals  84  SO 

"       salaries  1125  00 

books  "               1S55,                  1009  19 

"                      "       binding  "                     "                     "                           02  15 

"       periodicals  77  11 

"       salaries  "                    "                                           1410  GO 

In  five  years,  ending  January  1,  1857,  87800  have  been  expended 
for  books. 

The  average  yearly  expenditure  for  periodicals  is  about  8200.  A 
large  number  of  the  most  valuable  European  journals  are  taken. 

The  library  of  the  AMERICAN  ORIENTAL  SOCIETY  (1857),  2000  vols., 
was  deposited  in  one  of  the  rooms  of  the  College  building  in  the  spring 
of  1855. 

2 


18  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

The  Theological  Library,  in  the  Trumbull  Gallery  Building,  the  Law 
Library,  in  the  Law  College,  the  Medical  Library,  in  the  Medical  Col 
lege,  and  the  Scientific  Library,  in  the  Analytical  Laboratory,  are  in 
tended  for  the  especial  use  of  those  who  are  connected  with  these  several 
departments. 

The  whole  number  of  books  in  the  College  library  is  about  (1857),          .     35,000 

"        libraries  of  the  professional  schools,  .       5,000 

"  4i       libraries  of  the  literary  societies,         .     25,000 


Total,  . 


LIXONIAN  SOCIETY,  YALE  COLLEGE.     (1855.)     12,500  vols. 

Founded  September,  1753.  The  library  was  established  principally 
by  the  members  of  the  classes  of  1769-70.  In  the  records  of  the  society 
at  that  time  is  found  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Timothy  Dwight,  Nathan  Hale, 
and  James  Hillhouse,  for  the  first  contribution  of  books. 

From  the  records  and  catalogues  we  are  enabled  to  show  the  number 
of  volumes  at  different  periods.  In  1770  there  are  stated  to  be  nearly 
100  vols.;  1780,  152  vols.;  1790,  330  vols.;  1800,  475  vols.;  1811, 
724  vols. ;  1822, 1187  vols. ;  1831,  3505  vols. ;  1837,  5581  vols. ;  1841, 
7500  vols.;  1849,  10,103  vols.;  1855,  12,500  vols. 

The  last  catalogue  was  printed  November,  1846 ;  274  pp.  8vo. 


BROTHERS  IN  UXITY,  YALE  COLLEGE.  (1855.)  12,500. 

Founded  in  1768,  by  twenty-one  individuals,  among  whom  was  David 
Humphreys,  LL.D.,  who  was  distinguished  for  his  patriotic  services 
during  the  Revolution. 

"  It  may  be  interesting  to  some  to  know  the  object  for  which  the  so 
ciety  was  founded.  It  is  well  known,  that  in  ancient  times  the  members 
of  the  lower  classes  were  compelled  to  be  servants  to  those  of  the  upper 
classes.  The  junior  members  were  forced  to  do  the  bidding  of  the 
seniors,  even  to  the  most  servile  occupation,  under  dread  of  the  severest 
penalties ;  and,  we  are  informed  by  some  of  the  oldest  graduates  of  the 
College,  that  prior  to  the  establishment  of  the  l  Brothers  in  Unity/  no 
freshman  was  received  into  any  society  in  College. 

"To  the  Freshman  Class  of  1768,  headed  by  General  Humphreys,  and 
to  the  Society  of  'Brothers  in  Unity/  founded  by  such  men,  for  such  a 


CONNECTICUT.  19 

purpose,  is  due  the  breaking  up  of  that  senseless  class  distinction,  and 
degrading  servility,  which  had  so  long  disgraced  the  senior  members  of 
College,  and  had  done  so  much  injury  to  those  newly  entered  on  its 
catalogue.  The  attempt  to  break  up  this  custom  was  so  successful,  that 
other  societies,  which  had  sneered  at  freshmen,  were  forced  to  treat  thpm 
with  respect. 

"  Since  its  establishment,  the  Brothers  Society  has  been  conspicuous 
in  the  number  and  talent  of  its  members.  Among  other  distinguished 
names,  on  the  catalogue,  are  those  of  six  governors  of  States,  seven 
chief  justices  and  fifteen  justices  of  Supreme  Courts,  thirteen  senators 
and  forty-five  representatives  in  the  United  States  Congress,  fourteen 
presidents  of  colleges,  and  forty-six  professors,  of  whom  twelve  have 
been  professors  in  Yale  College,  sixty-seven  tutors  of  Yale  College  alone, 
three  lieutenant-governors  of  Connecticut,  two  attorneys-general,  one 
bishop,  and  one  vice-president  of  the  United  States.  Thirty  members 
have  attained  to  the  honorary  degree  of  LL.D.,  and  twenty-nine  to  that 
of  S.T.D.  Every  President  of  the  United  States,  with  the  exception 
of  two,  has  had  in  his  cabinet  one  of  our  members,  and  the  governor's 
chair  of  Connecticut  has  been  filled  for  twenty  years  with  Brothers  in 
Unity. 

"  The  library  of  the  Society  of  Brothers  in  Unity  is  located  in  the 
north  wing  of  the  new  College  Library  building. 

"The  oldest  catalogue  which  we  have  seen  (probably  the  oldest  in 
existence),  is  a  manuscript  originally  prepared  by  Judge  Baldwin  of  this 
city,  and  by  him  lately  presented  to  the  library.  Judge  Baldwin  was 
librarian  of  the  class  of  1781,  thirteen  years  subsequent  to  the  formation 
of  the  society.  This  valuable  relic  contains  a  list  of  only  163  volumes, 
but  those  carefully  selected  standard  works.  The  library  was  at  that 
time  kept  in  a  private  room,  and  jealously  closed  against  all  except  mem 
bers.  A  collection  of  the  printed  catalogues,  nearly  if  not  quite  com 
plete,  is  to  be  found  in  the  library  of  the  College.  It  appears  from 
these,  that  from  1808  to  1825  the  various  societies  issued  joint  cata 
logues.  The  last  catalogue  was  published  in  April,  1846,  224  pp.  8vo. 
It  differs  in  several  respects  from  those  which  have  preceded  it.  The 
list  of  authors  has  been  very  much  increased — completed,  so  far  as  time 
would  allow — and  inserted  in  the  body  of  the  work.  The  whole  has 
been  rewritten,  and  in  very  many  cases  the  titles  of  books  given  with 
greater  distinctness.  The  index  has  also  been  rendered  more  perfect  by 


20  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

the  addition  of  three  or  four  new  divisions.  Books  can,  therefore,  be 
found  almost  invariably  under  the  name  of  the  author,  usually  also  under 
the  most  prominent  word  of  their  own  title,  and  finally,  under  their  ap 
propriate  subject  in  the  index. " 

The  number  of  volumes  in  the  Brothers'  library,  at  various  periods,  is 
as  follows:  1781,  163  vols. ;  1808,  723  vols. ;  1811,  756  vols. ;  1814, 
860  vols.;  January,  1818,  937  vols. ;  September,  1822, 1187  vols. ;  No 
vember,  1825,  1730  vols.;  April,  1820,  2550  vols.;  September,  1832, 
3562  vols.;  January,  1835,  4565  vols.;  June,  1838,  6078  vols.;  1850, 
9140  vols.;  1851,  10;500  vols.;  1855,  12,500  vols. 


CALLIOPEAN  SOCIETY,  YALE  COLLEGE.     (1849.)     6020  vols. 
A  catalogue,  94  pp.  8vo.;  was  published  in  1846. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     77G9  vols. 

In  1826,  eight  young  men  founded  an  association  under  the  name 
of  "  The  Apprentices'  Literary  Association."  For  several  years  it  had 
but  few  members;  and,  in  1828,  the  name  was  changed  to  that  of  "The 
Young  Mechanics'  Institute,"  having  for  its  object  " mutual  assistance 
in  the  attainment  of  useful  knowledge."  It  numbered,  at  this  period, 
24  members;  and  its  library  contained  about  65  volumes.  In  May, 
1841,  the  Society  was  incorporated  under  the  name  of  "The  New 
Haven  Y^oung  Men's  Institute,"  after  an  arrangement  had  been  made 
with  a  library  association,  by  which  the  library  was  increased  to  3200 
volumes. 

From  1841  to  1851  the  average  annual  increase  was  about  200 
volumes;  and  in  the  latter  year,  the  library  contained  upwards  of  5000 
volumes  of  miscellaneous  books. 

In  July,  1856,  the  Institute  took  possession  of  an  appropriate  and 
convenient  building,  erected  for  its  use.  The  library  is  open  every  day 
on  which  business  is  usually  transacted,  from  8  to  12  A.M.,  and  from  2 
to  •">,  and  from  7  to  9  P.M. 

A  separate  apartment  has  been  fitted  up  as  a  Ladies'  Reading-Room. 

The  following  table  gives  interesting  statistics  relative  to  the  Insti 
tute  : 


CONNECTICUT. 


Year.   I 

?o.  of  Mer 

182G, 

8, 

1827, 

18, 

1828, 

24, 

1829, 

43, 

1830, 

SO, 

1831, 

52, 

1832, 

44, 

1833, 

52, 

1834, 

GO, 

1835, 

120, 

1836, 

131, 

1837, 

07, 

1838, 

100, 

183  9, 

124, 

Year.        No.  of  Members.        No.  of  Volume; 




1840, 



-LIU.  Ul  T  Ull 

480. 



1841, 

350, 

3200. 

05. 

1842, 

275, 

3530. 

130. 

1843, 

200, 

3050. 

140. 

1844, 



3048. 



1845, 

220, 



217. 

1840, 





225. 

1847, 

308, 

3534, 

333. 

1848, 

414, 

3731. 

352. 

1849, 

390, 

3731. 



1850, 

442, 

3731. 



1851, 

060, 

5000. 



1857, 

GOO, 

7769. 

445. 

NEW  LONDON. 

YOUXG  MEN'S  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1900  vols. 

Founded  Dec.  11,  1840.  Open  four  days  in  the  week,  from  12  to  1 
P.M.  Members  pay  SI  on  joining,  and  if  over  twenty-one  years  of  age, 
$3  per  annum ;  $2  if  under  that  age. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1851,  39  pp.  8vo. 

In  1850,  the  library  was  entirely  destroyed  by  fire.  The  Association 
has  been  laboring  under  embarrassments,  but  is  now  in  a  nourishing 
condition.  About  150  volumes  were  added  during  1856.  About  8200 
are  expended  for  books.  Between  1852  and  1857,  $1500  have  been 
expended  for  the  same  purpose.  2000  volumes  are  lent  annually. 


NORWICH. 

NORWICH  FREE  ACADEMY. 

Founded  1856.  Mrs.  Harriet  Peck  Williams  presented  $5000  to  the 
Academy  for  the  endowment  of  a  library,  the  income  of  which  is  to  be 
appropriated  annually  for  the  purchase  of  books,  preparing  a  room  at 
the  same  time  for  its  reception,  and  furnishing  a  large  number  of  valu 
able  works  for  immediate  use.  This  is  to  be  called  the  "  Peck  Library/' 
in  honor  of  the  father  of  Mrs.  Williams,  the  late  Captain  Bela  Peck. 
"A  living  perpetuating  memorial,  it  will  exist  with  freshness  long  after 


'11  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

monuments  of  marble  shall  have  crumbled,  or  shall  have  ceased  to  attract 
attention." 

OTIS  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     4800  vols. 

Founded  in  1850,  by  Joseph  Otis.  Any  citizen  of  Norwich  can 
have  the  use  of  the  library  by  paying  one  dollar  a  year.  It  is  open  four 
clays  and  evenings  every  week.  Mr.  Otis  expended  810,000  for  the 
building,  books,  etc.,  and  at  his  death  left  $7000,  the  interest  of  which 
is  appropriated  to  the  increase  of  the  library. 

Two  hundred  volumes  are  in  German.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in 
1853.  The  average  increase  lias  been  400  volumes  yearly.  The  annual 
cost  of  supporting  the  library  is  $600.  $400  are  expended  for  books. 
About  12  periodicals  are  taken. 


WEST  MERIDEN, 

STATE  REFORM  SCHOOL.     (1855.)     1000  vols. 

Founded  in  1854.  During  1854,  600  volumes  were  lent  to  70  persons. 
Its  support  is  derived  from  donations.  Nine  periodicals  are  taken  regu 
larly. 


DELAWARE. 


DOVER. 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1854.)     2800  vols. 

The  State  and  Law  libraries  contained  about  2800  volumes  in  1854. 
About  100  volumes  are  added  yearly. 


GEORGETOWN. 

ACADEMIC  RHETORICAL  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     225  vols. 

Incorporated  1854.     About  ten  dollars  have  been  spent  for  books, 
and  50  volumes  have  been  added  annually  to  the  library. 


DELAWARE.  23 

NEWARK, 

DELAWARE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     9000  vols. 

Founded  1833.  The  receipts  during  1854  were  8200.  Expended 
for  books  during  the  same  time,  $50;  binding,  850;  periodicals,  820; 
incidentals,  840.  The  faculty,  students,  and  those  to  whom  the  librarian 
grants  the  privilege,  have  the  use  of  the  library.  During  1854,  400 
volumes  were  lent  to  130  persons.  8000  volumes  are  in  English,  30  in 
French.  50  in  German,  25  in  Spanish,  10  in  other  modern  languages, 
400  in  Latin,  100  in  Greek.  A  catalogue  was  published  in  1843,  52 
pp.,  at  a  cost  of  850  for  500  copies. 

ADELPHIC  SOCIETY,  DELAWARE  COLLEGE.     (185G.) 
Has  a  well-selected  library. 

DELTA  PHI  LITERARY  SOCIETY,  DELAWARE  COLLEGE. 

(1857.)     10GO  vols. 

Founded  January,  1835.  This  Society  lends  its  books  to  members, 
and  citizens  of  Newark.  Its  library  is  open  once  a  week.  Historical 
books  are  most  called  for.  The  yearly  increase  of  volumes  varies  from 
25  to  150.  The  annual  expenses  are  about  8100. 

NEWCASTLE. 

ASHMUN  INSTITUTE. 

This  Institute  was  founded  for  the  instruction  of  persons  of  African 
descent.  It  has  suitable  buildings,  well  located,  and  able  instructors. 

NEWCASTLE  LIBRARY  COMPANY.     (1857.)     3800  vols. 

Founded  1812.  The  Company  is  governed  by  a  Board  of  Directors 
annually  elected  by  the  stockholders,  and  supported  by  the  income  of  a 
fund  of  82500,  and  by  annual  payments  of  82  by  stockholders;  and  83 
by  others.  The  price  of  a  share  is  820. 

The  receipts  during  1854  were  8200,  of  which  850  were  expended 
for  books,  810  for  periodicals,  830  salary  of  librarian,  and  810  inci 
dentals. 

The  library  is  open  one  hour,  on  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays.     1000 


24  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

volumes  were  taken  out  during  1854  by  25  families.  8300  were  ex 
pended  for  books  during  the  last  five  years.  A  catalogue  was  printed 
in  1840,  114  pp.  12ino.  About  50  volumes  are  added  yearly. 


WILMINGTON, 

LIBRARY  COMPANY  OF  WILMINGTON.     (1857.)     4500  vols. 

Incorporated  June  llth,  1788.  Average  annual  amount  expended 
for  books  since  1851  to  January  1st,  1857,  $162  41.  Average  annual 
number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library  to  January  1st,  1857,  157. 
Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers  from  November  1st, 
1856,  to  November  1st,  1857,  10,803  volumes.  Owing  to  increased 
facilities,  by  opening  the  library  every  day,  the  increase  in  three  years 
was  from  3000  to  10,803. 

WESLEYAN  FEMALE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     800  vols. 

Incorporated  1857.  Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books, 
since  1851,  8100.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the 
library,  150.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  800. 

The  "  IRIS/'  a  literary  society,  has  its  weekly  meetings,  a  reading-room, 
and  valuable  library  of  nearly  600  volumes. 


FLORIDA. 

JACKSONVILLE. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     30  vols. 
Organized  April  25th,  1857.     The  library  has  just  been  commenced. 

PENSACOLA. 

NAVAL  HOSPITAL.     (1850.)     1337  vols. 

Founded  January  16th,  1847.    The  library  has  been  raised  by  volun 
tary  subscriptions  of  the  inmates  of  the  hospital,  and  of  benevolent  indi- 


GEORGIA.  20 

viduals,  officers  of  the  navy,  &c.  Mr.  Secretary  Mason  directed  8150 
to  be  given  from  the  Naval  Hospital  Fund.  A  considerable  number  of 
donations  have  been  received.  The  library-room  is  in  the  hospital,  and 
measures  27  feet  by  24,  and  17  feet  high.  It  is  open  from  morning  to 
evening  every  day.  Any  inmate  of  the  hospital  may  take  out  one  book 
at  a  time.  The  library  is  the  property  of  the  hospital,  and  is  under  the 
direction  of  the  surgeon  in  charge. 

* 


ST.  AUGUSTINE. 

HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  OF  FLORIDA. 

Organized  1857,  for  the  purpose  of  collecting  and  preserving  books, 
pamphlets,  manuscripts,  maps,  relics,  and  other  materials  and  memorials 
connected  especially  with  the  history  of  Florida,  and  the  diffusion  of 
information  thus  obtained. 


TALLAHASSEE. 

STATE  LIBRARY  OF  FLORIDA.     (1857.)     6500  vols. 

Established  in  1845,  re-organized  in  1854.  The  average  annual 
number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library  is  about  500. 

This  is  not  a  circulating  library.  The  books  are  not  allowed  to  be 
taken  from  the  building.  It  is  merely  a  library  of  reference,  consist 
ing  of  Congressional  and  State  documents,  Law-books,  and  lieports,  for 
the  use  of  the  Judges.  No  appropriations  have  ever  been  made  by  the 
Legislature  of  this  State,  and  the  only  source  of  increase  is  by  private 
donations,  exchange  of  documents  with  other  States,  and  such  books  as 
can  be  obtained  by  exchange  of  Florida  documents. 


GEORGIA. 


ATHENS. 

UNIVERSITY  OF  GEORGIA,  OR  FRANKLIN  COLLEGE. 

(1857.)     13,000  vols. 

The  present  college  library  was  commenced  in  1831,  the  former  one 


26  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

having  been  destroyed  by  fire  in  October,  1830.  The  yearly  average 
increase  for  the  last  five  years  has  been  about  500  volumes.  The  income 
of  the  library  is  derived  from  appropriations  by  the  trustees  of  the  Col 
lege.  In  1835,  a  brick  building  was  erected  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  library  and  mineralogical  cabinet,  at  a  cost  of  83000.  It  is  50  feet 
long  and  40  wide,  measuring  from  the  outside  of  the  walls.  It  is  two 
stories  high,  with  two  rooms  on  each  floor.  The  books  are  arranged  ac 
cording  to  subjects.  The  trustees,  faculty,  resident,  and  under-graduates, 
are  allowed  the  free  use  of  the  books.  Under-graduatcs  are  required  to 
return  or  renew  them  every  two  weeks.  Literary  gentlemen  and  minis 
ters  of  the  Gospel,  in  the  place,  are,  on  the  responsibility  of  the  faculty, 
admitted  to  the  privileges  of  the  library.  The  trustees  and  faculty  alone 
are  allowed  to  take  books  out  of  the  town. 

In  the  libraries  belonging  to  the  societies,  there  are  5000  volumes, 
making,  in  all,  18,000  volumes  to  which  the  students  have  access. 

A  catalogue  was  published  in  1850,  146  pp.  8vo. ;  and  a  supplement 
in  1853,  32  pp.  Svo.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1855,  31  pp.  350 
copies  cost  $50. 

The  receipts  during  1856  were  850.  During  the  same  year,  8150 
were  expended  for  books,  810  for  binding,  812  for  periodicals.  The 
library  is  open  to  the  use  of  all  the  students,  one  hour,  two  days  in  the 
week.  During  1856,  500  volumes  were  lent  to  109  persons.  2646 
volumes  are  in  English,  12  French,  6  Spanish,  24  Latin,  8  Greek,  and 
1  Hebrew. 

The  PHI  KAPPA  Society  was  founded  in  1820,  and  possesses  a  library 
of  2300  volumes. 

The  DEMOSTHENIAN  Society  was  founded  in  1801;  the  library  of 
which  contains  2700  volumes. 


AUGUSTA. 

MEDICAL  COLLEGE  OF  GEORGIA.     (1857.)     3500  vols. 

Founded  1853.  The  average  yearly  increase  is  about  100  volumes. 
The  expenditure  for  books,  8100.  The  library  occupies  a  room  in  the 
College  building  25  feet  by  35,  and  is  opened  daily  during  the  forenoon. 
The  faculty  are  allowed  the  use  of  the  books  by  having  the  work  taken 
out  charged  to  the  borrower;  the  students,  by  depositing  810  as  security 
for  the  return  of  each  volume. 


GEORGIA.  27 

2500  volumes  are  in  English,  1000  in  French,  50  German,  30  Italian, 
60  Latin. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1855.)     3500  vols. 

Founded  27th  January,  1848.  It  is  supported  by  the  proceeds  of  a 
permanent  fund  of  $13,500  and  annual  subscriptions.  The  receipts 
during  1854  were  §1220,  and  in  the  same  time  8780  were  expended  for 
books,  881  27  for  binding,  $281  for  periodicals,  8300  for  salaries,  8450 
for  incidentals.  Life-members  are  constituted  by  the  payment  of  $50. 
Clerks,  apprentices,  and  members  of  the  free  schools,  pay  $1  a  year ;  all 
others  $5. 

The  library  is  open  daily  from  9  A.M.  to  9  P.M.  The  books  are 
arranged  in  the  order  of  purchase.  During  1854,  484  books  were  taken 
out  by  73  persons.  The  Reviews  are  more  read  than  any  other  class  of 
works,  then  fiction,  travels,  and  biography.  Sir  Walter  Scott  and  Charles 
Dickens  are  the  favorite  authors. 

The  objects  of  the  Association  are  : 

1.  To  furnish,  at  a  low  rate,  to  the  advanced  scholars  of  the  two  free 
schools,  and  to  clerks  and  apprentices  of  the  city,  works  of  standard 
authors. 

2.  To  acquire  and  furnish  to  the  community  standard  works  of  refer 
ence,  such  as  are  not  usually  found  in  private  libraries. 

3.  To  furnish  to  the  commercial  community  the  quickest  and  most 
reliable  intelligence,  from  such  points  as  most  affect  their  interests. 

The  reading-room  is  admirably  supplied  with  the  leading  foreign  and 
American  reviews  and  newspapers. 


CASSVILLE. 

CHEROKEE  BAPTIST  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     563  vols. 

"  Organized  1854.  Located  near  Cassville,  Cass  County,  Georgia, 
one  and  a  half  miles  from  the  Western  and  Atlantic  Railroad,  on  a  tract 
of  land  of  about  one  hundred  acres,  reserved  for  college  purposes.  This 
enterprise  was  commenced  in  1854,  and  the  funds  for  the  erection  of 
the  buildings,  &c.,  were  raised  by  the  liberality  of  the  friends  of  edu 
cation,  who  felt  a  pressing  necessity  for  such  an  institution  in  Cherokee, 


^O  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

Georgia,  where  young  men  could  obtain  an  education  nearer  home,  and 
at  less  expense  than  required  at  other  like  institutions;  and  where  edu 
cation  could  be  placed  more  especially  in  the  reach  of  our  poor  young 
men.  The  institution,  while  it  is  not  intended  or  designed  to  be  secta 
rian,  is  denominational,  and  is  under  the  control  of  the  f  Cherokee 
Georgia  Baptist  Convention.' ;; 

The  trustees  have  erected  a  commodious  three-story  brick  building 
in  a  beautiful  grove.  This  building,  besides  a  large  and  convenient 
chapel,  contains  seven  recitation-rooms,  a  room  for  library,  chemical  and 
philosophical  apparatus  each,  a  large  lecture-room,  and  also  two  rooms  for 
literary  societies  which  may  be  established  by  the  students. 

The  ALPHA  Pi  DELTA  Society  has  a  library  of  600  volumes. 


COLUMBUS. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION. 

Organized  on  the  18th  of  November,  1856.  It  has  seventy  members, 
July,  1857. 

"  The  meetings  occur  once  every  week,  but  for  a  different  object  each 
week  in  the  month.  The  first  week  is  a  prayer-meeting,  the  second  a 
debate,  the  third  a  meeting  for  business,  and  the  fourth  for  hearing  an 
essay  by  some  member.  Our  Sabbath-school,  of  fifty  scholars,  is  in  suc 
cessful  operation,  and  another  one  is  about  being  organized  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Association.  Our  friends  are  coming  up  to  our  assistance 
with  a  kind  spirit,  and  we  hope  soon  to  open  a  respectable  reading-room, 
and  purchase  a  choice  library.  A  class  for  the  study  of  the  Holy  Scrip 
tures  will  soon  go  into  operation,  under  the  kind  instruction  of  an  able 
minister.  We  meet  in  the  very  comfortable  rooms  of  the  Sons  of 
Temperance,  in  this  city,  being  unable  to  build  for  ourselves.  We  have 
public  lectures  once  each  month,  to  which  all  are  invited/' 


GRIFFIN. 

MARSHALL  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     50  vols. 
Organized  1853. 


GEORGIA.  29 

MACOtf. 

WESLEYAN  FEMALE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     1500  vols. 

Incorporated  in  November,  1837,  and  opened  for  students  in  January, 
1839.  The  library  occupies  a  room  in  the  College  edifice,  and  is  acces 
sible  at  all  hours  of  every  day.  The  use  of  the  books  is  free  to  the 
officers  and  pupils  of  the  school.  About  200  books  are  added  annually. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     800  vols. 

The  books  belonging  to  this  Association  formed  originally  the  Me 
chanics'  Library,  and  cost  81000.  Any  citizen  can  use  the  library  by 
paying  §1  per  annum. 

MILLEDGEVILLE. 

OGLETHORPE  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     4000  vols. 

The  College  library  was  founded  with  the  College,  in  1838.  It  con 
tains  about  4000  volumes,  mostly  donations,  and  occupies  a  large  and 
airy  room  in  the  College  edifice.  It  is  open  twice  a  week,  one  hour 
each  time.  The  laws  allow  the  books  being  lent,  within  a  mile  of  the 
College,  at  the  discretion  of  the  president.  Persons  connected  with  the 
College  may  use  them  without  fee.  The  two  literary  societies  (the  TIIA- 
LIAN  and  the  PHI  DELTA)  have  well-selected  libraries  of  1000  vols.  each. 

STATE  LIBRARY  OF  GEORGIA.     (1857.)     6000  vols. 

Founded  December  17th,  1847.  An  annual  appropriation  of  $1000 
is  made  for  the  library.  During  1854,  $2000  were  expended  for  books, 
$14  for  periodicals,  $300  for  salaries,  and  $50  for  incidentals.  In  1855, 
the  salary  of  the  librarian  was  increased  to  $500  a  year. 

Most  of  the  books  are  on  law,  but  about  300  are  of  a  miscellaneous 
character.  About  300  volumes  were  taken  out  during  the  year  1854. 
$5000  have  been  expended  for  books  during  the  last  five  years.  A  few 
of  the  leading  reviews  are  taken. 


30  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

OXFORD, 

EMORY  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2700  vols. 

Founded  in  1839.  The  library  contained,  1850,  1020  volumes,  in 
creasing  by  donations  alone.  It  occupies  20  feet  square  in  the  College 
building.  There  is  no  printed  catalogue.  It  is  open  four  days  each 
week,  half  an  hour  at  a  time.  Professors  and  students  are  allowed  to 
use  the  books  without  charge.  About  250  volumes  are  taken  out  each 
year.  There  are  two  societies  of  students  having  libraries.  The  FEW 
SOCIETY  has  725  volumes;  the  PHI  GAMMA  SOCIETY,  960  volumes. 


PENFIELD. 

MERCER  UNIVERSITY.     (185G.)     3000  vols. 

The  library  was  commenced  when  the  College  was  chartered,  in  1838. 
The  available  funds  of  the  College  have  hitherto  been  devoted  mainly 
to  the  purchase  of  apparatus  and  the  erection  of  buildings,  whilst  the 
library  has  remained  nearly  stationary. 

In  the  year  1829,  Mr.  Josiah  Pcnficld,  of  Savannah,  bequeathed  to 
the  l>aptist  Convention  of  the  State  of  Georgia,  $'2500,  to  aid  in  the 
education  of  poor  young  men  preparing  for  the  Gospel  ministry.  Other 
funds  were  obtained  for  the  same  object;  and  in  January,  1833,  a  Lite 
rary  and  Theological  Institution,  with  a  department  for  manual  labor, 
was  established.  In  its  progress,  the  character  of  the  institution  be 
came  elevated,  and,  in  1838,  it  received  a  charter  from  the  Legislature, 
with  the  title  of  Mercer  University.  In  1844,  the  manual  labor  was 
discontinued,  and  the  present  course  of  Theological  instruction  was  com 
menced. 

The  Philosophical  and  Chemical  Apparatus  cost  $2500.  The  Cabinet 
of  Minerals,  and  the  Museum  of  Curiosities,  contain  valuable  specimens. 

Two  Literary  Societies,  connected  with  the  University,  have  valuable 
libraries. 

Besides  its  valuable  buildings,  the  University  possesses  the  following 
funds  : 

University  Fund, §81,024 

Ccntr.il  Professorship  Fund, 18,400 

Mercer  Theological  Fund, a  1,4 02 

New  Theological  Fund, 450 

Total, 


GEORGIA.  31 

SAVANNAH, 
HISTORICAL  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     4000  vols. 

Founded  in  June,  1839,  and  incorporated  on  the  19th  of  December 
of  the  same  year.  It  has  published  several  volumes  of  Collections. 
The  Legislature  confided  to  the  care  of  the  Society  the  valuable  docu 
ments  obtained  in  England  by  the  Ilev.  Charles  W.  Howard,  at  a  large 
expense  to  the  State.  "These  are  comprised  in  22  volumes  folio. 
Fifteen  are  from  the  records  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  six  from  the  State 
Paper  Office,  and  one  from  the  King's  Library;  forming  a  body  of  his 
torical  information  full  of  the  most  interesting  statements,  letters,  and 
reports  relating  to  the  colonial  period  of  Georgia." 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  about  $100. 
Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  about  50. 
Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  about  200. 

"  This  province  (Georgia)  was  scarce  thirty  years  settled  before  it  had 
three  fine  libraries  in  the  city  of  Savannah,  the  fourth  at  Ebenezer,  and 
a  fifth  96|  miles  from  the  sea,  upon  the  stream  of  Savannah.  In  these 
libraries  could  be  had  books  written  in  the  Chaldaic,  Hebrew,  Arabic, 
Syriac,  Coptic,  Malabar,  Greek,  Latin,  French,  German,  Dutch,  and 
Spanish,  besides  the  English,  viz.,  in  thirteen  languages/7 — (De  Bralirti1  s 
Georgia,  privately  printed  by  G.  W.  Jones,  of  Georgia,  in  1849,  from 
an  old  MS.  in  Harvard  University  Library.) 


SAVANNAH  MEDICAL  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     807  vols. 

Founded  1853.  "It  has  a  commodious  building,  unusually  well  de 
signed  and  constructed  for  its  purposes,  contains  all  the  necessary  lec 
ture-rooms,  museum,  library,  laboratory,  and  dissecting-rooms,  and  all 
the  accommodations  for  300  students. 

"  It  is  furnished  with  all  the  requisite  apparatus  and  means  of  illus 
trating  the  various  subjects  taught  by  the  different  professors.  The 
charter  of  the  College  is  most  ample  in  its  provisions,  and  will  confer 
on  its  graduates  every  privilege  which  any  other  institution  is  capable 
of  granting/' 


32  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


SAVANNAH  YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION. 

(1857.)     800  vols. 

Organized  January,  1855.     875  have  been  expended  for  books.     Ave 
rage  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  100. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  LITERARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     431  vols. 

Founded  October,  1855.  Up  to  1857,  8350  had  been  expended  for 
books.  The  library  was  destroyed  by  fire  soon  after  it  was  formed,  and 
150  volumes  lost. 


ILLINOIS. 

ALTON, 

ALTON  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1000  vols. 

Founded  December  18th,  1852.  The  value  of  each  share  of  stock 
is  85,  on  which  an  annual  tax  is  laid  of  81.  The  library  is  open  every 
Saturday  afternoon.  Very  strict  regulations  are  adopted  to  prevent 
those  from  using  the  library  who  may  be  in  arrears.  Receipts  during 
1854,  8400;  expenditures,  8409.  In  1853,  there  were  309  books 
taken  out;  in  1854,  803;  in  1855,913;  in  1856, 1309,  by  374  persons. 
A  course  of  Scientific  Lectures  is  given  every  year. 

The  librarian's  salary  is  852  per  annum.  8700  were  expended  for 
books  during  the  last  five  years. 

ILLINOIS  PENITENTIARY. 

Fifty  dollars  are  appropriated  annually  for  the  purchase  of  books. 
li  There  ought  to  be  at  least  five  hundred  dollars  appropriated,  at  once,  for 
the  purchase  of  books  for  the  use  of  the  prison,  in  addition  to  the  fifty 
dollars  per  annum  now  so  applied.  Most  of  the  standard  works  of  History, 
Travels,  and  Biography,  and  many  of  the  abridged  metaphysical  works, 
ought  to  be  in  the  prison.  For  these,  there  is  more  demand  than  for  reli- 


ILLINOIS.  33 

clous  literature.  Sucli  books  would  be  sought,  and  read  with  intense  in 
terest,  and  therefore  ought  to  be  supplied.  No  great  improvement  in 
morals  can  be  expected  without  intellectual  enlargement,  and  hence  I 
would  earnestly  recommend  that  more  care  be  taken  to  furnish  <  whole 
some  food  for  thought/  " — Chaplain'' s  Report. 


BELLEVILLE. 

GERMAN  LIBRARY,  OF  ST.  CLAIR  CO.     (1855.)     2066  vols. 

Founded  1836.  It  is  supported  by  an  annual  contribution  of  $2  from 
each  member,  and  an  initiatory  fee  of  $3  from  new  members.  The 
receipts  during  1854  were  8100;  and  about  $90  were  expended  for 
books.  Any  person  can  borrow  books  by  paying  five  cents  a  week  per 
volume.  During  1854,  412  volumes  were  lent  to  35  persons.  Of  the 
volumes  in  the  library,  647  are  in  English,  81  in  French,  1  Spanish,  35 
Latin,  5  Greek,  and  1297  in  German.  A  catalogue  of  24  pp.  8vo.  was 
printed  in  February,  1854.  A  number  of  foreign  and  American  papers 
are  taken. 

Mr.  Anthony  Schott,  President,  has  given  the  following  interesting 
account  of  the  library,  founded  and  sustained  by  the  intelligent  and 
educated  German  settlers  in  St.  Clair  County : 

"  About  the  year  1830,  the  wave  of  immigration  from  Germany 
reached  the  Mississippi  River,  and  but  shortly  afterwards  it  was  swelled 
to  an  unprecedented  height  by  political  causes  on  the  old  continent. 
The  consequences  and  reactions  of  the  French  Revolution  of  that  year, 
in  and  on  Germany,  caused  a  great  number  of  persons  to  despond  of 
any  meliorations  in  the  state  affairs  of  Germany,  and  to  seek  for  an 
asylum  from  the  renewed  and  increased  oppressions  in  their  fatherland. 
Those  who  wended  their  way  to  America,  were  in  great  numbers  from 
the  professional  classes,  and  mostly  men  in  the  prime  of  their  lives,  who, 
with  youthful  ardor,  had  entered  into  the  political  arena,  and  many  of 
whom  had  been  more  or  less  implicated  in  the  efforts  fruitlessly  made  to 
obtain  the  liberty  of  the  press,  and  more  liberal  constitutions.  Upon 
them  the  following  book  exerted  an  immense  influence:  'Duden's  Ac 
count  of  a  Residence  in  the  Western  States  of  North  America'  (first 
edition  :  Ebberficld,  1829).  It  was  written  in  an  earnest  and  philoso 
phical  manner,  in  a  style,  as  it  were,  expressly  adapted  to  the  well-edu 
cated  classes.  To  that  book,  it  may  safely  be  ascribed,  that  etweenb 

3 


34  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

1830  and  1840  so  large  a  number  of  German  immigrants  settled  in  the 
counties  of  St.  Louis,  St.  Charles,  Washington,  and  Franklin,  in  Missouri; 
and  of  St.  Clair,  in  Illinois.  Thus,  in  1836,  we  found  some  5000  to 
6000  volumes  of  books  in  the  possession  of  new  settlers  in  St.  Clair 
County,  111.,  who  lived  not  very  far  apart  and  mostly  in  social  inter 
course.  It  was,  therefore,  practicable  to  provide  for  a  common  centre, 
in  which  these  books,  if  not  immediately,  yet  in  the  future,  might  be 
collected,  instead  of  being  scattered  and  lost.  The  impulse  was  given 
by  Sparks's  Writings  of  Washington,  offered  by  a  trading  agent  and 
desired  by  many,  but  too  expensive  for  any  one  alone.  This  book  was 
fitly  made  the  corner-stone  of  a  common  library,  to  be  built  up  by  a  very 
small  annual  contribution  (82),  by  donations  (and  of  course  they  were 
very  often  books  discarded  from  the  shelves  of  the  donors  for  their  worth- 
lessness  to  them ;  though  I  have  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  many  of 
them  used  to  good  purpose,  which  I  never  had  expected  to  take  down 
again),  and  eventually  by  legacies." 


CARBONDALE, 

June  9th,  1857,  a  library  association  was  organized,  for  the  purpose  of 
furnishing  good,  moral,  and  religious  works  to  the  reading  community. 


CHICAGO. 

BELL'S  COMMERCIAL  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2000  vols. 

Founded  January,  1854.  The  students  of  the  College,  and  donors 
who  are  life-members,  have  the  gratuitous  use  of  the  library.  It  is 
open  every  evening  from  7  to  9  o'clock.  The  books  are  arranged  in 
numerical  order. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  §300.  Ave 
rage  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  200.  During  the 
course  of  a  year  all  the  volumes  are  read. 


CHICAGO  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     16,473  vols.,  including 

Pamphlets. 

Organized  April  24,   1856.     Chartered  February  7,   1857.     Since 
1856,  $348  have  been  expended  for  books. 


ILLINOIS.  35 

CHICAGO  MECHANICS'  INSTITUTE.     (1856.)     4000  vols. 

Incorporated  in  February,  1843.  The  library  has  been  judiciously 
divided  into  departments  of  circulation  and  reference.  The  former  is 
made  up  of  history,  biography,  tracts,  and  light  reading  in  general. 
The  library  of  reference  is  already  a  valuable  collection,  and  it  is  de 
signed  to  make  it  a  great  storehouse  of  facts,  of  national,  political,  and 
social  interest,  particularly  in  relation  to  the  Northwest. 

The  Institute  has  600  members,  but  efforts  are  now  being  made  to 
increase  this  number,  and  to  enlarge  its  field  of  operations. 

Members  of  the  Institute,  their  families,  and  apprentices,  use  the 
library  without  charge.  Other  citizens  pay  §3  per  annum,  apprentices, 
SI.  About  2000  volumes  are  lent  yearly.  A  catalogue  was  published 
in  1843,  and  another  in  1847. 

CHICAGO  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.     (1857.)     710  vols. 

Chartered  March  6,  1855.  This  Seminary  has  been  organized  by  the 
Congregational  churches  in  Illinois,  Indiana,  Iowa,  Michigan,  Wisconsin, 
Missouri,  and  Minnesota,  and  is  under  the  charge  of  a  board  of  directors 
elected  by  a  triennial  convention  of  these  churches.  Each  of  the  pro 
fessors,  previous  to  his  inauguration,  must  promise  adherence  to  a 
"Declaration  of  Faith."  During  1855,  funds  amounting  to  670,000 
were  raised,  and  the  effort  will  be  made  to  increase  it  to  §200,000 ;  of 
this  amount,  $00,000  is  to  be  vested  in  a  permanent  fund  for  the  sup 
port  of  the  professors,  $60,000  to  be  expended  for  the  building,  and 
$80,000  for  the  purchase  of  a  library.  The  students  spend  seven 
months  of  each  of  the  three  years  of  the  course  at  the  Seminary,  pur 
suing  their  studies;  and  four  months  with  pastors  of  churches,  engaging 
with  them  in  the  practical  performance  of  the  duties  of  the  clerical  pro 
fession.  This  is  considered  a  feature  peculiar  to  this  institution. 

During  the  past  two  years  $850  were  expended  for  books.  655  volumes 
are  in  English,  46  Latin,  5  Greek,  4  Hebrew. 


EXCELSIOR  SOCIETY.     (1851.)     2250  vols. 

Founded  June  26,  1846.  The  average  yearly  increase  of  volumes  is 
462.  A  partial  catalogue  was  printed  in  1851.  The  library  is  open 
once  a  week,  and  no  charge  is  made  for  the  use  of  the  books. 


36  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

YOUXG  MEN'S  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     4000  vols. 

Organized  February  6, 1841.  Incorporated  January  30, 1851.  During 
the  first  ten  years  of  its  existence,  it  was  sustained  by  the  voluntary  contri 
butions  and  efforts  of  its  members.  At  the  outset  the  library  contained 
100  volumes.  In  1855  it  had  2540,  and  was  the  largest  in  the  city. 
During  1855,  688  volumes  were  added  to  the  library,  and  $1000  appro 
priated  for  books,  although  $800  had  not  been  expended.  The  num 
ber  of  books  drawn  during  1855  was  3966,  by  500  'members.  In  1856; 
10,200,  by  500  persons. 

A  classified  catalogue  of  the  library  was  printed  in  1855,  at  an  ex 
pense  of  8325  for  a  thousand  copies.  Eight  reviews,  ten  magazines, 
and  sixty-eight  newspapers  are  taken.  About  1000  volumes  are  added 
annually,  and  the  expenses  amount  to  82200.  During  the  last  five 
years  83000  have  been  expended  for  books. 

EVANSTON. 

NORTHWESTERN  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     2030  vols. 

The  first  purchase  of  books  for  this  library  was  in  1857.  81000  will 
be  appropriated  per  annum  for  this  purpose. 

Students  pay  81  50  per  annum  for  the  use  of  the  library.  It  is  open 
three  hours  every  Saturday.  1916  volumes  are  in  English,  41  French, 
1  German,  22  Latin,  20  Greek. 

Fourteen  periodicals  are  taken. 


GALESBURG, 

KNOX  COLLEGE.     (1856.)     2500  vols. 

Chartered  1837.  The  academic  department  was  opened  in  the  fall  of 
INO"*.  with  forty  students.  The  library  was  founded  in  1844. 

Two  commodious  buildings  have  been  erected,  which  furnish  ample 
accommodations  for  college  students,  as  well  as  rooms  for  the  library, 
philosophical  and  chemical  apparatus,  lecture  and  recitation  rooms,  and 
also  rooms  for  the  use  of  the  literary  societies.  There  is  also  an  academy 
building,  a  neat  and  substantial  brick  edifice,  fifty  feet  by  thirty-six,  two 
stories.  The  upper  story  is  appropriated  to  the  female  department. 


ILLINOIS.  37 

ADELPHI  SOCIETY,  KNOX  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     401  vols. 

Founded  January,  1845.  The  library  is  open  to  the  use  of  the  stu 
dents  on  two  days  in  the  week.  The  librarian  states  that  all  kinds  of 
books  are  called  for  "  excepting  theology."  The  Society  publishes  a 
monthly  magazine  called  "  The  Knoxiana." 

About  860  are  annually  expended  for  books. 

GODFREY. 

MOXTTCELLO  FEMALE  SEMINARY.     (1850.)     1100  vols. 

Founded  April  11,  1838.  Situated  four  miles  from  Alton.  It  has  a 
large  and  commodious  building,  well  provided  with  the  facilities  fur  in 
struction. 

HILLSBORO. 

HILLSBORO  COLLEGE. 
"The  library  is  respectable,  as  is  also  the  cabinet  of  natural  science." 


JACKSONVILLE, 

ILLINOIS  COLLEGE.     (1856.)     3000  vols. 

Founded  1830.  The  students  pay  §1  a  year  for  the  use  of  the  library, 
and  have  access  to  it  twice  a  week. 

This  institution  was  originally  founded  as  a  manual  labor  college,  but 
this  was  soon  abandoned.  The  buildings  were  consumed  by  fire  in  1852. 
An  interesting  history  of  this  College  was  given  to  the  alumni  by  Dr. 
Sturtevant,  at  its  "quarter  century  celebration,"  July  11,  1855. 

The  society  libraries  have  1500  volumes. 

STATE  HOSPITAL  FOR  THE  INSANE. 

"  A  donation  of  books  from  the  ever-constant  friend  of  the  insane, 
Miss  D.  L.  Dix,  whose  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  afflicted  are  becoming 
almost  conterminous  with  civilization/'  has  formed  the  nucleus  of  a 
library. 

About  forty-four  periodicals  are  received  regularly. 


38  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

LEBANON. 

McKENDREE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     5000  vols. 


Founded  1820.  The  average  increase  is  about  100  volumes  a  year, 
mostly  donations.  About  400  volumes  are  taken  out  annually.  $100 
are  expended  annually  for  books.  The  PLATONIAN  Society,  formed  in 
1849,  has  (1851)  160  volumes. 

800  volumes  were  lent  during  1854,  to  GO  persons.  The  fee  to  stu 
dents  for  the  use  of  the  library  is  75  cents  a  year.  It  is  open  on  Satur 
day  afternoons.  12  volumes  are  in  French,  40  German,  100  Latin,  50 
Greek,  10  Hebrew,  and  the  remainder  in  English. 

Twenty-one  periodicals  are  taken. 


PHILOSOPHIAN  SOCIETY,  McKENDREE  COLLEGE.     (1857.) 

2000  vols. 

Founded  January  10,  1837.  Members  of  the  society  and  any  person 
presenting  it  with  $8  worth  of  books  can  use  the  library.  The  books  are 
arranged  by  size.  870  volumes  were  lent  during  185G.  1450  volumes 
are  in  English,  5  French,  15  German,  3  Spanish,  12  Latin,  2  Greek. 
About  348  volumes  are  added  yearly.  850  have  been  expended  for  books 
in  the  last  five  years. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  February,  1850.     500  copies  cost  825. 

Ten  periodicals  are  taken. 


PEORIA. 

PEORIA  CITY  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     2900  vols. 

Organized  January,  1856.  Incorporated  1857.  There  has  only  been 
one  purchase  of  books,  amounting  to  $1000.  The  average  number  of 
volumes  lent  to  readers  is  2800  annually. 

QUINCY. 

QUINCY  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     2172  vols. 
Organized  March  20,  1841.     Incorporated  February  4.     At  the  first 


ILLINOIS.  39 

meeting  64  shares  were  sold  at  $5  each,  and  the  amount  thus  raised 
was  invested.  The  first  president  was  E.  J.  Phillips. 

The  circulation  of  the  books  was  at  first  confined  to  the  stockholders. 
who  were  allowed  to  draw  two  books  every  fortnight,  and  it  was  supposed 
that  the  number  would  increase  sufficiently  to  support  the  library.  This 
did  not  prove  to  be  the  case,  and,  in  1848,  the  public  generally  were 
allowed  to  use  the  library  on  the  payment  of  $2  a  year. 

The  library  is  open  on  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Saturday  evenings, 
from  7  to  9  P.M.,  and  on  Saturday  afternoon  from  2  to  5  P.M. 

During  1855,  3200  volumes  were  lent  to  44  persons.  Three-fourths 
of  these  were  novels,  travels,  and  adventures.  During  1856,  6000 
volumes  were  lent. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1848,  at  a  cost  of  $30. 

A  course  of  lectures  was  given  in  1855-6,  the  net  proceeds  of  which 
were  $120,  and  a  course  in  1856-7  yielded  $110.  It  is  the  intention  to 
add  a  reading-room  as  soon  as  there  is  a  prospect  of  its  being  supported. 

About  130  volumes  are  added  yearly.  $450  were  expended  for  books 
during  the  last  five  years. 

The  library  is  valued  at  $2838  52. 

The  receipts  during  1856  were  $428  52,  and  expenditures  $356  43. 


ROBIN'S  NEST. 

JUBILEE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     3200  vols. 

Organized  1841.  Incorporated  1848.  Average  annual  number  of 
volumes  added  to  the  library,  65.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes 
lent  to  readers,  300. 

SPRINGFIELD. 

ILLINOIS  INSTITUTION  FOR  THE  EDUCATION  OF  THE  BLIND. 

"  MTe  have  been  enabled  to  procure  at  least  one  copy  of  all  books 
printed  for  the  blind,  in  this  country.  We  now  have  a  fine  library  for 
the  blind,  which  furnishes  an  agreeable  and  useful  source  of  amusement 
and  instruction.  On  the  Sabbath,  and  at  other  times,  our  school-rooms 
are  often  occupied  by  our  pupils  industriously  employed  in  reading  the 
Scriptures,  and  other  valuable  works  from  the  library,  understandingly, 
though  slowly. 


40  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

"  To  devise  a  form  of  letter  and  method  of  printing,  which  should 
diminish  the  difficulties  incident  to  reading  by  the  touch,  has  exercised 
the  ingenuity  of  many  teachers  of  the  blind,  since  the  time  of  the  Abbe 
Hauy.  These  various  attempts  to  improve  have  had  the  effect  to  mul 
tiply  the  form  of  the  letters,  and  cause  a  trial  of  abbreviations  in  spell 
ing.  The  result  has  been,  that  the  New  Testament  and  some  other 
works  have  been  printed,  at  great  expense,  in  several  styles  of  typo 
graphy. 

"To  agree  upon  a  uniform  character,  and  for  other  purposes,  a  conven 
tion  of  superintendents  of  American  institutions  for  the  blind,  was  held 
in  New  York,  in  the  vacation  of  1853.  Fourteen  institutions  were 
represented ;  being  all  in  the  United  States  but  two,  and  it  was  unani 
mously  resolved  to  recommend  the  typography  of  Dr.  Howe  for  general 
adoption. 

"  In  the  great  exhibition  in  London  of  the  industry  of  all  nations,  the 
report  of  the  jury  upon  books  for  the  blind,  contains  the  following  re 
mark,  and  we  hope  the  conductors  of  institutions  will  cheerfully  assent 
to  its  conclusions : 

"  '  In  France,  Belgium,  Prussia,  Austria,  Switzerland,  and  the  United 
States,  the  roman  lower  case  alphabet  is  used.  In  most,  if  not  all  these 
countries,  the  institutions  for  the  blind  are  supported  and  partially  con 
trolled  by  government,  and  perhaps  this  is  the  reason  why  in  all  of  them, 
nearly  the  same  system  of  typography  prevails. 

"  (  In  Great  Britain,  however,  the  case  is  different.  There  are  now  five 
entirely  different  systems  of  typography  in  use  here,  and  vigorously 
pressed  upon  the  benevolent  public. 

"  l  The  unfortunate  blind  are  thus  deprived  of  the  advantages  they 
might  have,  if  harmony  of  action  and  uniformity  of  typography  were 
adopted.  This  diversity  of  opinion  is  causing  great  injustice  to  them, 
and  the  jury  cannot  but  urge  upon  the  parties  concerned  the  speedy 
adoption  of  some  one  system  throughout  the  country.  Our  opinion  is 
decidedly  in  favor  of  Dr.  Howe's  American  typography/ 

"  From  the  concurring  action  of  this  jury  and  of  the  superintendents 
of  American  institutions,  we  have  much  reason  to  hope  a  uniform  typo 
graphy  will  be  adopted  by  all  presses  printing  for  the  blind,  wherever 
the  English  language  is  spoken.  This  will  greatly  tend  to  enlarge  the 
library  for  the  blind."— From  Fourth  Report,  1857. 


ILLINOIS.  41 


ILLINOIS  INSTITUTION  FOR  THE  EDUCATION  OF  THE  DEAF 

AND  DUMB. 


Twenty-one  periodicals  are  received. 


ILLINOIS  STATE  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     1000  vols. 

Commenced  operations  April,  1852.  The  building  is  70  feet  by  65, 
four  stories  in  height.  The  wjiole  edifice  will  present  a  front  of  152 
feet,  the  cost  of  which  is  estimated  at  $35,000. 

The  UTILIOR  and  PHILOMATHEAN  Societies  have  libraries  of  100 
volumes  each. 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1850.)     4000  vols. 

By  Act  of  the  Legislature,  March  3,  1845,  the  Secretary  of  State  is 
made  librarian,  and  responsible  for  all  the  books,  papers,  maps,  &c.,  be 
longing  to  the  State. 

Books  may  be  taken  from  the  State  library  by  the  members  of  the 
General  Assembly  and  its  officers,  by  the  governor,  executive  officers, 
justices  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  attorney-general.  No  one  is  per 
mitted  to  take  more  than  two  volumes  of  miscellaneous  works  at  any  one 
time,  and  they  must  be  returned  within  two  weeks.  If  not  returned 
within  the  time,  three  times  the  value  of  the  book  is  forfeited ;  and 
before  the  auditor  can  issue  his  warrant  in  favor  of  any  member  or 
officer  of  the  General  Assembly,  for  his  services  during  a  session,  he 
must  be  satisfied  that  all  books  have  been  returned  by  him  to  the 
library. 

An  annual  return  of  all  the  books  must  be  made  before  the  second 
Monday  of  each  regular  session  of  the  Legislature,  and  a  report  furnished 
of  the  condition  of  the  library. 

The  proceeds  of  the  sales  of  surplus  copies  of  the  laws  of  the  State, 
are  appropriated  for  the  benefit  of  the  library. 

During  1855  and  1856,  $500  were  appropriated  for  books;  and  the 
librarian  reports,  at  every  session,  the  number  and  titles  of  volumes  pur 
chased,  and  their  cost. 


42  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

UPPER  ALTON, 

SHURTLEFF  COLLEGE.     (1855.)     2000  vols. 

The  College  and  Society  libraries  contain  about  2000  volumes,  em 
bracing  quite  a  number  of  standard  works  and  books  of  reference, 
important  to  the  student  in  his  studies,  as  well  as  an  entertaining  variety 
of  general  reading,  on  subjects  of  useful  knowledge. 

The  reading-room  has  25  weeklies,  10  monthlies,  and  5  quarterlies. 

The  students  have  established  among  themselves  two  Societies.  The 
ALPHA  ZETA,  and  the  SOCIETY  or  MORAL  AND  RELIGIOUS  INQUIRY. 
The  latter  meets  once  in  two  weeks,  alternately,  for  discussion  of  some 
question  of  religious  interest,  and  for  hearing  reports,  prepared  by  its 
members,  on  the  moral  and  religious  condition  of  the  world.  It  contri 
butes  a  number  of  religious  journals  and  periodicals  to  the  reading-room. 

Both  Societies  have  made  considerable  progress  in  collecting  libraries. 

ALPHA  ZETA  SOCIETY,  SHURTLEFF  COLLEGE.    (1857.)    250  vols. 

Founded  1848.  The  Alpha  Zeta  Society  is  literary  in  its  character, 
designed  for  the  improvement  of  its  members  in  public  speaking,  com 
position,  and  general  information.  It  holds  meetings  weekly  for  exer 
cises  in  essays,  orations,  debates,  and  criticisms.  It  has  a  spacious  hall, 
fitted  up  and  furnished  with  good  taste,  in  the  fourth  story  of  the  new 
College  edifice.  It  has  also  a  reading-room,  supplied  with  a  rich  variety 
of  periodicals,  religious,  literary,  and  political,  weekly,  monthly,  and 
quarterly,  from  all  parts  of  our  country,  and  reprints  of  several  European 
quarterlies.  About  50  volumes  are  added  yearly. 

WARSAW. 

HANCOCK  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     149  vols. 

Organized  September  2d,  1857.  One  hundred  dollars  worth  of  books 
has  just  been  purchased.. 


INDIANA.  43 

WHEATON, 

ILLINOIS  INSTITUTE. 

"Three  railroad  lines  pass  through  the  town  of  Wheaton, — the  Chi 
cago  and  Galena  Union,  the  Chicago,  Burlington,  and  Quincy,  and  the 
Illinois  Central.  It  is  25  miles  west  of  Chicago.  The  grounds  of  the 
Institute  inclose  17  acres  of  land.  One  large  stone  edifice  and  a  commo 
dious  boarding-hall  comprise  the  present  buildings.  As  the  means  are 
furnished,  additional  buildings  will  be  erected.  A  fund  of  65000  is  now 
subscribed  for  purchasing  apparatus.  Of  this  81000  have  been  paid  in 
and  expended.  The  articles  now  in  the  rooms  of  the  Institute  are  of 
the  best  class.  No  distinction  is  made  in  the  reception  of  students  on 
account  of  ancestry  or  color." 


INDIANA. 


BLOOMINGTON, 

INDIANA  STATE  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     1080  vols. 

Founded  1816.  In  the  spring  of  1854,  the  University  buildings 
were  destroyed  by  n're,  with  the  College  library  and  those  of  the  PHILO- 
MATIIEAN  and  ATIIENEAN  Societies.  These  contained  5000  volumes. 

In  the  College  Societies  there  are,  respectively,  belonging  to  the  PIII- 
LOMATIIEAN,  400  volumes,  and  to  the  ATIIENEAN,  392  volumes. 

"  The  new  University  building  is  in  the  Collegiate  Gothic  style,  sim 
ply  and  truly  carried  out  •  the  exterior  of  closely  set  brickwork,  the 
openings  of  doors  and  windows  on  the  principal  front  having  cut  stone 
dressings;  the  quoins  and  gable  copings,  string  and  base  courses  of  same 
material  (a  beautiful  cream-colored  limestone,  found  in  great  abundance 
on  the  ground).  The  length  of  front  is  145  feet.  The  building  con 
sists  of  a  centre  main  building,  60  by  53  feet,  and  three  stories  high, 
gabled,  and  surmounted  by  a  bell-turret  at  about  80  feet  high.  The 
chapel,  66  by  50  feet,  society-rooms,  committee-rooms,  and  professors' 
room,  main  hall,  and  passages  of  communication  to  the  wings,  are  in  the 
centre  building. 


44  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

"The  wings  arc  each  about  38  by  2G  feet,  also  three  stories  high,  but 
lower  than  the  centre,  with  intermediate  spaces  or  side  halls,  in  which 
are  placed  stairs  (to  approach  the  chapel  from  either  side)  j  the  library, 
museum,  recitation-rooms,  law  lecture-room,  law  library,  president's 
rooms,  &c.,  are  in  the  wings.  Under  one  wing,  where  the  ground  falls 
considerably,  a  laboratory  may  be  had,  or  it  may  be  used  as  a  hot-air 
room,  fuel,  stores,  &c. 

"An  addition  of  over  800  volumes  (worth  81500),  has  been  made  to 
the  University  Library  during  the  year,  by  a  munificent  donation  from 
II.  W.  Derby,  Esq.,  of  Cincinnati,  the  great  book  publisher  of  the 
^Yest.  The  faculty  have  taken  great  care  in  the  selection  of  these 
books  from  Mr.  Derby's  very  large  assortment  of  both  European  and 
American  publications;  so  that  this  donation  alone,  will  constitute  a 
most  valuable  collection  of  standard  works.  An  alcove  is  being  fitted 
up,  in  the  new  library-room, for  their  reception;  where  they  will  remain 
as  an  enduring  and  ever-speaking  monument,  to  the  memory  of  the 
generous  and  liberal  donor,  who  is  entitled  to  and  will  receive  the  warm 
est  gratitude  of  all  the  friends  of  the  University." 


CENTREVILLE, 

SIGOURXIAN  SOCIETY,  OF  WHITE  WATER  COLLEGE.     (185G.) 
This  Society  is  reported  to  have  "a  handsome  library  of  select  books." 

CRAWFORDSVILLE. 

WABASH  COLLEGE.     (1855.)     4000  vols. 

Established  in  1833.  The  library  was  commenced  in  1835,  and  de 
stroyed  by  fire  in  1838.  It  was  a  choice  collection  of  about  2000  vo 
lumes,  exclusive  of  the  text-book  library.  A  new  collection  was  begun 
in  1839. 

During  1854,  $460  were  received,  and  S350  expended  for  books,  $25 
for  binding,  825  for  periodicals,  and  $00  for  incidentals.  The  library 
is  open  once  a  week,  and  is  accessible  to  all  persons  connected  with  the 
College.  Twenty-six  periodicals  are  taken. 

CALLIOPEAN  SOCIETY,  WABASH  COLLEGE.    (1857.)     1753  vols. 
Founded  December  10th,  1847.    During  1<V5G;  3900  volumes  were  lent 


INDIANA.  45 

to  90  persons.  1745  volumes  are  in  English,  3  French,  3  Latin,  2  Greek. 
A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1856,  32  pp.,  at  a  cost  of  $50  for  500 
copies. 

LYCEUM  SOCIETY,  WABASH  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     1G38  vols. 

Organized  in  December,  1847.  Previous  to  this  period  there  were 
four  societies  connected  with  the  College,  two  literary  and  two  secret, 
the  Euphonian  and  Columbian,  the  Phi  Beta  Kappa  and  the  Atalantian; 
but,  contentions  arising  between  these,  threatening  to  destroy  their  har 
mony,  it  was  thought  best  to  dissolve  their  organization,  and  to  establish 
from  the  same  materials  two  new  societies,  exclusively  literary.  These 
were  styled  the  A  and  Z,  till  a  permanent  organization  was  effected, 
when  the  A,  a  new  constitution  having  been  drafted  and  adopted, 
selected  the  name  of  the  "Lyceum/1  with  the  motto,  "Inter  silvas  aca- 
demi  quserere  verum;"  and  the  Z  the  name  of  "  Calliopean." 

Eight  hundred  dollars  have  been  expended  for  books  during  the  last 
five  years,  and  about  100  volumes  are  added  yearly.  Prof.  Mills  lately 
made  a  donation  of  103  volumes  to  the  library.  Open  Saturday-morning. 
Historical  books  are  most  read. 

EVANSVILLE, 

EVANSVILLE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1650  vols. 

Founded  August  12th,  1855.  The  capital  stock  consists  of  830,000, 
divided  into  1000  shares  of  §30  each.  Each  holder  of  one  or  more 
shares  of  stock,  and  contributing  §1  annually,  is  entitled  to  all  the  privi 
leges  of  the  Association.  Annual  subscribers  pay  §5. 

The  reading-room  is  supplied  with  26  monthly,  15  daily,  7  weekly, 
and  8  semi-  and  tri-weekly  periodicals.  The  annual  expense  is  about 
§700.  The  library  is  open  daily  from  8  A.M.  till  10  P.M.  During 
1856,  1366  volumes  were  lent  to  228  persons. 

The  books  read  during  1856,  were  as  follows:  history,  527;  bio 
graphy,  360;  travels,  218;  classics,  107;  theology,  55;  fiction,  1658; 
miscellaneous,  341. 

VANDERBURG  COUNTY  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     2540  vols. 

Organized  in  1852.  Average  amount  expended  for  books  §400.  Three 
hundred  volumes  added  annually. 


46  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

GREENCASTLE. 

INDIANA  ASBURY  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     G459  vols. 

The  students  pay  fifty  cents  a  session  of  three  months,  for  the  use  of 
the  library.  It  is  open  an  hour  once  a  week.  There  is  no  fund  for 
literary  purposes.  The  increase  is  chiefly  by  donations.  In  addition  to 
the  College  library,  there  is  another,  received,  in  1853,  by  bequest  from 
Hon.  Jas.  Whitcomb,  formerly  Governor  of  Indiana.  The  books  are 
not  to  be  taken  from  the  College  building.  It  contains  4159  volumes, 
of  which  there  are  a  number  of  rare  old  English  works,  also  valuable 
German,  French,  Spanish,  and  Italian  books. 

The  PLATONEAN  Society  has  2000  volumes,  and  the  PHILOLOGICAL 
Society  1500  volumes.  Both  have  fine  halls. 


INDIANAPOLIS. 

INDIANA  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     450  vols. 

Organized  and  incorporated  by  Act  of  January  10, 1831.  No  expendi 
ture  has  been  made  for  books  since  1851,  the  Society  having  remained 
almost  inactive.  The  books  of  the  Society  are  kept  for  reference,  not 
for  the  use  of  general  readers. 

An  effort  to  reorganize  the  Society  will  be  made  at  some  time  in  the 
course  of  the  next  session  of  the  State  Legislature. 


INDIANA  HOSPITAL  FOR  THE  INSANE.     (185G/ 
Forty-two  periodicals  are  received  gratuitously. 


INDIANA  INSTITUTION  FOR  THE  DEAF  AND  DUMB.    (1857.) 

13G7  vols. 

Founded  1854.  The  receipts  for  the  library  during  1854,  were 
$190  95.  It  is  open  to  the  officers  and  pupils,  and  also  donors,  once  a 
week.  About  45  newspapers  and  5  magazines  are  received. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  $120,  exclu 
sive  of  donations.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the 
library,  273.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  370. 


INDIANA.  47 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     20,000  vols. 

Founded  by  Act  'of  Legislature,  February  11,  1825.  It  has  many 
valuable  maps  and  charts  ;  some  curious  Mexican  armor  and  arms ;  a 
portrait  of  "  Beato  Simon  de  Cassia/7  painted  in  1751 ;  a  painting  of  the 
"Tippecanoe  battle-ground/'  150  square  feet;  and  a  small  collection  of 
minerals  and  fossils.  The  average  increase  is  about  250  volumes  per 
annum,  including  Congressional  documents.  The  average  expenditure 
is  about  $200  a  year.  The  Legislature  makes,  annually,  a  specific  ap 
propriation  for  the  increase  of  the  State  library.  It  is  usually  8300, 
part  of  which  goes  to  pay  for  newspapers,  periodicals,  and  binding.  The 
library  occupies  four  rooms  on  the  first  floor  of  the  State  House,  together, 
80  feet  long,  24  feet  wide.  The  last  printed  catalogue  was  published  in 
1841,  and  contains  36  pages  8vo.  The  library  is  open  daily  (Sundays 
excepted)  from  9  A.M.  to  6  P.M.,  during  tho  sittings  of  the  Legislature, 
the  Supreme  Court  of  Indiana,  and  the  District  Court  of  the  United 
States;  at  other  times,  every  Saturday,  from  8  A.M.  to  4  P.M.  Per 
sons  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library  are  :  members  of  the  Legislature, 
ministers  of  the  Gospel,  editors  of  newspapers,  physicians,  engineers  on 
the  public  works,  judges  of  the  United  States  and  State  courts,  attorneys 
of  the  Supreme  Court,  officers  of  State  benevolent  institutions,  secreta 
ries  and  clerks  of  the  Legislature,  and  all  persons  elected  to  office  by  the 
Legislature.  To  such  persons,  the  books  may  be  lent  out  for  a  period 
not  exceeding  thirty  days — the  books  not  to  be  taken  from  the  seat  of 
Government.  About  1600  are  taken  out  annually. 


LAPOB-TE. 

INDIANA  MEDICAL  COLLEGE. 

The  medical  department  of  Laporte  University.  .The  catalogue  for 
1845-46  states  :  "  During  the  past  winter,  a  medical  and  scientific 
library  association,  connected  with  the  institution,  was  formed.  Stu 
dents  can  have  access  to  the  library  by  complying  with  necessary  regu 
lations/' 

LOGANSPORT. 

LADIES'  SIGOURNEY  LIBRARY.     (1855.)     1100  vols. 

Founded  in  1848,  by  ladies.  Incorporated  December  28,  1848.  It  is 
supported  by  the  fees  of  members  and  the  proceeds  of  entertainments. 


43  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

The  receipts  during  1854  were  875,  and  expenditures,  $63.  'The 
library  is  open  two  hours  on  Saturday.  During  1854,  over  1000  volumes 
were  lent  to  65  persons. 

Any  lady  may  become  a  member  by  paying  one  dollar  annually  in 
advance,  and  shall  thereupon  be  eligible  to  any  office  in,  and  entitled  to 
a  vote  at  any  election  of,  the  Library;  and  gentlemen  may  become 
honorary  members  on  payment  of  one  dollar  annually  in  advance ;  but 
honorary  members  are  expressly  excluded  from  the  right  of  voting  or 
holding  office,  unless  that  the  directors  may,  in  their  discretion,  appoint 
a  gentleman  librarian.  All  persons  under  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  may 
have  the  benefit  of  honorary  members,  on  payment  of  one  dollar  annually 
in  advance. 

The  Society  owns  the  building  that  contains  the  library. 

A  catalogue  of  8  pp.  Svo.  was  printed  in  1851,  at  a  cost  of  $16. 


MADISON. 

MADISON  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     2495  vols. 

First  meeting  December  5,  1853.     Incorporated  January  7,  1854. 

The  system  of  annual  membership  being  regarded  as  too  precarious 
and  uncertain,  none  are  admitted  as  members  except  subscribers  to  the 
stock  of  the  Association.  The  property  of  each  member  is  thus  pro 
tected,  and  the  control  of  the  Association  is  placed  in  the  hands  of  those 
who  are  permanently  interested  in  its  success. 

Ample  provision  is  made  to  accommodate  all  who  desire  to  become 
members,  the  directors  being  prohibited  from  requiring  a  larger  payment 
than  three  dollars  per  annum  on  the  stock. 

By  this  plan,  a  pledge  is  obtained  of  means  for  the  gradual  increase 
of  the  library,  each  share  of  stock  being  thirty  dollars. 

Those  who  cannot  conveniently  become  members  are  not  restricted 
from  the  use  of  the  library,  but  the  directors  are  required  to  make  pro 
vision,  upon  equitable  terms,  for  annual  and  semi-annual  subscribers. 
Thus  all  are  accommodated,  though  nothing  is  left  to  the  vote  or  control 
of  persons  who  are  connected  with  the  Association  merely  by  subscrip 
tions  for  a  short  period. 

For  the  purpose  of  securing  funds  sufficient  to  place  the  library  at 
once  on  a  respectable  footing,  the  directors  made  special  efforts  to  obtain 
life-members,  and  to  induce  a  number  of  others  to  pay  up  their  shares 


INDIANA.  49 

of  stock  in  full  without  availing  themselves  of  the  constitutional  privi 
lege  as  to  annual  instalments.  This  appeal  was  liberally  responded  to, 
and  thus  the  Board  were  enabled  to  commence  the  delivery  of  books  on 
the  80th  of  July,  1854,  with  about  1500  volumes,  of  which  275  were 
received  from  the  Ladies'  Library  of  this  city,  under  an  arrangement  by 
which  the  members  of  that  association  became  entitled  to  the  more 
valuable  privileges  of  our  own. 

It  has  been  the  aim,  from  the  first,  to  allow  no  part  of  the  stock  pay 
ments  to  be  invested  in  anything  else  than  books.  In  this  they  have 
been  entirely  successful,  so  that  if  the  Association  were  to  be  dissolved 
to-day,  every  member  would  receive  in  books  even  more  than  the  amount 
of  his  payments  on  stock.  This  has  been  effected  by  avoiding  all  use 
less  expenditures,  and  particularly  by  an  arrangement  which  secures  the 
constant  and  regular  services  of  a  librarian  without  expense  to  the  Asso 
ciation. 

The  number  of  volumes  issued  to  readers  since  the  commencement, 
seventeen  months,  is  7113.  The  average  annual  number  of  volumes 
lent  is  5022. 

The  library-room  is  in  complete  order,  handsomely  though  not  expen 
sively  furnished,  and  is  a  pleasant  place  of  resort  for  the  members  and 
readers,  as  well  as  for  strangers  visiting  the  city.  In  one  respect  no 
library  offers  better  facilities.  The  librarian  is  in  attendance  every  day 
except  Sunday,  from  an  early  hour  in  the  morning  until  a  late  hour  at 
night.  Persons  who  have  been  connected  with  institutions  which  al 
lowed  the  opportunity  for  exchanging  books  only  once  a  week  or  once  a 
month,  will  know  how  to  value  the  advantages  afforded  by  this  arrange 
ment. 

A  catalogue,  108  pages  8vo.  was  printed  in  1856. 

"  Persons  desiring  to  become  members,  sign  the  Constitution  and  sub 
scribe  for  one  share  of  stock, — thirty  dollars.  On  this 'stock  an  annual 
payment  is  required,  not  exceeding  83.  An  annual  contribution  is  also 
required  of  $1. 

"Under  this  plan  they  are  immediately  entitled  to  the  privileges  of 
membership  •  at  the  end  of  ten  years  they  receive  a  stock  certificate, 
and  thenceforth  pay  only  one  dollar  a  year. 

"Another  plan. — At  the  time  of  subscribing,  or  within  thirty  days 
thereafter,  pay  for  the  share  of  stock  in  full, — thirty  dollars.  Thence 
forth  no  payment  can  be  required  except  the  annual  contribution  of  one 
dollar. 

4 


50  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

"By  this  plan,  a  subscriber  not  only  enjoys  all  the  privileges  of  mem 
bership,  but  is  authorized  to  give  to  another  person — a  lady — the  use 
of  the  library  for  five  years. 

"The  number  of  members  under  this  plan,  in  May,  1855,  was  forty. 

"  The  payment  of  fifty  dollars  at  one  time  secures  one  share  of  stock, 
entire  exemption  from  the  annual  contribution,  entitles  the  payer  to  life- 
membership,  and  authorizes  him  to  confer  upon  another  person — a  lady 
— the  use  of  the  library  for  life. 

"The  number  of  life-members  in  May,  1855,  was  six. 

"  Shares  of  stock,  when  fully  paid  for,  may  be  transferred,  as  in  other 
companies. 

"A  comparison. — In  most  of  the  associations  organized  under  the  sys 
tem  of  annual  membership,  the  cost  is  S3  per  year,  the  expense  being,  for 
twenty  years,  $60  j  and  the  member  at  the  expiration  of  that  period 
having  no  interest  in  the  property. 

"  In  the  Madison  Library  Association,  the  cost  for  the  same  time 
would  be  as  follows  : 

One  share  of  stock,  ...  .         .         §30  00 

Annual  contributions,       .          .          .          .          .  20  00 


$50  00 


Being  §10  less  than  under  the  other  system,  and  giving  to  the  member 
a  share  in  the  property  of  the  Association." — First  Report. 


NOTRE  DAME  DTJ  LAC. 

ST.  MARY'S  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     2500  vols. 

The  University  of  Notre  Dame  du  Lac,  established  in  1842,  possesses 
a  library  with  the  above  name.  It  is  kept  in  a  fine  room,  21  feet  by  14, 
in  the  College,  and  is  open  daily  from  1  to  5  o'clock,  for  the  use  of  the 
professors,  students,  and  neighbors.  About  1000  books  are  lent  out 
annually.  About  half  the  books  are  scientific  and  historical,  and  in 
English ;  the  remainder  are  principally  philosophical  and  theological, 
in  Latin  and  French. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  about  $300. 
Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  about  1GO. 


INDIANA.  51 

SOUTH  HANOVER. 

HANOVER  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     3000  vols. 

This  College  was  founded  as  an  academy,  in  1827,  by  the  Rev.  John 
Finley  Crowe,  D.D. 

The  cabinet  contains  several  thousand  specimens  in  mineralogy  and 
geology. 

Students  pay  $1  50  per  annum  for  the  use  of  the  College  library.  It 
is  open  every  Saturday  for  two  hours.  2124  volumes  are  in  English, 
105  French,  1  German,  25  Latin,  15  Greek,  42  Oriental. 

About  25  periodicals  are  taken. 

There  are  two  societies  connected  with  the  College,  the  UNION  LITE 
RARY,  founded  in  1830,  and  the  PHILALETHEAN,  founded  in  1840; 
whose  libraries  contain  about  1500  volumes  each. 

There  is  also  a  SOCIETY  OF  RELIGIOUS  INQUIRY,  which  has  begun  to 
collect  a  library,  maps,  &c.,  and  which,  in  connection  with  another  asso 
ciation  formed  for  the  purpose,  sustains  a  valuable  reading-room. 


PHILALETHEAN  SOCIETY,  HANOVER  COLLEGE.     (1857.) 
1265  vols. 

Receipts  during  1856,  8100.  Expended  for  books,  8100.  During 
1856,  1566  volumes  were  lent  to  75  persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed 
in  1850.  Much  interest  is  felt  in  the  library  by  the  members  of  the 
Society,  200  books  having  been  presented  in  two  months.  During  the 
last  five  years  $300  have  been  expended  for  books.  The  books  are  well 
arranged,  and  all  numbered,  with  the  section  and  shelf  where  they  are 
to  be  found. 


VINCENNES, 

CATHOLIC  DIOCESAN  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     14,000  vols. 

This  library  was  first  organized  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  S.  G.  Brute,  in  1835, 
and  considerably  enlarged  by  his  successor,  the  Rt.  Rev.  C.  G.  De  la 
Hailandiere,  in  the  year  1839. 

The  intention  of  the  founders  was  to  establish  it  for  the  particular 
use  of  the  Ecclesiastical  Seminary  and  Catholic  clergy  of  Indiana, 
though  all  persons  who  so  desire  have  access  to  it. 


52  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

Since  1851,  and  previous  even  to  that  time,  owing  to  financial  diffi 
culties,  nothing  has  been  spent  towards  increasing  the  number  of  books. 

There  is  a  special  building  adapted  to  the  use  of  the  library,  where 
students  may  come  and  read,  but  no  books  are  allowed  to  be  taken  home, 
experience  having  taught  that  it  occasions  considerable  losses. 

Theological  works,  embracing  rare  works  on  this  subject,  in  all  lan 
guages,  both  ancient  and  modern,  form  the  larger  number  of  the  volumes 
of  this  library.  It  contains,  however,  a  fine  collection  of  classical  and 
scientific  works.  It  possesses  two  well-preserved  manuscripts  of  the 
thirteenth  century,  and  a  number  of  the  earliest  among  printed  books. 


PUBLIC  LIBRARY.     (1850.)     1700  vols. 

The  Vincennes  Library  was  established  July  20,  1806.  It  is  kept 
in  a  room  15  feet  square,  in  the  City  Hall.  The  first  catalogue  was 
printed  in  1813 ;  the  next,  and  last,  in  1838,  of  17  pages  8vo.  The 
library  is  opened  once  a  week  for  three  hours.  Any  individual  may 
have  the  use  of  the  books  by  paying  $2  annually. 


IOWA. 


BURLINGTON. 

IOWA  HISTORICAL  AND  GEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTE.    (1857.) 

600  vols. 

Founded  in  1843,  by  David  Rorer,  A.  D.  Green,  Greenleaf  Neally, 
and  Dr.  Hoit. 

The  library  and  cabinet  were  destroyed  by  fire  in  1853.  It  then 
had  800  books,  5000  pamphlets,  100  maps,  200  manuscripts,  a  splendid 
collection  of  the  fossils  and  other  specimens,  illustrative  of  the  geology 
of  the  State,  a  fine  herbarium  of  its  indigenous  plants,  and  many  other 
specimens  illustrative  of  its  natural  history.  Also  about  400  Indian 
relics,  among  them  the  trappings  of  Black  Hawk.  His  bones  are  now 
in  the  possession  of  the  Society,  with  the  exception  of  the  skull,  which 
was  destroyed  at  the  fire.  Files  of  the  territorial  papers  shared  the 
common  fate. 


IOWA.  53 

For  a  time  the  Society  was  almost  broken  up,  but  it  has  been  gradu 
ally  regaining  strength,  and  is  now  in  a  flourishing  condition. 

About  200  volumes  are  added  yearly,  but  nothing  expended  for  books. 
The  receipts  during  1854  were  $250. 


DAVENPOKT. 

IOWA  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     1800  vols. 

The  College  building  is  49  by  80  feet,  three  stories  high,  besides  a 
basement,  and  commands  a  magnificent  view  of  the  cities  of  Davenport 
and  Rock  Island,  and  a  very  large  extent  of  prairie.  The  cost  of  the 
edifice  was  $20,000.  The  College  grounds  embrace  about  eight  acres. 
The  institution  is  under  the  management  of  the  New  School  Presbyte 
rian  and  Congregational  denominations.  The  first  college  class  was 

O        O  c 

formed  in  1850. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  LITERARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1200  vols. 

Date  of  organization,  22d  of  October,  1853. 
Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  81000. 
Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  400. 
Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  500. 


DES  MOINES. 

CENTRAL  COLLEGE  OF  IOWA. 

Organized  May,  1855.  Chartered  November,  1855.  College  edifice 
commenced  May,  1856. 

STATE  LIBRARY  OF  IOWA.     (1850.)     1GOO  vols. 

Founded  in  1839.  The  yearly  additions  have  been  very  small,  de 
rived  from  an  exchange  of  law  books  and  public  documents  between 
the  States,  and  donations  by  Congress.  The  library-room  is  in  the 
capitol,  and  measures  42  feet  by  21,  and  14  feet  high.  A  catalogue 
was  printed  in  1839,  and  another  in  1845,  containing  18  pages  Svo.  The 
library  is  open  every  day,  during  the  sessions  of  the  Legislature  and  the 


Supreme  Court,  from  1>  o'clock  A.M.  to  '.>  P.M.;  at  other  limes,  it  is 
open  on  Wednesday  and  Saturday  afternoons.  Stale  ollieors,  members 
of  (ho  legislature,  and  members  of  the  Supremo  Court  bar.  are  entitled 
I  o  the  use  of  I  ho  books. 


IOWA  CITY. 

HISTORICAL   SOCIKI'Y    01'    10\Y  A. 

"The  1  iOi'.islaturo  of  lliis  Stale.  :i(  ils  last  session,  in  the  true  spirit, 
of  enlightened  legislation,  granted  the  SoriclN  :in  iiniutnl  :ip|tro|»n:ilit>n 
of  ^f'J.r)(),  (o  aid  in  ( 'olK'c( iir-;  works  HIM!  doeuinents,  ;iiiil  sju'cjuliu-1,  inlor- 
iiiation  rcl.-uive  to  llie  history  and  progress  of  lo\v:>.  This  I'niul.  lhon",h 
sni:ill,  |)l:u'es  <hc  SocuMy  on  a  linn  l>:isis.  :ind  \vill  uisni't"  llio  coinnnMU'e- 
inent  of  lht>  eolK'i-tion  ol'  :i  Library  of  ^Y(^s(<M•|l  llis(or\  of  yvhirh  xvt1 
may  all  !c(vl  proud. 

"  ()ur  Slate1  is  in  ils  inlaiu'x,  lull  nt>  Slafe  has  (lu1  pro'-jM't^  ^\  a  brighter 
or  more  -Morions  fuluro.  I  ,e<  us  conuiKMhi1  now  )o  i-olloi-l  and  proserye 
whati'Ver  may  lend  lo  rim  idale  its  hislovy  and  pro'-.Tt'ss.  Indrcd.  wliat 
is  not  soon  st^rnrtMl  will,  in  a  !'iv\v  \oars.  bo  beyond  onr  ri%aeh.  Th(>  past 
r<  rapidly  veeedinv,'.  whieh  admonishes  us  to  be",in  at  omv.  i!  we  wonld 
p'l'eseryt1  :i  faithful  reeord  of  passing  eyents.  and  keep  alive  the  memory 
of  the  meritorious  men  \\ho  ha\e  eontributed,  or  may  hereafter  eontri 
buie  t(>  mould  tlu*  risin",  destinies  <>f  lo\\a."  —  ( V/vj/Arr,  Miir<I:,  IS,)/. 


MOUNT  PLEASANT. 
IOWA   \\  KSLKYAN   I'N  1 YKRSITY. 

'fins  institution  was  originally  chartered  b\  (ho  Territorial  Lo;\'isla- 
lure  of  Iowa,  by  the  name  of  "Mount  Pleasant  Collegiate  Institute." 
In  IS  I'.*,  it  was  tendered,  \\ilh  a  beautiful  plot  ol  twent\  acres  of 
:. round,  and  a  two  story  brick  building,  oO  by  (>0  feet.  b\  tin-  Iowa  An 
nual  Conloreuee  of  the  M.  lv  Chureh.  It  v\as  rcccncd  and  adopted, 
in  1S.')0,  as  their  "Conferonee  1  niyorsily."  and  for  its  support  and 
maintenance  as  such.  the\  jil edited  tluMr  "perpetual  patronage."  The 
Legislat\ire  »>f  the  Statix  at  Us  l,-;st  session  amended  it^  charter,  in  accord 
ance  with  a  petition  of  the  Annual  Confereneo,  v'hauj'.in-x  its  name  from 
"  Mount  IMeasant  (1olle:vi:il(1  Institute."  to  "  lo\\a  \\esle\an  University, *' 


KINTIK'KY.  ft!") 

:uul  clearly  dt'liniii^  its  rorporiilo  powers  as  a.  I'niycrsily.  I'nder  Ihis 
charier,  it  is  c\  peeled  that  a  Medical  heparlment  \vill  be  or-.'ani'/.cd 

(llirill:1      (In'    |'ir    rill     :.n,nmrr,    and     I"-    onrii      lur     the     it  i  rplloii    nl      iin-ilic.il 

s)  udi'iils,  \villi  an  aide  Family,  l>\'  llir  !i]>]H'o!U'll  ol  (lie  cnniiii"';  xvuilcr. 
The  nlhcr  dejiarl  iiKMils  of  (he  I  luivcrsity  \\ill  lu«  oi-j'ani/.cd  JIM  soon  a,M 
llicy  may  he  re*  jllireil  liy  (lie  \vauls  ol  MKV  (•(iiiiiiiuuit  y. 

'Tin'  ((ti|!c"c  |niildin<;'S  art*  sihialcd  on  a  Itc.iul  i  lul  |>1<>I  «d*  "round,  con 
lainiii"  l\vcnly  acres.  They  consisl  id'  oin>  l\vo:;lory  |>riek  luiddiii!-;, 
.".0  |.y  CO  feel,  and  the  main  (Vile;-;.-  cdiTn'c,  100  feel  Ion;-,  .'».)  \vi<le,ainl 
three  stones  hi'di  a!ni\c  ||K<  basement.  Tin.,  building  i  -  said  lo  In-  one 
of  (he  most  commodious,  Iteanlilnl,  and  snlislanl  ial  ('ol]e;-v  ediliccs  in 
Hie  \\'cslern  Slates. 


PELLA. 

ri'INTKAl,    UNIVI'lirSITY    ol-1    K)\VA.     (IHft7.)     :'•<><)  v.»l:.. 
( >i  "ani/.ed  J  line    I ,    I  S.r»7. 

WEST  POINT. 

I) MS    MOINKS  (MM.LI'KJI'1,.     (h'.V/.)      I..O  voln. 

l^oiinded  in  |S.r>0.  The  library  contains  a  l'c\v  rare  and  \alnabhi 
bun!, .;.  Cl  yolnmes  are  added  annually.  The  ll  UNION  LlTKHAIlY 
Six'ii/rv"  has  made  a  be^innm;''  towards  a  library. 


K  KNTUCKY. 

AUGUSTA. 

AIKIIISTA   C()ldds(;M.     (I:-:.....)     ::(H)0  vol.i. 

Mslalilislicd  in    lSU!i,  and  was  the  lirst  coll,-;.,-  of  the  iMethodist  Kpis- 
copal   ('hnrch   in   (Jie  World.        //•(/•yvy'.s-    (,'«,.<•//<  <T. 


56  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

BARDSTOWff. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  by  the  Kt.  Rev.  Bishop  Flaget.  The  College  library  was 
commenced  in  1824,  when  the  College  was  incorporated  by  the  Legis 
lature  of  Kentucky.  Before  August,  1848,  the  library  contained  about 
6000  volumes.  At  that  time,  the  Board  of  Trustees  divided  the  library 
between  this  and  several  other  institutions  which  they  directed,  leav 
ing  to  St.  Joseph's  College  about  500  volumes  of  theological,  historical, 
and  literary  works,  with  a  set  of  Congressional  documents. 

The  principal  reliance  for  the  increase  of  the  collection  is  upon  dona 
tions.  The  library  occupies  a  room,  24  feet  by  15,  and  13  feet  high,  in 
the  College  building.  The  books  are  arranged  according  to  subjects, 
each  subject  having  one  or  more  panels.  There  is  no  printed  catalogue. 
The  library  is  opened  every  day  twice,  to  allow  the  professors  opportu 
nity  for  consultation,  three-quarters  of  an  hour  in  the  morning,  and  one 
hour  in  the  afternoon.  Books  are  freely  lent  to  persons  connected  with 
the  College,  and,  by  permission  of  the  superintendent,  to  others  residing 
in  the  immediate  vicinity. 

During  1854,  $800  were  expended  for  books,  and  8150  for  periodicals. 
During  1856,  $350  were  spent  for  books,  and  880  for  periodicals.  Of  the 
volumes  in  the  library,  2500  are  in  English,  1040  French,  60  German, 
25  Spanish,  100  other  modern  languages,  1005  Latin,  200  Greek,  7 
Hebrew. 

DANVILLE. 

CENTRE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2000  void. 

Centre  College  was  chartered  by  the  Legislature  of  Kentucky,  in 
1819.  Jeremiah  Chamberlain,  D.D.,  the  first  president,  went  into  office 
in  1823.  In  1824,  the  Board  of  Trustees,  according  to  an  arrangement 
with  the  Presbyterian  Synod  of  Kentucky,  procured  an  Act  of  the  Legis 
lature  modifying  its  charter,  so  as  to  secure  to  the  Synod,  on  its  payment 
of  §20,000  to  the  funds  of  the  institution,  the  right  of  appointing  the 
Board  of  Trustees.  This  condition  having,  in  1830,  been  completely 
fulfilled  on  the  part  of  the  Synod,  all  the  members  of  the  Board  have, 
since  that  period,  been  appointed  by  the  Synod,  as  their  terms  of  office 


KENTUCKY.  57 

have  from  time  to  time  expired.     One-third  of  the  Board  are  appointed 
each  year. 

Dr.  Chamberlain  resigned  his  office  in  1826,  and  the  Eev.  Gideon 
Blackburn,  D.D.,  succeeded  him  in  1827 ;  the  office  having,  in  the 
meantime,  been  temporarily  filled  by  the  Rev.  David  C.  Proctor.  On 
the  resignation  of  Dr.  Blackburn,  in  1830,  John  C.  Young,  D.D.,  pre 
sent  president,  was  elected. 

The  number  of  students  varied,  in  the  earlier  period  of  the  existence 
of  the  institution,  from  50  to  110,  and  a  very  large  proportion  of  those 
in  attendance  were  pursuing  only  a  partial  and  irregular  course.  In 
1830,  the  number  of  students  had  been  reduced  to  83,  of  all  classes, 
including  those  in  the  Grammar  School,  which  is  under  the  direction  of 
the  Faculty.  Since  that  period,  the  number  has  been,  with  slight  tem 
porary  variations,  steadily  but  slowly  increasing,  until  it  has  ranged, 
during  the  last  few  years,  from  180  to  220.  The  number  of  those  pur 
suing  a  full  course  has  increased  in  a  much  greater  ratio.  The  gradua 
ting  classes,  formerly  very  small,  have  been  steadily  enlarging.  The 
graduates  of  the  first  twelve  years  amounted  to  55.  This  number  is 
now  increased  to  478.  Upwards  of  1700  have  been  connected  with  the 
institution,  nearly  all  of  whom  have  received  all  their  higher  education 
from  its  instructions. 

The  Faculty,  students,  and  public,  have  the  use  of  the  library.  The 
students  pay  $2  annually.  It  is  open  two  hours  once  a  week.  During 
1854,  GOOO  volumes  were  lent  to  300  persons.  4800  volumes  are  in 
English,  25  French,  150  Latin,  15  Greek,  6  Hebrew. 

During  the  last  five  years,  about  $400  were  expended  for  books. 

There  are  three  literary  societies  connected  with  the  College.  They 
occupy  halls,  large,  commodious,  and  fitted  up  with  taste  and  elegance. 
The  societies  hold  public  exercises  on  the  22d  of  February,  and  on  the 
Tuesday  preceding  commencement,  each  year.  Each  of  them  possesses 
a  well-selected  library  of  about  1700  volumes.  The  College  library 
contains  about  2000  volumes,  among  which  are  a  number  of  rare  and 
valuable  works. 

FBAHEFOKT. 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (185G.)     10,000  vols. 

Founded  in  1834.  The  library  consists  almost  exclusively  of  law 
books.  There  are  about  400  volumes  of  miscellaneous  works.  In  1840, 


58  rUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

the  legislature  appropriated  §3000  for  law  books  for  the  courts  and  the 
legislature.  The  library  is  kept  in  a  room,  50  feet  by  20,  in  the  State 
House.  A  catalogue  was  published  in  January,  1856.  The  library  is 
open  daily  during  the  sessions  of  the  courts  and  legislature.  Officers 
of  the  State  government,  members  of  the  legislature,  and  lawyers  attend 
ing  the  courts  in  Frankfort,  are  allowed  the  use  of  the  books.  The 
books  are  not  lent  out  to  others.  During  the  last  five  years  $2500  were 
expended  for  books.  The  annual  cost  of  supporting  the  library  is  $1500. 


GEORGETOWN. 

GEORGETOWN  COLLEGE.     (1855.)     COOO  vols. 

The  library  was  founded  in  1837,  and  contains  many  costly  works  in 
philology  and  theology,  but  chiefly  scientific  and  historical  books,  a  few 
manuscript  journals  of  early  settlers  of  Kentucky,  and  many  maps  and 
charts.  It  has  also  64  medals  and  676  coins,  comprising  those  of  Bur- 
mah,  Siam,  Ilindostan,  the  East  India  Company,  South  America,  Dutch 
East  Indies,  kc.  The  average  annual  increase  is  about  500  volumes. 
The  library  is  in  a  room  of  the  main  building  of  the  College,  45  feet  by 
32,  with  lofty  ceiling.  The  coins,  medals,  pictures,  &c.,  are  kept  in  a 
room  devoted  to  the  purpose,  on  the  same  floor  as  the  library.  The 
books  are  arranged  on  the  shelves,  according  to  subjects,  under  twenty 
divisions.  A  catalogue  raisonne  has  been  printed,  containing  76  pages, 
12mo.  The  library  is  open  twice  a  week,  half  an  hour  each  time.  All 
persons  connected  with  the  College  are  allowed  the  use  of  the  books ; 
under-graduates  are  taxed  $1  each  per  annum  for  the  privilege.  By 
permission  of  the  president,  books  may  be  taken  out  by  citizens. 

The  philosophical  and  chemical  apparatus  is  of  the  first  quality. 

The  cabinet  of  minerals,  fossils,  and  shells,  embraces  over  six  thousand 
specimens,  besides  charts,  maps,  &c. 

The  museum  contains  over  seven  hundred  articles  of  different  coun 
tries,  many  of  them  Oriental. 


GLASGOW. 

URANIA  COLLEGE. 
This  educational  institution  was  chartered  under  the  name  of  Urania 


KENTUCKY.  59 

College.  At  first  a  certain  part  of  the  forfeitures  and  fines  of  the  County 
was  set  apart  to  its  use,  a  good  building  erected,  and  two  or  three  lots  of 
ground  appropriated  to  it.  The  fines  have  been  withdrawn,  but  the  in 
stitution  still  has  about  §1700  in  money,  just  enough  to  keep  up  repairs. 

It  has  a  collection  of  public  documents,  comprising  the  Acts  of  Con 
gress  and  State  papers  as  far  back  as  1774;  also  a  small  library  of  mis 
cellaneous  works,  but  no  extensive  apparatus. 

A  board  of  seven  trustees  supervise  the  affairs  of  the  establishment, 
and  attend  to  its  financial  interests.  Number  of  pupils,  session  1855-6, 
101. 


LEXINGTON. 

LEXINGTON  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     11,000  vols. 

Shareholders  pay  82  per  annum.  Receipts  during  1856,  $373.  Ex 
pended  for  books,  8162.  Binding,  835.  Periodicals,  820.  Salaries, 
8259.  Incidentals,  850.  About  400  volumes  are  added  every  year. 
During  the  last  five  years  81280  were  expended  for  books. 

The  books  are  arranged  according  to  their  size.  The  library  is  open 
on  Wednesday  and  Saturday,  from  10  A.M.  to  1  P.M.  During  1856, 
SOOO  volumes  were  lent  to  175  persons;  the  books  principally  read  were 
novels,  biographies,  and  travels.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1852;  200 
copies  cost  8100. 

The  library  building  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1854,  and  a  number  of 
books  lost.  The  American  editions  of  the  English  llcviews  are  taken, 
but  no  other  periodicals. 

TRz^NSYLVANIA  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     12,000  vols. 

The  College  library,  founded  in  1798,  is  kept  in  three  librae-rooms 
in  the  three  departments  of  the  University,  under  the  control  of  the 
Faculties  of  arts,  law,  and  medicine.  Several  catalogues  have  been 

/  /  o 

published,  but  none  of  recent  date. 

The  students'  libraries  contain  2000  volumes. 

In  September,  1857,  it  is  stated  that  "  the  libraries,  having  been 
mainly  burnt  when  the  old  College  edifice  was  consumed  many  years  ago, 
are  not  extensive." 


60  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


MEDICAL  DEPARTMENT,  TRANSYLVANIA  UNIVERSITY. 

(1857.)     8000  vols. 

Founded  in  1819.  The  books  are  principally  medical  and  scientific  : 
they  are  arranged  by  subjects.  More  than  half  are  in  English;  about 
2000  in  French. 


LOUISVILLE. 

LAW  LIBRARY.     (1852.)     1350  vols. 

This  library  is  only  for  reference.  Terms,  $5  per  annum,  to  law  stu 
dents.  Open  from  9  to  12  A.M.,  and  2  to  5  P.M.  A  catalogue  was 
printed  in  1852,  and  145  volumes  added  during  the  same  year. 

MECHANICS'  INSTITUTION.     (1857.)     VOOO  vols. 

Organized  March  25th,  1853.  Incorporated  July  18th,  1854.  From 
the  1st  May,  to  the  end  of  the  year  1850,  1065  persons  drew  books;  of 
this  number,  523  were  members,  807  ladies,  and  235  minors.  In  the 
same  time,  10,523  volumes  were  circulated,  averaging  1403  per  month; 
an  increase  of  nearly  300  volumes  per  month  over  the  previous  year. 
The  annual  exhibitions  are  very  successful.  The  receipts  for  1856 
were  $7309  42 ;  and  expenditures,  $5706  92,  leaving  a  balance  of 
81602  50  in  the  treasury. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books,  about  $315,  since  1854 
(including  1854).  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the 
library,  about  313,  since  1854  (including  1854).  Average  annual 
number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  about  13,500. 


PRINCETON. 

CUMBERLAND  COLLEGE. 

Established  in  1826.  It  was  first  organized  as  a  manual-labor  school. 
"  This  was  an  experiment,  and  proved  a  failure.  In  the  course  of  the 
experiment,  however,  many  valuable  young  men  were  educated  here. 


LOUISIANA.  61 

Some  of  them  occupy  high  positions  in  society."     About  the  year  1841, 
the  system  was  changed  for  the  ordinary  literary  course. 

Cumberland  College  is  the  oldest  institution  of  learning  in  the  Cum 
berland  Presbyterian  Church. 


RTJSSELLVILLE. 

BETHEL  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     3000  vols. 

This  institution  was  formerly  known  as  the  Bethel  High  School.  An 
act  of  incorporation  was  granted  to  it  in  March,  1856,  with  the  above 
title.  It  is  under  the  direction  of  members  of  the  Baptist  denomination, 
and  particularly  the  "Green  lliver  Baptist  Education  Society." 


SHELBYVILLE. 

SHELBY  COLLEGE.     (1855.)     2427  vols. 

Founded  in  1841.  The  library  is  open  to  the  free  use  of  students  and 
professors.  The  books  are  classified  by  subjects.  There  are  1922  in 
English,  50  French,  12  German,  1  Polish,  240  Latin,  123  Greek,  60 
Hebrew,  15  Oriental.  Silliman's  Journal  is  the  only  periodical  taken. 


LOUISIANA. 

BATOI*  EOTJGE, 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1855.)     14,020  vols. 

Founded  by  Act  of  the  Legislature,  March  12,  1838.  The  receipts 
during  1854  were  SI 000,  which  were  expended  for  books.  The  libra 
rian's  salary  is  31200. 

The  public  have  free  access  to  the  library,  but  members  of  the  legis 
lature  exclusively  have  the  right  to  take  out  books.  It  is  open  daily 
from  10  A.M.  to  3  P.M.  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  10,400 
are  in  English,  3100  in  French,  80  in  Spanish,  410  in  Latin,  and  20  in 
other  languages.  The  following  is  the  number  in  each  department. 


62  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


IN    ENGLISH. 

Belles-Lettres,  Arts,  Sciences,     .....  3200  vols. 

Maps  and  Atlases, 30     " 

Engravings, 200     " 

Law  books, 2930     " 

Congressional  and  State  documents,  ....  4050     " 

IN    FRENCH. 

Belles-Lettres,  Arts,  Sciences, 2037     " 

Law, 463     " 

There  are  2000  copies  of  miscellaneous  pamphlets,  and  a  very  valu 
able  collection  of  historical  documents  relative  to  the  colony  of  Louisiana, 
in  French  and  Spanish.  About  1400  volumes  are  added  annually.  The 
success  of  the  library  is  mainly  due  to  the  exertions  of  Hon.  C.  Gayarre, 
and  Hon.  And.  S.  Herron.  It  now  possesses  all  the  elements  of  pros 
perity.  The  librarian  has  40,000  volumes  of  law  books  and  documents 
to  exchange  for  other  works. 

The  annual  reports  of  the  librarian  give  a  list  of  all  books  procured 
by  purchase  and  exchange,  with  the  cost  price  affixed  to  each.  The 
following  is  a  general  statement  of  the  affairs  of  the  library  for  1854  : 

RECEIVED. 

Literary  works  purchased,  ...... 

Books  acquired  per  exchanges,  ...... 

Books  received  from  other  governments,     .... 

Books  received  from  State  printers  and  publishers, 


Pamphlet  reports  and  documents,  received  from  the  State 

printer, 10,900  pamphlets. 

DELIVERED. 

Law  books  and  documents  delivered  to  State  officers,           .  3018 
Law  books  and  documents  forwarded  to  other  States  and 

governments,          ........  080 

Law  books  given  in  exchange,  ......  003 

4891  vols. 

Law  books  sold,         ........  103 

Books  not  returned  by  members  of  the  legislature,      .         .  481 


JACKSON. 

CENTENARY  COLLEGE  OF  LOUISIANA.     (1855.)     3000  vols. 
Founded  in  1845.     Under  the  charge  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 


LOUISIANA.  63 

Church,  South.  The  College  library  contains  3000  well-selected 
volumes.  $200  are  annually  expended  for  books,  and  100  volumes 
added.  About  200  volumes  are  taken  out  in  a  year. 

There  are  two  literary  societies,  having  libraries  of  1600  volumes 
each. 


MOUNT  LEBANON. 

MOUNT  LEBANON  UNIVERSITY. 

The  library  is  small,  but  is  continually  receiving  valuable  accessions. 
An  appropriation  of  8500  was  made  by  the  last  Baptist  State  Conven 
tion,  for  the  purchase  of  books. 


NEW  ORLEANS. 

LYCEUM  AND  LIBRARY  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     10,000  vols. 

"The  Public  School  Library  and  Lyceum  Society  of  Municipality 
No.  2,"  was  founded  December  3,  1844.  It  is  supported  by  subscrip 
tions,  donations,  and  voluntary  contributions  of  the  pupils  of  the  public 
schools,  and  is  fast  increasing.  An  elegant  room,  75  feet  by  35,  and 
20  feet  high,  has  been  provided  for  the  permanent  accommodation  of 
the  library,  in  the  new  Second  Municipal  Hall.  The  exact  cost  of  this 
room  is  not  perhaps  known ;  the  cost  of  the  entire  building  is  estimated 
at  $300,000.  There  have  been  two  printed  catalogues  :  the  first,  num 
bering  29  pages,  was  published  in  1846;  the  second,  155  pages,  in 
1848.  The  library  is  open  daily  (Sundays  excepted)  from  2  to  8  o'clock 
P.M.  Subscribers  pay  $5  per  annum.  Pupils  of  the  public  schools  may 
become  life-members  by  paying  89.  The  teachers  of  the  public  schools 
are  entitled  to  the  privileges  of  the  library  without  charge. 

MERCANTILE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION. 

Incorporated  14th  August,  1857.  Any  person  elected  by  the  Board 
of  Directors,  over  16  years  of  age,  can  become  a  member  by  paying  85, 
and  85  thereafter  annually. 

The  library  is  open  from  9  A.M.  to  2  P.M.,  and  from  4  to  10  P.M. 


64  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (185G.)     360  vols. 

Organized  November,  1852.  This  Association  was  among  the  first 
formed  in  this  country  of  the  same  character,  and  it  has  continued  to 
maintain  a  high  position  for  activity  and  usefulness.  Its  members 
exerted  themselves  nobly  when  the  yellow  fever  raged  in  the  city,  and 
they  have  always  devoted  themselves  to  the  good  of  the  community. 

It  was  here  that  the  first  periodical,  "  The  Companion,"  devoted  to 
the  interests  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Associations,  was  established, 
by  L.  A.  Duncan,  Esq. 


MAINE. 

AUGUSTA. 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     7GOO  vols. 

Founded  in  1836.  During  the  sessions  of  the  legislature,  the  library 
is  open  from  8  A.M.  to  6  P.M.  Books  may  be  taken  from  the  library  by 
the  Governor,  members  of  the  Council,  Senate,  House  of  Representa 
tives,  Heads  of  Departments,  Judges  of  the  Courts,  Secretary  and 
Members  of  the  Board  of  Education,  and  the  Superintendent  of  the 
Insane  Hospital.  The  privilege  to  the  members  of  the  legislature  and 
Board  of  Education  is  limited  to  the  time  they  may  be  in  session.  No 
law-books  (excepting  those  of  the  State  of  Maine),  nor  books  presented 
by  the  United  States,  or  any  other  State,  or  received  through  exchange, 
can  be  taken  from  the  library,  except  for  the  use  of  the  two  Houses,  arid 
the  committees,  at  the  committee-rooms,  during  their  session. 

Four  catalogues  have  been  printed;  the  first  (60  pages  8vo.)  in  1839; 
the  second  (105  pages  8vo.)  in  1843  ;  the  third  (120  pages  8vo.)  in 
1846;  and  the  fourth  (248  pages  8vo.)  in  1850.  An  appendix  of  48 
pages  8vo.  was  published  in  1854.  The  last  catalogue  was  "arranged 
and  prepared  by  Abner  Oakcs,  Assistant  Librarian,  under  the  direction 
of  Ezra  B.  French,  Secretary  of  State." 

In  addition  to  the  books,  there  are  pamphlets,  272  ;  MSS.  4;  maps, 
80;  engravings,  145;  coins,  &c.,  43. 


MAINE.  65 

The  receipts  from  all  sources  for  1854,  were  $1153  26;  for  1856, 
$1171.  Expenditures  during  1854,  for  books,  $300;  1856,  §250. 
Binding,  $53  26 ;  1856,  $65.  Periodicals,  1856,  $50.  Salary  of  as 
sistant  librarian,  $800. 

The  books  are  arranged  on  the  shelves  by  subjects,  and  the  catalogue 
is  constructed  in  the  same  manner.  The  following  classification  is 
adopted : 

Part  I.  Miscellaneous  Books :  Encyclopedias  and  general  knowledge ; 
arts  and  sciences;  historical  works;  literature,  political  and  religious. 

Part  II.  Law-books :  Elementary  and  miscellaneous  law ;  judicial 
reports ;  statute  law. 

Part  III.  State  Papers:  American  State  papers;  census  documents; 
Congress  documents;  Maine  State  documents;  Northeastern  boundary 
documents ;  State  legislative  documents. 

Part  IV.  French  exchanges. 

Part  V.  Maps,  cttarts,  and  plans. 

1000  volumes  were  lent,  during  1854,  to  286  persons.  1100,  in  1856, 
to  225  persons. 

7300  volumes  are  in  English,  730  in  French,  4  in  Spanish,  and  2  in 
Latin. 

Eight  periodicals  are  taken. 

VAUGHAN  AND  McLELLAN  LIBRARIES  (of  tJie  Maine  Insane 
Hospital).     (1855.)     1100  vols. 

The  Yaughan  Library  was  founded  in  1847,  by  the  heirs  of  Benjamin 
Vaughan,  LL.D.,  of  Hallo  well,  Maine,  and  is  chiefly  medical  in  its  cha 
racter.  The  McLellan  was  founded  in  1842,  by  a  legacy  from  Hon. 
Brice  McLellan,  of  Bloomfield,  Maine,  and  is  supported  by  an  annuity 
from  that  fund.  The  receipts  during  1854  were  $30;  and  expenditures 
during  the  same  time,  $33.  The  library  is  open  to  all  the  inmates  of 
the  Hospital  for  the  Insane  who  can  use  the  books  properly.  960  works 
are  in  the  English  language,  100  French,  25  Latin,  and  12  Greek. 
There  is  no  printed  catalogue.  About  22  periodicals  are  taken. 


BANGOR. 

BANGOR  MERCANTILE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.) 
4500  vols. 

Founded  in  1843.     Receipts  during  1854,  $1534  72.     Expenditures 

5 


66  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

for  books,  binding,  and  periodicals,  S464  73.  For  salary  of  librarian, 
8400.  Incidentals,  $932  63.  Receipts  during  1856,  81300.  Expen 
ditures  for  books,  8400;  binding,  $20;  periodicals,  840;  salaries,  §400; 
incidentals,  8440.  Terms  of  membership,  85  per  annum. 

The  books  are  arranged  in  numerical  order.  About  12,000  volumes 
were  lent  during  the  year  1854,  to  300  persons,  and  12,000,  in  1856, 
to  275  persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1855,  55  pages  8vo. ;  800 
copies  issued,  cost  865. 

By  the  act  of  incorporation,  the  Association  may  purchase  and  hold 
real  and  personal  estate,  the  annual  income  of  which  shall  not  exceed 
81500.  300  volumes  are  added  yearly.  The  annual  cost  of  supporting 
the  library  is  8425.  During  the  last  five  years  81200  were  expended 
for  books.  51  periodicals  are  taken.  The  salary  of  the  librarian  is 
8400. 

BANGOR  MECHANICS'  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     2000  vols. 

Incorporated  February  28th,  1828.  Receipts  in  1854,  851.  Expen 
ditures  for  binding,  821.  Periodicals,  85.  Salaries,  825.  Receipts  in 
1856,  8250.  Expenditures  for  books,  832  97.  Binding,  818  50.  Perio 
dicals,  87.  Salaries,  825.  Incidentals,  826  57. 

Members  of  the  Association,  their  families,  and  apprentices,  are  en 
titled  to  use  the  library,  which  is  open  every  Friday  evening.  The 
books  are  arranged  according  to  date  of  reception.  2500  volumes  were 
lent,  during  18547  to  150  persons.  1229  volumes  were  lent,  in  1856, 
to  50  persons. 

The  last  printed  catalogue  was  issued  in  January,  1853,  and  a  supple 
ment  in  January,  1856.  400  copies  were  printed,  at  a  cost  of  837. 
The'  books  most  called  for  during  the  year,  were  the  Journal  of  the 
Franklin  Institute,  Kansas  arid  Nebraska,  Grinnell  Expedition  to  the 
Arctic  Regions,  Uncle  Tom's  Cabin,  and  Abbott's  Series.  On  the  1st 
January,  1855,  there  were  1727  books,  16  portfolios  of  maps,  2  pieces 
of  music,  93  engravings,  300  other  articles.  Only  800  volumes  were 
purchased.  About  100  volumes  are  added  yearly.  The  annual  cost  of 
supporting  the  library  is  850.  During  the  last  five  years  8400  have 
been  paid  for  books. 

There  is  a  collection  of  about  1500  specimens  of  minerals,  about  1000 
of  natural  history,  and  several  hundred  curiosities ;  among  them  is  a  print 
ing-press,  used  in  the  time  of  Franklin,  by  Benjamin  Edese. 

The  Journal  of  the  Franklin  Institute  is  the  only  periodical  taken. 


MAINE.  07 


THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.     (1857.)     10/200  vols. 

The  Theological  Seminary  received  its  charter  from  the  Legislature 
of  Massachusetts,  in  1814.  It  went  into  operation  at  Hampdcn,  in 
1816,  and  in  1819  was  removed  to  Bangor,  where  it  is  now  permanently 
established,  and  is  under  the  direction  of  the  Congregationalists.  The 
library  was  commenced  in  1820.  The  existing  Professorships  are  fully 
endowed;  the  buildings  are  in  a  good  condition,  and  the  number  of  stu 
dents  has  been  very  uniform,  rarely  rising  above  fifty,  or  falling  below 
forty.  No  student  is  charged  for  instruction,  room-rent,  or  use  of 
library. 

The  receipts  for  the  library  during  1854,  were  8300.  Expenditures 
for  books,  8200;  binding,  820;  periodicals,  825;  salaries,  800.  The 
receipts  during  1856  were  8200.  Expenditures  for  books,  8150;  bind 
ing,  820;  periodicals,  830;  salaries,  840;  incidentals,  810.  The  yearly 
increase  of  volumes  is  about  150. 

The  cases  are  lettered,  and  the  shelves  numbered;  the  letter  and 
number  are  inserted  in  every  book,  also  on  the  alphabetical  catalogue. 
The  library  is  open  twice  a  week  for  exchange  of  books,  and  every  after 
noon  for  consultation. 

It  is  estimated  that  4000  volumes  were  lent,  during  the  year  1854, 
to  55  persons.  During  the  last  five  years  8750  have  been  expended  for 
books.  8000  volumes  are  in  the  English  language,  500  German,  300 
Latin,  150  Greek,  50  Hebrew,  and  a  few  in  other  languages.  There  is 
no  printed  catalogue.  25  quarterlies  and  50  newspapers  are  received 
in  the  reading-room.  The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  840. 

The  SOCIETY  or  INQUIRY  ON  MISSIONS,  connected  with  the  Seminary, 
is  in  possession  of  a  valuable  cabinet  and  library. 


BRUNSWICK, 

BOWDOIN  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     14,300  vols. 

The  College  was  incorporated  in  1794,  and  the  first  class  graduated  in 
1806.  The  library  was  opened  in  1802.  The  average  annual  increase 
for  ten  years  ending  1849,  was  about  130  volumes;  for  the  last  five 


68  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

years,  450.  The  receipts  for  1854,  for  the  purchase  of  books,  were 
$412.  Expenditures  for  books,  8401 ;  binding,  $11. 

The  incidental  expenses,  including  salaries,  £c.,  are  paid  by  special 
appropriations.  About  $450  are  annually  expended  for  books  and 
binding.  The  last  printed  catalogue  was  published  in  1819,  containing 
120  pages  8vo.,  and  has  long  since  been  out  of  print.  The  library  is 
open  three  times  a  week,  one  hour  each  time,  and  the  trustees,  overseers, 
officers,  and  students  of  the  College,  neighboring  clergymen,  and  resi 
dent  graduates  are  entitled  to  use  it.  Eesident  graduates  pay  50  cents 
each  term,  all  others  without  charge.  The  books  are  arranged  by  sub 
jects. 

About  13  periodicals  are  received. 

The  library  room,  Banister  Hall,  is  70  feet  in  length,  30  feet  in 
breadth,  and  17  in  height.  The  ceiling  is  divided  into  compartments, 
and  painted  in  encaustic.  The  books  are  arranged  on  the  sides  of  the 
room,  and  extend  from  the  floor  to  the  ceiling.  Light  galleries  aiford 
access  to  the  higher  shelves. 


ATHEXIAN  SOCIETY  (BOWDOIN  COLLEGE).     (1857.)     5500  vols. 

This  Society  was  organized  in  June,  1808.  To  increase  its  member 
ship,  it  provided  for  the  admission  of  freshmen,  and  succeeded  in  initia 
ting  all  but  one.  The  foundation  for  a  library  was  then  laid,  and  great 
exertions  made  to  excel  the  PEUCINIAN,  a  rival  society.  After  having 
considerable  success,  the  interest  in  it  languished,  and  the  Society  was 
discontinued  in  1811.  It  was  revived,  however,  in  1813,  to  be  dis 
banded  in  1816 ;  and  the  library,  amounting  to  200  volumes,  distributed. 
It  was  again  reorganized  in  1817,  with  success.  On  the  29th  of  August, 
1818,  it  was  voted  "that  a  general  meeting  of  the  Society,  honorary 
and  acting  members,  be  held  on  the  day  previous  to  commencement,  for 
the  purpose  of  adopting  measures  relative  to  the  property  of  the  Society.'7 
It  was  then  determined  that  the  library  should  not  be  distributed,  in  any 
case,  without  the  consent  of  three-fourths  of  the  honorary  members. 

On  the  4th  of  March,  1822,  Maine  Hall  was  destroyed  by  fire,  and 
the  library  sustained  considerable  injury. 

At  the  annual  meeting  in  1825,  it  was  decided  to  give  the  library,  in 
trust,  to  the  officers  of  Bowdoin  College,  for  the  use  of  the  Society,  but 
an  act  of  incorporation  having  been  obtained  'in  1828;  this  trust  was 
withdrawn. 


MAINE.  69 

In  1830,  a  catalogue  of  the  library  was  published.  The  number  of 
volumes  at  that  time  was  2238. 

On  the  17th  February,  1836,  the  Athenian  had  its  library  again 
almost  totally  destroyed  by  fire.  +  This  third  collection  u  had  been 
obtained,"  in  the  language  of  the  records,  "  amidst  opposition  and  dis 
couragement,  by  the  indefatigable  efforts,  perseverance,  and  liberality  of 
friends,  till  it  had  become,  for  miscellaneous  reading,  one  of  the  best 
libraries  of  the  size  to  be  found  in  the  country."  The  number  of  volumes 
at  the  time  of  the  fire  was  3321,  of  which  only  220  were  saved.  In 
August,  1838,  another  catalogue  was  printed,  of  2050  volumes.  In 
March,  1841,  a  reading-room  was  established,  but  discontinued  a  year 
afterwards.  In  1850,  the  CALUVIAN  SOCIETY  presented  the  Athenian 
with  its  cabinet  and  other  property.  In  July,  1852,  a  modified  consti 
tution  was  adopted.  Each  class  subscribes  once  during  their  course  for 
books,  to  be  presented  in  their  names.  This  subscription  usually  amounts 
to  §200. 

Members  of  the  Society  and  other  persons,  at  the  librarian's  discre 
tion,  are  entitled  to  use  the  library.  It  is  open  on  Tuesdays  and  Satur 
days  from  11-|  to  12J  o'clock. 

About  2200  volumes  were  lent  during  1854  to  about  200  persons. 
Novels  and  poems  are  most  in  demand.  The  books  are  arranged  by 
subjects.  About  75  volumes  are  added  yearly.  Three  librarians  are 
employed,  one  from  each  class.  There  is  a  small  collection  of  minerals 
belonging  to  the  Society.  About  6  periodicals  are  taken.  The  expen 
ditures  for  binding  and  periodicals  during  1854;  was  $55. 


PEUCINIAN  SOCIETY  (BOWDOIN  COLLEGE).     (1857.)     6720  vols. 

Founded  in  1805.  Receipts  during  1854,  $400.  Expenditures  for 
books,  8325.  Binding,  $25.  Periodicals.  885.  Incidentals,  815.  During 
1856,  $225  were  expended  for  books,  85  fur  binding,  825  for  periodicals, 
and  $5  for  incidentals. 

The  books  are  arranged  in  accordance  with  convenience,  size,  color,  &c. 

The  right  to  borrow  books  belongs  to  the  executive  government,  trus 
tees  and  overseers,  resident  graduates,  medical  students  graduated  at 
this  College,  and  all  under-graduates.  Any  medical  student  may  secure 
the  right  of  borrowing  books  by  paying  50  cents  per  term  in  advance, 
and  any  citizen  of  Brunswick  or  Topsham,  by  paying  $1  per  term  in 
advance. 


70  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

The  library  is  open  twice  a  week,  one  hour  each  time.  About  5000 
volumes  were  lent  during  1854,  to  about  300  persons.  3000  in  1856, 
to  192  persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1855,  66  pages,  600  copies 
issued.  5293  volumes  are  in  English,  150  French.  10  German,  200 
Latin,  14  Greek,  3  Hebrew,  5  Oriental.  About  130  volumes  are  added 
yearly.  The  Society  has  a  very  good  and  quite  extensive  collection  of 
minerals,  coins,  shells,  &c. 

About  10  periodicals  are  taken. 


HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  OF  MAINE.     (1857.)     500  vols. 

Incorporated  February  5,  1S29.  By  a  grant  of  the  legislature,  made 
in  1849,  the  Society  received  a  half  township  of  land,  which  has  since 
been  sold  for  §6000.  The  library  is  annually  increasing.  The  collec 
tion  of  manuscripts  and  pamphlets  is  a  considerable  and  valuable  one. 

Two  volumes  of  historical  collections  have  been  published,  the  first  in 
1831,  and  the  second  in  1847.  The  Society  has  rooms  in  King  Chapel, 
Bowdoin  College. 


MEDICAL  SCHOOL  OF  MAINE.     (1855.)     3400  vols. 

By  an  Act  of  the  Legislature,  this  School  is  placed  under  the  super 
intendence  and  direction  of  the  Boards  of  Trustees  and  Overseers  of 
Bowdoin  College.  The  library  embraces  an  extensive  and  valuable  col 
lection  of  plates,  among  which  are  the  works  of  Albinus,  Baillie,  Bate- 
man,  the  Bells,  Breschet,  Bright,  Carswell,  Cloquet,  Cooper,  Cruveilhier, 
Home,  Hooper,  Lizars,  Maygricr,  Scarpa,  Seerig,  Swan,  Tiedemann, 
Yicq  d'Azyr,  Weber,  &c.  &c. 

All  the  members  of  the  medical  class  are  entitled  to  borrow  two 
volumes  a  week  from  the  library.  Those  who  are  candidates  for  exami 
nation  for  the  degree  of  M.D.  during  the  year,  are  permitted  to  exchange 
their  books  twice  a  week,  thus  giving  them  the  privilege  of  consulting 
four  volumes  each  week. 


BUCKSPORT. 

EAST  MAINE  CONFERENCE  SKMINARY. 

The  Seminary  has  a  library,  cabinet,  and  apparatus,  and  a  literary 
society  has  established  a  good  rea  ding-room. 


MAINE.  71 

SOCIAL  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     1350  vols. 

Founded  in  1806.  An  annual  assessment  of  $1  is  made  on  each 
share.  During  1856,  $59  were  received,  $49  expended  for  books,  and 
$20  for  salaries.  During  the  same  year,  1300  volumes  were  lent  to  60 
persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1847.  About  40  volumes  are 
added  yearly.  Cost  of  support,  $20.  During  the  last  five  years,  8200 
have  been  expended  for  books. 

CASTHTE, 

CASTINE  PUBLIC  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     572  vols. 

Founded  in  1855.  In  1854,  a  law  was  passed,  authorizing  towns  to 
establish  public  libraries.  This  law  originated  with  a  citizen  of  this 
town.  Under  it  $274  were  voted  for  a  library,  in  1855,  $68  in  1856, 
and  $68  in  1857.  The  u  Social  Library"  was  presented  to  the  town,  con 
sisting  of  260  volumes.  In  1855,  225  volumes  were  added,  and  in  1856, 
87.  During  1856,  2600  volumes  were  taken  out  by  188  persons.  Open 
Saturday  afternoon  and  evening.  Librarian's  salary  $52. 


GARDINER. 

MECHANICS'  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     2250  vols. 

Organized  April,  1841.  A  catalogue  of  20  pages,  12mo.  was  printed 
in  1847;  another  in  1856,  57  pages,  at  a  cost  of  $42  for  300  copies. 
About  75  volumes  are  added  yearly.  The  annual  expenses  are  $120. 
During  the  last  five  years  $350  have  been  expended  for  books. 

The  initiation  fee  is  $1,  and  annual  payment  $1.  During  1856,  3500 
volumes  were  lent  to  400  persons.  Works  of  fiction  most  called  for, 
then  history,  biography,  and  travels. 

"  Any  female,  of  good  moral  character,  residing  in  the  city,  and  of 
the  age  of  18  years  and  upwards,  may  be  allowed  to  take  books  from  the 
library." 

HALLOWELL. 

HALLOWELL  SOCIAL  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     1720  vols. 
Instituted  in  1843,  by  forty-three  stockholders,  who  paid  $20.    Stock- 


72  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

holders  pay  81  per  annum,  and  annual  subscribers  §2.  Open  Wednes 
days  and  Saturdays,  from  2  to  5  P.M.  During  1856,  3976  volumes 
were  lent  to  100  families.  From  80  to  100  volumes  are  added  yearly. 
Annual  cost  of  support,  650.  During  the  last  five  years  $464  70  have 
been  expended  for  books.  No  works  of  a  sectarian  character  are  pur 
chased. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1843,  24  pages,  12nio.,  with  a  supplement 
of  six  pages  in  1847. 


HOULTON, 

FOREST  CLUB.     (1857.)     500  vols. 

Established  July,  1849.  Receipts  during  1856,  $40.  Expended  for 
books,  $35.  Members  pay  $1  per  annum.  Open  twice  a  week.  100 
volumes  were  lent,  during  1856,  to  100  persons.  About  20  volumes 
are  added  yearly.  During  the  last  five  years  $125  were  expended  for 
books.  Waverley  Novels  and  Irving' s  works  are  most  read. 


KENT'S  HILL. 

CALLIOPEAN  SOCIETY  OF  THE  MAINE  WESLEYAN  SEMINARY. 

(1857.)     1GOO  vols. 

Founded  in  1835.  Receipts  during  1854,  $20.  Expenditures  for 
books,  $10;  binding,  $6;  periodicals,  $3;  incidentals,  $1.  Members 
of  the  Society  use  the  library,  by  paying  25  cents  a  term.  The  books 
are  arranged  by  subjects.  The  library  is  open  once  a  week.  200  vo 
lumes  were  lent,  during  1854,  to  100  persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed 
in  1840.  On  the  1st  of  January,  1855,  there  were  1500  books,  150 
pamphlets,  30  manuscripts,  20  maps,  and  4  engravings  in  the  library; 
one-half  of  the  books  having  been  received  by  donation,  the  other  half 
purchased.  The  average  number  of  volumes  added  annually  is  12; 
average  expenditure  for  books,  $20.  Number  of  volumes  lent,  200. 

A  cabinet,  containing  several  hundred  specimens  of  birds,  is  in  the 
Seminary.  14  newspapers  are  taken,  and  the  Lady's  Book  and 
National  Magazine. 


MAINE.  73 

MACHIAS. 

MACHIAS  SOCIAL  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     G20  vols. 

Founded  in  1820.  Open  Saturday  afternoons.  A  catalogue  was 
printed  in  1841.  About  20  volumes  are  added  yearly.  $100  expended 
for  books;  during  the  last  five  years.  Annual  cost  of  support;  $30. 
There  are  about  500  pamphlets  in  the  library. 

PORTLAND. 

MECHANICS'  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     2220  vols. 

Founded  July,  1820,  by  the  Maine  Charitable  Mechanic  Association, 
the  members  of  which,  their  families  and  apprentices,  are  entitled  to 
use  it.  The  widows  of  deceased  members  and  their  children  are  enti 
tled  to  books  also.  It  is  a  miscellaneous  .lending  library,  open  every 
Saturday  evening.  About  200  volumes  are  lent  per  week.  The  books 
are  arranged  numerically  as  received. 

A  catalogue  was  issued  in  December,  1855,  57  pages  16mo.,  the  titles 
being  printed  numerically. 

The  Maine  Charitable  Mechanic  Association  was  incorporated  June 
14, 1815,  it  being  provided,  that  "  the  annual  income  shall  be  employed 
for  the  purpose  of  relieving  the  distresses  of  unfortunate  mechanics  and 
their  families,  to  promote  inventions  and  improvements  in  the  mechanic 
arts,  by  granting  premiums  for  said  inventions  and  improvements,  and 
to  assist  young  mechanics  with  loans  of  money."  In  1827,  these  powers 
were  extended  to  include  the  diffusion  of  useful  knowledge  and  the  support 
and  enlargement  of  the  Apprentices'  Library  in  Portland.  In  1834, 
the  charter  was  extended  for  the  period  of  20  years,  and  power  was 
granted  to  the  Association  to  hold  property  to  the  amount  of  $20,000. 
The  fee  for  membership  is  85;  annual  dues  81. 

MERCANTILE  LIBRARY.     (1855.)     1550  vols. 

Founded  October,  1851.  Receipts  during  the  year  ending  April  12, 
1855,  82250.  Expenditures  for  books  and  binding,  8252.  Periodicals, 
8336.  Salary  of  librarian,  835;  assistant  librarian,  825.  Incidentals, 
81589.  Total,  82177. 


74  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

All  members  of  the  Association  are  entitled  to  use  the  library,  the 
admission  fee  being  $2,  and  annual  dues  82.  It  is  a  miscellaneous  lend 
ing  library.  Open  every  Saturday  evening.  The  books  are  arranged 
numerically  in  the  order  received.  3971  volumes  were  lent  during 
1854.  A  catalogue  (the  titles  classified  by  names  of  authors,  alpha 
betically)  was  printed  in  January,  1854,  52  pages  8vo.  500  copies 
cost  $65. 

The  library  has  been  formed,  with  few  exceptions,  by  purchase  from 
the  balance  of  the  receipts  of  the  Association,  after  defraying  other 
expenses. 

A  course  of  public  lectures  is  maintained  every  winter.  About  50 
newspapers  are  taken,  also  11  periodicals. 


PORTLAND  ATHENAEUM.     (1857.)     8550  vols. 

Incorporated  March  6,  1827.  An  alphabetical  catalogue  of  88  pages 
in  12 mo.  was  printed  in  1839.  Another  was  printed  December,  1849, 
12mo.  150  pages.  The  books  are  arranged  in  18  chapters. 

The  library  is  open  twice  a  week,  8£  hours  each  time. 

The  following  historical  account  of  the  Athenaeum  is  by  Mr.  Willis, 
of  Portland  : 

"This  institution  is  the  successor  to  the  Library  Society,  which  was 
established  in  1765,  by  twenty-six  gentlemen,  who  associated  together 
for  that  purpose.  Previous  to  that  time,  there  was  nothing  in  the  form 
of  a  library  existing  in  the  town.  The  library  opened  in  1766  with  93 
volumes,  of  which,  62  volumes  were  Ancient  and  Modern  Universal 
History,  llapin's  History  of  England,  7  volumes,  Lardrier's  Writers 
of  the  New  Testament,  3  volumes,  London  Magazine,  9  volumes,  &c. 
Not  much  addition  was  made  till  after  the  He  volution,  during  which 
the  small  collection  was  scattered,  and  a  number  of  the  books  lost.  In 
1780  a  new  attempt  was  made  to  resuscitate  it,  and  the  fragments  were 
reunited.  But  it  was  not  till  the  peace  of  1783  that  any  successful 
movement  was  made  to  give  it  vitality.  In  May,  1784,  twenty-six  new 
members  were  admitted,  who  were  required  to  pay  $2  each,  in  money 
or  books.  Others  were  subsequently  admitted  on  the  same  conditions. 
On  the  3d  of  April,  1786,  the  library  was  valued  at  £25;  the  worth 
was  diminished  by  the  number  of  broken  sets  of  works  which  it  con 
tained.  In  1794,  the  books  were  again  appraised,  and  valued  at  £64 
36'.  8c/.,  and  the  price  of  admission  was  raised  to  42s.  The  committee 


MAINE.  75 

were  this  year  instructed  to  purchase  Sullivan's  History  of  Maine,  Hut- 
chinson's  History  of  Massachusetts,  Belknap's  Biography,  Ramsay's 
American  Devolution  and  Carolina,  and  the  History  of  the  County  of 
Worcester.  These  are  all  American  publications  and  on  American  sub 
jects.  In  1798  they  procured  an  act  of  incorporation.  The  library 
went  on  slowly  and  gradually  increasing  until  1825,  when  its  number 
of  volumes  was  1640,  and  its  proprietors  82;  and  the  whole  annual 
expense  $331.  At  this  period  the  design  was  formed  for  enlarging  the 
institution,  and  giving  it  a  more  elevated  and  diffusive  character,  better 
suited  to  the  wants  of  the  age  and  spirit  of  the  times.  The  present 
Athemrum  grew  out  of  these  suggestions.  It  was  incorporated  in 
March,  1827;  purchased  the  property  of  the  old  library,  and  the  former 
society  was  dissolved,  most  of  the  members  becoming  proprietors  of  the 
new  institution.  183  persons  became  proprietors  in  the  Athenaeum,  at 
$100  a  share,  of  which,  860  only  were  paid,  the  principal  part  of  which 
was  invested  in  bank  stock,  as  a  fund  towards  the  support  of  the  esta 
blishment.  The  books  go  into  circulation  to  all  the  members  who  pay 
a  tax  of  85  a  year,  and  to  others  who  pay  810. " 


PORTLAND  SOCIETY  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY. 

This  Society  was  organized  in  1843,  with  a  respectable  cabinet,  which 
had  been  increased  till  it  contained  more  than  600  mounted  birds,  4000 
different  species  of  shells,  and  10,000  or  12,000  specimens;  more  than 
2000  varieties  of  minerals;  a  large  number  of  rare  fossils;  several  cases 
of  reptiles,  Crustacea,  skeletons,  and  preparations  of  animals;  more 
than  100  species  of  fishes,  &c.  On  the  8th  of  January,  1854,  this 
whole  cabinet,  together  with  the  Society's  choice  collection  of  books, 
was  consumed  by  fire.  As  there  was  no  insurance,  the  loss  was  at  least 
825,000. 

It  is  gratifying  to  learn,  that  through  the  liberality  of  the  citizens  of 
Portland,  and  other  friends  of  science  abroad,  a  new  cabinet  has  been 
formed,  valuable  in  itself,  and  a  nucleus  around  which,  it  is  hoped, 
another  will  be  gathered,  still  more  valuable  than  that  which  was 
destroyed. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (185G.)     442  vols. 
This  Association  was  organized  in  November,  1853.     The  library  was 


76  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

opened  January  15,  1855.  The  books  are  of  a  miscellaneous  character, 
arranged  according  to  size,  and  given  out  every  Saturday  evening,  from 
7  to  9  o'clock.  6  daily,  15  weekly  papers,  and  12  monthly  and  quar 
terly  magazines  are  received. 

The  number  of  members  admitted  during  1855,  was  153;  the  whole 
number  belonging  to  the  Association,  January,  1856,  is  about  450.  The 
annual  subscription  is  81.  The  library  has  been  but  recently  formed. 
It  is,  however,  much  used,  and  is  rapidly  increasing. 

Aside  from  the  regular  monthly  and  weekly  exercises  at  the  room, 
religious  meetings  and  Sabbath-schools  have  been  sustained  in  other 
places. 

ROCKLAND. 

ATHENvEUM.     (1855.)     1  GOO  vols. 

Established  in  1850.  The  original  stock  of  the  Association  was 
81000,  divided  into  100  shares,  at  810  each.  Receipts  during  1854, 
$175  65.  Expenditures  for  books,  8111  32.  For  librarian's  salary,  850. 
Incidentals,  828  64. 

Shareholders  and  subscribers  are  entitled  to  use  the  library;  the 
former  by  an  annual  payment  of  S2 ;  the  latter  of  $3.  The  books  are 
arranged  with  reference  1st,  to  subject;  2d,  size;  3d,  country.  The 
library  is  open  on  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays,  from  1  to  9  P.M.  3410 
volumes  were  lent,  during  1854,  to  86  families. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1850.  Of  the  books  read  in  1851,  there 
were  1476  works  of  fiction;  history,  158;  travels,  314;  biography, 
292;  poetry,  70;  religious  and  moral,  241;  miscellaneous,  559. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1855,  there  were  1600  books.  100  pamphlets, 
1  map,  and  5  engravings,  in  the  library.  Only  50  books  were  received 
as  donations. 


THOMASTON. 

LADIES'  HOME  LIBRARY  (formerly  Tkomaston  Female  Library). 
(1857.)     625  vols. 

Founded  April  3d,  1851,  by  an  association  of  ladies,  lleceipts  for 
1854,  866  31.  Expenditures  for  books,  840.  Incidentals,  813  79. 
About  70  volumes  are  added  annually.  Members  are  constituted  by 


MARYLAND.  77 

paying  $1  on  joining,  and  50   cents   annually.     98   persons  borrowed 
books  during  1854.     A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1853. 


WATERVILLE. 

WATERVILLE  COLLEGE.     (1855.)     10,500  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1820.  The  College  library  contains  10,500  volumes. 
There  are  also  valuable  libraries  connected  with  the  Literary  Societies. 
The  EROSOPHIAN  ADELPIII  has  2500  volumes,  and  the  LITERARY 
FRATERNITY  3000  volumes,  making  a  total  of  16,000  volumes.  The 
number  of  specimens  in  the  cabinet  is  about  2000. 

There  are  two  other  Societies,  the  ZETA  Psi;  and  the  DELTA  KAPPA 
EPSILON,  but  they  are  not  known  to  have  libraries,  A  catalogue  of  the 
library  was  printed  in  1845,  containing  47  pages  8vo.  The  library  is 
opened  twice  a  week,  and  kept  open  half  an  hour  each  time.  The  trus 
tees,  faculty,  and  students,  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  books  without 
charge ;  the  students  pay  $1  a  year  for  the  privilege ;  other  persons 
are  allowed  to  consult  the  library,  at  the  discretion  of  the  librarian  and 
library  committee.  $200  annually  expended  for  books.  150  volumes  are 
added. 

Receipts  during  1854,  8250.  Expended  for  books,  $200.  Periodi 
cals,  $20. 


MARYLAND. 

ANNAPOLIS. 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     20,000  vols. 

Founded  in  1827.  The  yearly  average  number  of  volumes  added  to 
the  library  for  the  last  six  years,  is  400.  There  has  been  an  annual 
appropriation  by  the  legislature  of  $500.  There  is  also  in  operation  a 
system  of  exchanges  with  other  States.  The  library  occupies  a  room  in 
the  State  House.  A  catalogue  (132  pages  Svo.)  prepared  by  David 
Ptidgely,  then  librarian,  was  published  in  December,  1837,  at  Anna 
polis.  The  titles  are  classified  under  37  chapters.  The  arrangement 


78  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

of  the  books  upon  the  shelves  corresponds  with  the  divisions  of  the 
catalogue.  The  library  is  open  daily  (Sundays  cxcepted)  during  the 
sessions  of  the  legislature,  from  9  o'clock  A.M.  to  the  time  of  the  daily 
adjournment  of  both  Houses,  and  from  5  to  9  P.M.,  except  during  night 
sessions,  when  it  is  kept  open  till  the  adjournment.  The  Governor, 
Chancellor,  Judges,  State  officers,  members  arid  ex-members  of  the  legis 
lature,  lawyers  practising  in  the  Court  of  Appeals,  and  officers  of  the 
Army  and  Navy,  stationed  at  Annapolis,  can  take  out  books.  Any  per 
son  may  consult  the  library  in  the  room.  5000  volumes  are  lent  annu 
ally. 

ST.  JOHN'S  COLLEGE.     (1851.)     3292  vols. 

The  library  dates,  with  the  College,  from  1784.  Occasional  appro 
priations  are  made  by  the  Board  for  the  increase  of  the  library.  The 
collection  is  in  a  room  of  the  new  brick  College,  36  feet  by  15,  in  7 
alcoves.  The  books  are  arranged  according  to  subjects.  Only  one 
catalogue  has  been  printed;  date  1847,  pages  38.  The  library  is  open 
one  hour  every  Saturday.  All  persons  connected  with  the  College  are 
.entitled  to  use  the  books;  and  they  are  occasionally  lent,  by  courtesy, 
to  others,  About  800  volumes  are  lent  in  a  year. 


UNITED  STATES  NAVAL  ACADEMY.     (1855.)     4600  vols. 

A  library  was  commenced  in  1845,  at  the  same  time  the  Academy 
was  established  by  the  United  States  Government.  Appropriations  are 
annually  made  by  Congress.  During  1854,  $2000  were  received,  and 
the  same  amount  expended.  The  library  consists  chiefly  of  naval  and 
military  books,  with  collateral  works  on  mathematics,  physics,  history, 
&c.  It  is  open  daily  three  hours,  for  the  use  of  the  officers  and  students 
of  the  Academy.  A  number  of  valuable  periodicals  are  regularly  taken. 


BALTIMORE. 

MANUAL  LABOR  SCHOOL  FOR  INDIGENT  BOYS.     (1856.) 

GOO  vols. 

This  School  was  incorporated  in  1840.     It  is  located  on  a  farm  about 
seven  miles  from  the  city  of  Baltimore,  and  furnishes  relief  to  a  most 


MARYLAND.  79 

interesting  class  of  the  unfortunate,  who  cannot  be  reached  as  effica 
ciously  in  any  other  way.  The  rudiments  of  a  plain  English  education 
are  taught,  and  the  boys  are  instructed  in  practical  farming,  or  bound 
out  to  trades.  It  is  open  to  all  sects  of  religion,  without  exception. 
The  average  number  in  the  School  is  50.  The  receipts  of  the  institu 
tion  for  1855,  were  §4589  79,  and  expenditures  $4251  07. 


MARYLAND  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     15,000  vols. 

Founded  in  1843,  and  incorporated  March,  1844.  The  set  of  the 
Maryland  Gazette,  in  the  library,  commences  in  1728,  and,  though  this 
is  imperfect,  a  complete  series  of  papers  printed  in  Maryland,  from  that 
time  to  the  present,  exists  in  the  library.  The  collection  of  manuscripts, 
though  not  large,  embraces  many  of  value  and  interest,  especially  those 
placed  under  the  care  of  the  Society  by  the  State  legislature,  as  the 
journals  of  the  old  Council,  and  letters  to  and  from  the  governors  and 
the  proprietors.  Among  the  MSS.  are  also  several  unpublished  orders 
of  General  Washington,  and  some  valuable  letters  from  officers  of  the 
Maryland  line,  with  regard  to  the  Southern  campaign.  A  large  and 
commodious  building  has  been  erected  for  the  joint  accommodation  of 
the  Maryland  Historical  Society,  the  Library  Company  of  Baltimore, 
and  the  Mercantile  Library  Association.  The  Maryland  Historical 
Society  holds  in  fee  the  third  floor  of  the  Athenasum  building;  and 
this  floor  is  divided  into  four  intercommunicating  apartments :  a  room 
for  the  use  of  the  officers  of  the  Society,  which  is  14  feet  by  23 ;  a 
meeting-room  and  library,  26  feet  by  47,  and  23  feet  high ;  a  gallery  of 
fine  arts,  47  feet  by  53,  with  a  ceiling  23  feet  high  at  the  apex,  and 
sloping  to  20  feet  at  the  walls,  lighted  by  a  skylight  in  the  roof,  afford 
ing  400  superficial  feet  of  glazed  surface ;  and  a  gallery  for  sculpture 
and  casts  from  the  antique,  14  by  23  feet.  The  rooms  of  the  Society 
are  furnished  in  an  elegant  manner,  with  solid  oak  cases,  tables,  and 
chairs.  The  whole  cost  of  the  building  was  $28,182.  The  furniture 
is  valued  at  $8000. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  8100.  The 
additions  arise,  in  greater  part,  from  donations. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  1000,  from 
date  of  incorporation  to  1855;  since  then,  200. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  750. 


SO  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

As  yet,  no  regular  catalogue  of  the  library  has  been  prepared  for 
printing.  The  library  is  open  daily  from  10  in  the  morning  until  6 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  The  regular  meetings  of  the  Society  are  held 
upon  the  first  Thursday  evening  of  every  month.  The  members  of  the 
Society  are,  of  course,  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library;  but  as  the 
object  of  the  institution  is  not  only  to  collect  valuable  material,  but  to 
make  it  as  generally  useful  as  possible,  the  books,  original  papers,  &c.; 
are  at  all  times  open  to  the  examination  and  perusal  of  all  who  may 
wish  to  refer  to  them,  subject  only  to  the  observance  of  such  rules  as 
are  essential  to  their  preservation.  The  books  are  not  allowed  to  be 
taken  from  the  rooms,  except  under  circumstances  which  appear  to 
justify  a  departure  from  the  rule;  because,  the  library  being  chiefly 
valuable  for  purposes  of  reference,  it  is  thought  desirable  that  investi 
gations  should  be  conducted  in  the  rooms  as  much  as  possible ;  and 
much  inconvenience  would  result  to  the  many  from  this  partial  accom 
modation  of  the  few.  The  number  consulting  the  library  is  large. 

One  of  the  prominent  features  in  the  plan  of  the  Society,  was  the 
establishment  of  chapters  in  the  different  counties  of  the  State. 

From  the  commencement  of  the  Society  to  1854,  466  members  have 
been  enrolled,  and  in  May  of  that  year  the  actual  number  was  301. 

The  library  in  May,  1854,  contained  2123  volumes,  relating  chiefly  to 
historical  or  to  such  other  subjects  as  are  in  strict  accordance  with  the 
purposes  of  the  Society.  Of  these,  605  consist  of  United  States  Con 
gressional  and  executive  documents,  forming  an  invaluable  and  perfect 
series,  which,  together  with  307  volumes  of  gazettes,  furnish  ample  and 
highly  useful  sources  of  reference.  There  are  56  bound  volumes,  con 
taining  703  pamphlets,  all  accurately  indexed  and  catalogued. 

Among  the  valuable  donations  to  the  library,  one,  if  not  the  most 
important,  is  the  Pcabody  Index  to  Maryland  Documents  in  the  State 
Paper  Office,  London.  It  consists  of  eleven  volumes,  bound  in  blue 
morocco,  under  lock,  and  contains  abstracts  and  descriptions  of  1729 
documents,  extending  from  the  year  1626  to  1780,  exhibiting  a  chrono 
logical  reference  to  the  complete  Colonial  History  of  Maryland.  This 
elaborate  work  in  manuscript  was  prepared  by  Mr.  Henry  Stevens,  at  the 
cost  and  under  the  direction  of  George  Peabody,  Esq.,  who  presented 
it  to  the  Maryland  Historical  Society,  as  a  testimony  of  his  regard  for 
the  State  in  which  he  formerly  lived. 

The  "  Baltimore  Library/'  consisting  of  15,000  volumes,  has  lately 
been  transferred  to  the  Historical  Society. 


MARYLAND.  81 

MARYLAND  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     11,000  vols. 

"  The  Institute  was  formed  in  December,  1847,  and  upon  the  comple 
tion  of  its  organization,  February  1st,  1848,  William  Minifie  was  ap 
pointed  chairman  of  a  committee  on  the  library,  which  was  one  of  the 
original  features  of  the  Association.  Upon  the  loth  of  March,  1848, 
at  the  instance  of  the  committee,  the  Board  appropriated  8300  to  enable 
them  to  <•  purchase  some  books,  and  to  subscribe  to  some  mechanical 
and  scientific  periodicals.'  The  committee  was  also  authorized  l  to 
issue  an  advertisement  soliciting  donations  of  books  for  the  use  of  the 
Institute/  On  the  20th  of  March  the  first  book  was  presented  to  the 
library,  being  a  copy  of  '  The  Experienced  Millwright/  the  gift  of  the 
late  Moses  Sheppard.  On  the  10th  of  April,  on  motion  of  Koss  Winans, 
then  a  member  of  the  Board,  the  library  was  ordered  to  'be  opened  for 
the  use  of  the  members,  every  evening  (except  Sunday),  from  7  till  10 
o'clock,  beginning  with  Monday  next,  17th  inst.'  On  8th  May,  a 
librarian  or  actuary  was  appointed,  at  8150  per  year.  During  the  first 
year  of  its  existence,  some  250  volumes  were  received  as  donations,  and 
250  volumes  purchased  at  a  cost  of  $500.  Among  the  most  valuable  of 
these  early  contributions,  were  a  set  of  38  volumes  of  its  Journal,  by 
the  Franklin  Institute,  and  a  set  of  Rees's  Encyclopedia,  in  85  numbers, 
by  Benjamin  H.  Ellicott. 

"  The  library  thus  founded  and  organized,  begun  its  second  year,  in 
1849,  with  500  volumes ;  H.  11.  Hazlehurst,  chairman  of  its  committee. 
During  1849,  but  $100  seem  to  have  been  spent,  which,  with  dona 
tions,  added  about  200  volumes  to  the  library.  In  1850,  however, 
numerous  acceptable  contributions  of  books  were  made ;  among  them, 
some  500  volumes  which  had  formerly  belonged  to  the  Apprentices' 
Library  of  Baltimore.  The  outlay  by  the  Institute,  for  the  same  year, 
was  $400 ;  and  the  library  was  enlarged  to  about  1700  volumes,  with 
which  it  begun  its  fourth  year,  in  April,  1851.  In  1851,  665  volumes 
were  acquired,  443  by  donation,  222  by  purchase,  for  which  latter, 
8348  were  expended  by  the  committee,  of  which  William  H.  Keighler 
was  chairman. 

"  At  the  close  of  this  year,  the  Institute's  new  hall  was  completed,  and 
the  library  was  removed  thereto,  from  its  confined  location  in  the  old 
Post  Office  building  on  Fayette  Street.  The  committee,  in  the  Fourth 
Annual  Report  (April,  1852),  remarked  that  'this  department  is  begin 
ning  to  assume  the  appearance  of  usefulness  and  success  which  was 

G 


82  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

expected  of  it  when  the  library  should  be  removed  to  the  new  building 
and  the  books  properly  arranged  for  circulation.'  For  the  first  three 
years  the  library  was  confined  to  scientific  and  mechanical  books  almost 
exclusively,  and  which  were  not  allowed  to  be  taken  from  the  hall.  As 
an  evidence  of  its  value,  however,  even  at  this  early  period,  we  may 
quote  the  same  report,  which  says  :  '  Notwithstanding  the  limited 
means  at  hand  for  supplying  the  numerous  call  for  books  (most  of  the 
works  in  the  library  not  being  of  the  proper  description  or  size  for  cir 
culation),  the  accounts  kept  open  with  members, — nearly  all  of  whom' 
are  constant  readers, — number  592  •  an  evidence  of  the  extent  to  which 
the  library  would  be  used,  did  it  contain  more  miscellaneous  readable 
matter.'  The  committee  further  remark  (and  their  language  as  for 
cibly  and  pertinently  applies  in  the  present  report),  '  the  library  must 
always  be  a  point  of  great  attraction  to  the  members  of  the  Institute — 
particularly  to  the  younger  portion ;  and  it  is  therefore  important  that 
this  favorite  department  should  be  made  as  complete  and  effective  as 
possible.' 

"During  the  succeeding  year  (1852  and  1853),  800  volumes  were 
added;  500  being  by  purchase,  and  300  by  donation.  A  considerable 
accession  of  mineralogical  specimens  was  also  then  received,  which, 
with  previous  contributions,  formed  a  respectable  nucleus  for  a  cabinet. 
During  this  year,  the  Institute  appropriated  81031  to  the  use  of  the 
library,  about  8600  of  which  was  expended  in  books,  maps,  periodicals, 
and  binding,  and  $440  in  fixtures, — Wm.  Bayley  being  the  chairman  of 
the  committee. 

"  The  Sixth  Annual  Report  (for  1853  and  1854)  shows  that  8564  were 
expended,  that  430  volumes  were  added  (150  by  donation,  and  280  by 
purchase),  and  that  the  number  of  volumes  increased  to  3627.  The 
daily  newspapers  were  introduced  for  the  first  time  this  year. 

"In  1855,  the  committee  say,  that  a  'new  feature  has  characterized 
the  Institute's  library,  in  the  daily  attendance  of  ladies  ;  seeking,  some 
the  substantial  mental  food,  others  the  light  and  graceful  literature 
which  tempts  their  more  delicate  intellectual  appetites.  Many  of  the 
senior  members  not  having  time  to  read,  or  lacking  the  taste,  their  wives 
and  daughters  avail  themselves  of  the  privilege  of  taking  out  books  in 
their  names.'  The  committee  state  that  they  have  continued  to  exer 
cise  the  utmost  care  in  the  selection  of  books,  excluding  all  that  are 
of  doubtful  morality.  They  further  remark,  that  <a  number  of  young 
men  have  withdrawn  from  the  Institute  and  subscribed  to  other  city 


MARYLAND.  83 

libraries,  because  this  was  insufficient  in  general  literature  to  supply 
their  wants;'  and  justly  add,  that  the  circumstance  'serves  to  illus 
trate  the  fact,  that  those  who  have  cultivated  a  taste  for  reading,  and 
desire  improvement,  will  dispense  with  other  things  to  provide  their 
intellectual  culture,  even  at  much  enlarged  expense/  The  committee 
(Win.  II.  Young,  chairman)  make  an  eloquent  appeal  in  behalf  of  their 
department,  and  remark  that,  l  previously  to  the  fiscal  year  now  ending, 
a  large  proportion  of  the  book  fund  has  been  expended  very  properly 
for  works  of  science  and  art,  arid  our  library,  in  respect  to  such  works, 

is  probably  the  best  in  the  State The  library  of  the  Maryland 

Institute/  they  add,  ( is  now  assuming  a  more  promising  attitude/ 
Some  1020  volumes  were  added  in  1854  and  1855 — about  420  by  pur 
chase  and  GOO  by  donation — the  sum  of  $554  being  expended  during 
the  year. 

"The  Eighth  Annual  Report,  made  in  April,  1856,  says,  that  l  not 
withstanding  the  able  and  urgent  arguments  heretofore  used  in  favor  of 
a  liberal  policy  towards  this  department,  particularly  in  the  last  annual 
report,  the  appropriations  during  the  year  just  expired  have  been  en 
tirely  inadequate  to  enable  us  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  reading  por 
tion  of  the  membership/  The  committee  remark,  that  l  there  are  a 
large  number  of  books  in  the  library  which  require  either  binding  or 
rebinding,  requiring  the  immediate  attention  of  our  successors — the 
want  of  funds  alone  having  prevented  the  execution  of  the  work/  The 
reason  assigned  for  this  condition  of  the  books  is,  'the  relatively  small 
number  of  volumes  for  the  very  large  number  of  readers,  which  causes 
nearly  all  the  best  and  more  popular  works  to  be  constantly  out,  and 
thereby  subject  to  the  deterioration  of  steady  use/  The  sum  of  $665 
was  expended  by  the  committee,  being  the  amount  of  the  Institute's 
appropriation  for  the  year.  The  number  of  books  added  was  about  650 
volumes,  of  which  175  were  by  donation,  and  475  by  purchase. 

"The  number  of  volumes,  therefore,  which  made  up  the  library  of  the 
Institute  a  year  ago,  when  its  care  was  assigned  to  this  committee,  was 
5245,  which  may  be  analyzed  or  divided  as  follows  :  scientific,  artistic, 
mechanical,  and  other  works  of  reference,  570 ;  law,  public  documents, 
etc.,  1800,  and  miscellaneous  books  available  for  circulation,  2875.  The 
number  of  readers  had  regularly  increased  from  year  to  year,  until  they 
numbered  about  1020 ;  and  the  number  of  volumes  circulated  by  them 
amounted  perhaps  to  20,000,  during  the  year  ending  in  April  last. 

"Such  was,  generally,  the  condition  and  extent  of  the  library  of  the 


84  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

Maryland  Institute,  when  the  undersigned  assumed  their  office.  The 
entire  sum  of  money  expended  in  its  development,  for  the  eight  previous 
years  of  its  existence,  as  shown,  was  but  84162,  being  an  average  of  but 
$520  per  annum." — Report  of  Committee,  April,  1857. 

Keceipts  during  1856,  86300.  Expended  for  books,  84600.  Bind 
ing,  8200.  Periodicals,  8125.  Salaries,  82620.  Incidentals,  8875. 
Members  of  the  Institute  who  pay  85  the  first  year,  and  83  annually 
afterwards,  and  ladies  and  junior  members  who  pay  half  that  sum,  are 
entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library.  It  is  open  from  9  A.M.  to  4  P.M.  for 
ladies,  and  from  4  to  9  P.M.  for  gentlemen. 

The  special  departments  of  the  library  are  science,  the  fine  arts,  archi 
tecture,  civil  and  marine,  engineering,  and  mechanics'  general  encyclo 
paedias,  &c.  During  the  year  1854,  about  24,000  volumes  were  taken 
out  by  1200  members.  About  60,000  volumes  were  lent  during  1856, 
to  1971  persons.  9534  volumes  are  in  English,  40  in  French,  36  in 
German.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1857,  300  pages,  costing  8275  for 
500  copies.  "  A  simple  general  plan  was  adopted,  without  strict  regard 
to  technical  propriety." 

Being  a  popular  library  (in  its  circulating  department),  in  the  largest 
sense,  the  books  of  fiction,  travels,  biography,  and  history,  have  been 
used  to  the  greatest  extent.  The  departments  of  history,  biography, 
travels,  poetry,  belles-lettres,  have  the  greatest  extent  in  the  circulating- 
list.  The  special  department,  science,  art,  &c.,  is  quite  full,  and  great 
efforts  are  making  to  still  further  develope  it.  All  the  standard  English 
and  American  authors  (in  these  branches  of  learning)  of  the  present  cen 
tury  are  now  found  in  this  portion  of  the  library.  Thirty-three  periodi 
cals  are  taken. 


MECHANICAL  FIRE  COMPANY.     (1857.)     2200  vols. 

Founded  in  1839,  by  Charles  West,  P.  W.  Loring,  and  II.  P.  Duhurst 
Members  of  the  Company  pay  85  per  annum  for  the  support  of  the 
library.  The  books  are  arranged  in  alphabetical  order.  1800  volumes 
are  in  English,  100  French,  100  German,  50  Spanish,  50  Latin,  50 
Greek,  and  50  Hebrew.  Novels  arc  most  called  for.  All  the  city 
papers  of  Baltimore  are  taken.  The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  825. 


MARYLAND.  85 


MERCANTILE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     14,060  vols. 

Founded  in  1839.  Incorporated  in  1842.  Active  members  pay  S3; 
honorary  members,  85  per  annum.  Receipts  during  1854,  $3616  08. 
Expenditures  for  books,  81496  65.  Binding,  864  47.  Periodicals, 
8239  37.  Salaries,  8900.  Receipts  during  1856,  83616.  Expen 
ditures  for  books,  81496.  Binding,  864.  Periodicals,  8240.  Salaries, 
8900.  Incidentals,  8800. 

The  library  is  open  daily  from  10  A.M.  to  10  P.M.  During  1856,  26,000 
volumes  were  lent  to  960  persons.  Nearly  all  the  books  are  in  English. 
The  books  most  called  for,  during  the  year,  were  Wide  Wide  World, 
Queechy,  Uncle  Tom's  Cabin,  Homes  of  the  New  World,  Haps  and 
Mishaps,  Sunny  Memories  of  Pleasant  Lands,  Mrs.  Mowatt's  Autobio 
graphy,  Life  of  Barnum,  Lamplighter,  Fashion  and  Famine,  Heir  of 
Redclyffe,  Ruth  Hall,  and  Wikoff's  Courtship. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1851,  Svo.  1000  copies  cost  8700.  It  is 
arranged  alphabetically  by  authors  and  subjects.  A  supplement  was 
printed  in  1854.  1200  volumes  are  added  yearly,  and  during  the  past 
five  years  87000  have  been  expended  for  books.  The  whole  cost  of  the 
library  has  been  820,000.  The  annual  expenses  are  83500.  The  salary 
of  the  librarian  is  81000;  assistant,  8300. 


ODD  FELLOWS'  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     12,584  vols. 

Founded  in  February,  1840.  It  is  supported  by  yearly  donations  from 
the  several  lodges  and  encampments  in  Baltimore,  and  governed  by  a 
committee  of  three  members  from  each  body;  in  all  102  representatives, 
who  delegate  the  actual  management  to  a  Board  of  Directors,  consisting 
of  nine  persons :  president,  vice-president,  secretary,  treasurer,  and  five 
directors. 

Every  Odd  Fellow  in  Baltimore  has  the  free  use  of  this  library.  It 
is  open  three  hours  five  evenings  in  the  week.  The  books  are  arranged 
by  subjects.  27,406  volumes  were  taken  out  during  1856.  Novels 
were  most  called  for,  then  voyages  and  travels.  7907  volumes  are  in 
English,  4677  in  German.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1852,  60  pages. 
Cost  882  50  for  1000  copies.  Eight  periodicals  are  taken.  806  volumes 
are  added  yearly.  The  annual  expenses  are  81159.  During  the  last 
five  years  8846  28  were  expended  for  books.  Receipts  from  all  sources 


86  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

during  1856,  $1190.  Expenditures  during  1856  for  books,  8575  04; 
binding,  850  07 ;  periodicals,  828  65;  salaries,  818750;  incidentals, 
836  25;  total,  8877  51. 

PEABODY  INSTITUTE. 

On  the  12th  of  February,  1857,  George  Peabody,  Esq.,  an  American 
banker,  in  London,  addressed  a  letter  to  twenty-five  gentlemen  in  Bal 
timore,  stating  his  intention  to  found  an  Institute  in  that  city,  and 
giving  them  a  credit  of  8350,000  for  this  purpose.1  He  specifies  certain 
objects  he  desires  to  be  established:  1st.  A  library;  2d.  Lectures;  3d. 
An  academy  of  music;  and  4th.  A  gallery  of  art.  He  also  wishes 
accommodations  provided  for  the  Maryland  Historical  Society. 
The  following  are  his  remarks  relative  to  the  library : 
"  For  an  extensive  library,  to  be  well  furnished  in  every  department 
of  knowledge,  and  of  the  most  approved  literature,  which  is  to  be  main 
tained  for  the  free  use  of  all  persons  who  may  desire  to  consult  it,  and 
be  supplied  with  every  proper  convenience  for  daily  reference  and  study, 
within  appointed  hours  of  the  week  days  of  every  year.  It  should  con 
sist  of  the  best  works  on  every  subject  embraced  within  the  scope  of  its 
plan,  and  as  completely  adapted  as  the  means  at  your  command  may 
allow  to  satisfy  the  researches  of  students  who  may  be  engaged  in  the 
pursuit  of  knowledge  not  ordinarily  attainable  in  the  private  libraries  of 
the  country.  It  should  be  guarded  and  preserved  from  abuse,  and  ren 
dered  efficient  for  the  purposes  I  contemplate  in  its  establishment,  by 
such  regulations  as  the  judgment  and  experience  of  the  trustees  may 
adopt  or  approve.  I  recommend,  in  reference  to  such  regulation,  that 
it  shall  not  be  constructed  upon  the  plan  of  a  circulating  library ;  and 
that  the  books  shall  not  be  allowed  to  be  taken  out  of  the  building, 
except  in  very  special  cases,  and  in  accordance  with  rules  adapted  to 
them  as  exceptional 


ST.  MARY'S  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     13,000  vols. 

The  library  was  commenced  with  the  institution,  in  the  year  1809. 
It  has  a  few  manuscripts,  among  them  a  modern  4to.  MS.,  entitled 
"  Tableau  present  des  Etats  Unis,  par  George  Novion/'  in  369  elegantly 
written  pages,  with  statistical  tables:  date,  about  1791-2;  some  valu- 

1  Mr.  Peabody  lias  since  added  the  sum  of  $"200,000  to  his  former  munificent 

sift. 


MARYLAND.  87 

able  maps,  charts,  and  engravings.  The  annual  increase  is  about  500 
volumes.  The  library  occupies  two  large  rooms  in  the  College  'edifice. 
The  librarian  is  engaged  in  classifying  the  books  according  to  subjects. 
There  is  no  printed  catalogue.  A  complete  MS.  catalogue  is  in  prepa 
ration.  There  is  no  stated  time  for  opening  the  library,  but  it  is  acces 
sible  at  all  times  on  application  to  the  librarian.  All  persons  connected 
with  the  institution  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  books,  and  others  are 
allowed  the  use  on  application.  Books  are  sometimes  lent  out  to  read, 
but  the  practice  is  discountenanced,  at  present,  on  account  of  former 
abuse  of  the  privilege.  With  the  permission  of  the  Superior,  books 
may  be  lent  to  persons  at  a  distance. 

Since  1851,  a  gift  of  1100  volumes  was  made  to  the  institution. 

The  library  is  composed  for  the  most  part  of  theological  and  classical 
books,  but  is  not  deficient  in  other  departments. 

There  is  a  small  library  of  some  GOO  volumes  belonging  to  a  society 
of  students. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1200  vols. 

This  Association  has  fine  rooms,  and  a  library  of  over  1200  volumes, 
nearly  all  of  which  were  purchased  in  1856.  Care  was  taken  to  exclude 
such  as  would  be  either  immoral  or  pernicious  in  their  teachings  and 
tendencies.' 

For  some  time  the  Association  was  embarrassed  with  debt,  but  this 
was  successfully  removed  by  the  result  of  a  festival,  participated  in  by 
the  various  denominations  represented  in  the  Association.  It  was  held 
on  the  26th  and  27th  of  March,  1856,  and  realized,  over  all  expenses, 
the  sum  of  $2133  53;  of  which,  $1074  58  were  appropriated  for  old 
debts,  and  $1058  95  for  the  purchase  of  books.  Total  receipts,  1856, 
$2966  87;  expenses,  $2875  87. 

The  annual  paying  memberships  is  about  335.  Essays  are  read,  and 
discussions  held,  every  month.  The  Association  is  engaged  in  what  are 
called  "Boys'  Meetings/'  held  on  Sundays,  in  different  parts  of  the  city, 
and  has  charge  of  "  Union  prayer-meetings/' 


CHARLOTTE  HALL. 

CHARLOTTE  HALL  SCHOOL.     (1857.)     1560  vols. 

"  The  site  now  occupied  by  Charlotte  Hall — formerly  known  as  the 
Cool  Springs  of  Maryland — was  selected,  as  early  as  1770,  on  account 


88  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

of  its  healthfullness,  excellent  water,  and  distance  from  any  village,  as  a 
most  admirable  locality  for  an  institution  of  learning.  Lands  were 
secured  and  arrangements  made  for  building,  with  a  zeal,  liberality,  and 
intelligence,  nowhere  equalled  in  the  Colonies  at  the  time.  In  the 
midst  of  these  active  preparations  to  secure  the  blessings  of  a  liberal 
education  to  their  children  arid  posterity,  the  all-absorbing  Revolution 
not  only  demanded  all  energies,  but  exhausted  all  available  funds,  and 
it  was  not  until  1796,  that  buildings  were  in  readiness  to  be  consecrated 
to  the  important  work  of  diffusing  learning  and  intelligence  among  the 
citizens  of  the  new  republic." 

850  volumes  are  in  English,  88  in  French,  38  in  Spanish,  422  in 
Latin,  227  in  Greek,  5  in  Hebrew.  The  books  most  read  are  standard 
histories  and  British  classics.  500  volumes  were  added  to  the  library 
in  1856.  During  the  last  five  years  8600  have  been  expended  for 
books. 


CHESTERTOWff. 

WASHINGTON  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2000  vols. 

The  College  library  was  founded  in  1783.  In  1827,  the  College  was 
burned  down,  and  only  170  volumes  rescued  from  the  flames.  In  1844, 
the  College  was  revived,  a  new  building  erected,  and  380  new  volumes 
added.  These,  together  with  the  valuable  present  of  State  papers  and 
other  documents,  by  Hon.  J.  A.  Pearce,  form  an  aggregate  of  2000 
volumes,  with  some  good  collections  of  maps,  &c.  There  is  a  manu 
script,  but  no  printed  catalogue.  Persons  connected  with  the  College 
are  allowed  to  use  the  books  without  fee.  Strangers  are  sometimes,  by 
courtesy,  permitted  to  use  the  library. 

The  MOUNT  VERNON  SOCIETY  OF  STUDENTS,  founded  in  1847,  has 
about  100  volumes.  Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since 
1851,  $25.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library, 
50,  mostly  at  present  by  gift.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent 
to  readers,  150. 


COLLEGE  OF  ST.  JAMES.     (1857.)     5000  vols. 
Founded   in    1842.      Chartered   in    1844.      The   BELLES-LETTRES 


MARYLAND.  89 

SOCIETY,  founded  in  1845,  lias  a  library  of  1420  volumes,  the  IRVING 
SOCIETY,  founded  in  1847,  lias  1595  volumes,  and  the  WAVERLEY  850 
volumes. 


ELLICOTT'S  MILLS. 

ST.  CHARLES  COLLEGE.     (1855.)     GOO  vols. 

This  institution  was  opened  towards  the  close  of  the  year  1848,  and 
the  library  has  been  but  recently  formed.  The  number  of  volumes  is 
as  yet  very  limited,  not  exceeding  five  or  six  hundred,  mostly  ecclesias 
tical. 

FREDERICK  CITY. 
FREDERICK  FEMALE  SEMINARY.     (1856.)     1000  vols. 

Chartered  in  1840.  Commenced  operations  1st  September,  1846. 
"  A  handsome  building  was  erected  at  an  expense  of  $16,000,  which,  so 
far  as  beauty,  neatness,  and  elegance  of  structure,  its  central  location, 
comfort,  convenience,  and  the  perfect  adaptation  of  all  its  parts  to  the 
purposes  for  which  it  was  constructed,  are  concerned,  is  believed  by  the 
directors  to  be  equal  to  any  similar  institution  in  the  United  States. 
It  is  50  feet  front  by  90  deep,  contains  40  apartments,  and  will  accom 
modate  from  70  to  80  boarding-scholars.  The  order  of  architecture  is 
Grecian  Ionic.  All  its  proportions  are  in  exact  imitation  of  the  cele 
brated  temple  of  Erectheus.  The  columns  are  27  feet  high." 

The  Seminary  is  entirely  exempt  from  sectarian  control.  The  course 
of  instruction  is  said  to  be  thorough  and  extensive.  There  is  a  large 
chemical  and  philosophical  apparatus,  and  a  library  of  1000  volumes. 

SANDY  SPRING. 

SANDY  SPRING-  LIBRARY  COMPANY.     (1857.)     700  vols. 

Founded  in  1841.  The  officers  are,  president,  five  directors,  trea 
surer,  and  librarian.  No  salaries  are  paid.  The  shares  are  85  each, 
with  an  annual  contribution  of  $1  50  from  each  shareholder.  Subscri 
bers  pay  $2  a  year.  The  receipts  during  1854,  were  855  84,  and  the 
expenses  about  the  same.  $40  worth  of  new  books  were  obtained.  It 


90  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

is  a  lending  library,  open  every  day,  from  sunrise  to  sunset.  About 
300  volumes  are  lent  annually.  The  books  are  arranged  by  size.  The 
last  catalogue  was  printed  in  1854,  ISmo.  200  copies  cost  815.  Littell's 
Living  Age  is  the  only  periodical  taken. 


MASSACHUSETTS. 

AMHEEST. 

AMHERST  COLLEGE.     (1856.)     12,000  vols. 

The  library  was  commenced  in  1821, — the  same  year  that  the  College 
went  into  operation.  It,  however,  numbered  very  few  books  previous 
to  1832,  in  which  year  about  2000  standard  works,  in  literature  and 
science,  were  purchased  in  London  and  Paris,  by  Professor  Hovey,  with 
money  raised  by  general  subscriptions  among  the  friends  of  the  College. 
From  that  time  the  library  gradually  increased  to  1850,  when  it  num 
bered  about  GOOO  volumes.  During  that  year,  the  room  in  the  chapel 
devoted  to  the  library,  having  become  too  small  to  accommodate  the 
books,  a  subscription  was  started  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  funds  for 
the  erection  of  a  new  library  building,  and  the  purchase  of  such  books 
as  the  necessities  of  both  officers  and  students  seemed  imperatively  to 
demand.  With  the  820,000  realized  from  this  subscription,  a  new  library 
building  was  erected  in  1853,  and  such  additions  made  to  the  library, 
that  with  the  donations,  the  number  of  volumes  which  it  now  contains, 
varies  not  far  from  12,000. 

Students  pay  SI  50  a  year  for  the  use  of.  the  library.  The  books  are 
classified  by  subjects,  on  Brunei's  system.  The  library  is  open  four 
days  in  the  week,  for  three-quarters  of  an  hour  each  time.  A  catalogue 
of  177  pages  8vo.  was  printed  in  August,  1855. 

The  students'  Societies  have  8000  volumes  in  their  libraries. 


ANDOVER. 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.    (1857.)     22,700  vols. 

This  Seminary  is  under  the  direction  of  the  trustees  of  Phillips  Aca 
demy,  which  was  founded  April  21,  1778,  and  belongs  to  the  Orthodox 


MASSACHUSETTS.  91 

Congregationalists.  The  library  was  commenced  in  1808.  There  is  a 
permanent  fund  of  about  $12,000,  the  income  of  which  is  appropriated 
to  the  purchase  of  books.  The  library  is  in  a  handsome  room  in  the 
second  story  of  a  brick  building,  erected  in  1818,  at  an  expense  of  about 
819,000,  for  chapel,  recitation-rooms,  and  library.  The  library-room  is 
60  feet  by  40,  and  about  18  feet  high,  fitted  up  with  alcoves,  and  adorned 
with  the  portraits  of  the  principal  benefactors  of  the  institution.  The 
books  are  arranged  but  partially  according  to  subjects.  In  1819,  a  cata 
logue  of  160  pages  8vo.,  by  Professor  J.  W.  Gibbs,  was  printed.  In  1838 
an  elaborate  catalogue,  containing  531  pages  Svo.,  was  published.  A 
supplementary  catalogue  of  67  pages  Svo.  was  printed  in  1849.  The 
library  is  open  three  times  a  week,  from  1  to  3  o'clock  P.M.  The 
persons  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  books  are,  besides  the  officers  of  the 
Seminary,  students  and  resident  licentiates,  on  the  payment  of  S3  per 
annum,  and  others  by  permission  of  the  Faculty.  Each  student  is  allowed 
eight  books  at  a  time.  Probably  4000  volumes  are  lent  out  in  the  course 
of  the  year.  Books  may  be  carried  out  of  town  by  permission  from  the 
Faculty. 

Besides  the  public  library,  the  following  collections  are  connected  with 
the  Seminary  : 

Library  of  the  PORTER  RHETORICAL  SOCIETY,  2600  volumes. 

A  catalogue  of  this  library  was  printed  in  1839,  in  octavo  form. 

Library  of  the  SOCIETY  or  INQUIRY,  1349  volumes. 

"  The  library  of  the  ANDOVER  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  is  one  of  the 
most  valuable  in  the  country.  The  books  mostly  belong  to  the  depart 
ments  of  theology  and  philology.  It  is  a  selected  library,  and  not  a 
chance  accumulation  of  volumes  rejected  from  the  shelves  of  a  multi 
tude  of  donors.  Profound  theological  learning,  thorough  bibliographical 
knowledge  and  skill,  have  for  the  most  part  presided  over  the  formation 
and  arrangements  of  the  library.  The  catalogue,  by  llcv.  Oliver  A. 
Taylor,  A.M.,  is  on  the  plan  of  Audifreddi.  The  books  are  placed  under 
the  authors'  names.  The  names  are  in  alphabetical  order.  To  the 
name  of  each  author  is  appended  a  biographical  note.  Annotations 
upon  the  books  are  also  interspersed  through  the  work.  The  catalogue  is 
destitute  of  an  index." 

"The  library  has  a  collection  of  between  2000  and  3000  small  books 
and  pamphlets,  relating  to  or  written  by  the  Puritans,  and  published  in 
England  in  the  time  of  Charles  I,  the  Commonwealth,  and  Charles  II. 
The  department  in  the  library  which  is  most  fully  supplied,,  is  that  relat- 


02  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

ing  to  the  Christian  Fathers,  and  Church  history  generally.  It  has  also 
a  good  collection  of  works  relating  to  biblical  commentary,  criticism,  and 
antiquities.  It  possesses  also  many  of  the  best  early  editions  of  the 
Greek  and  Roman  classics  and  works  illustrative  of  them.  It  is  quite 
deficient  in  works  on  the  English  language,  and  standard  English  litera 
ture  ^  in  the  productions  of  the  English  and  American  Puritans;  in 
general  works  of  science  which  would  be  suitable  to  a  theological  library; 
in  the  best  later  editions  of  the  classics,  etc." — Bibliotheca  Sacra. 


BOSTON. 

AMERICAN  ACADEMY  OF  ARTS  AND  SCIENCES.     (1857.) 
9600  vols. 

This  Society  was  incorporated  May  4,  1780.  Among  the  scientific 
associations  of  the  United  States,  it  is  next  in  age  to  the  American 
Philosophical  Society  at  Philadelphia,  which  is  the  oldest  in  the  coun 
try.  The  average  annual  increase  of  the  library  is  about  150  volumes. 
An  annual  appropriation  of  about  £GOO  is  made  from  the  general  fund 
of  the  Academy  for  the  purchase  of  books.  The  library  is  open 
during  the  day,  every  week-day.  All  members  of  the  Academy,  and 
strangers,  are  allowed  the  use  of  the  books,  which  may  be  taken  out  by 
any  member,  or  in  his  name.  A  catalogue  (57  pages  Svo.)  was  printed 
in  1802.  Lists  of  accessions  are,  from  time  to  time,  printed  in  the 
publications  of  the  Academy.  This  library  contains  a  valuable  collec 
tion  of  the  memoirs  and  transactions  of  learned  societies,  reviews,  and 
magazines,  and  of  modern  scientific  works. 


AMERICAN  BOARD  OF  COMMISSIONERS  FOR  FOREIGN 
MISSIONS.     (1857.)     5G2G  vols. 

The  library  was  founded  in  1822.  The  average  annual  increase  is 
about  150  volumes.  The  library  is  in  the  Mission  House,  Pemberton 
Square.  There  is  a  catalogue,  but  it  has  not  been  printed.  The  collec 
tion  is  designed  mainly  for  the  use  of  the  officers  of  the  Board,  and  is 
always  accessible  to  them.  The  books  are  occasionally  lent  to  persons 
investigating  subjects  relating  to  missions.  It  is  designed  to  be  a  library 
for  reference  on  subjects  connected  with  the  work  of  foreign  missions, 
is  in  no  sense  a  circulating  library,  and  nothing  is  paid  for  the  use  of 


MASSACHUSETTS.  93 

the  books.     Books  may  be  lent  to  persons  at  a  distance  by  consent  of 
the  Prudential  Committee. 

BOSTON  ATHENAEUM.     (1857.)     70,000  vols. 

"  The  Athenaeum  owes  its  origin  to  a  society  of  gentlemen  who  con 
ducted  a  literary  publication  called  l  The  Monthly  Anthology.'  In  the 
year  1800,  they  issued  proposals  for  establishing  a  reading-room,  to  con 
tain  the  most  valuable  foreign  and  American  journals,  with  works  of 
reference  suitable  to  such  a  place  of  resort,  open  to  subscribers,  at  $10 
per  annum.  The  enterprise  proved  unexpectedly  successful.  Many 
valuable  books  were  presented,  and  the  gentlemen  who  commenced  the 
undertaking,  in  order  more  effectually  to  secure  and  extend  the  benefits 
of  their  labor  and  expense,  transferred  their  right  in  the  Anthology 
Heading-room  and  Library  to  trustees,  with  power  to  supply  vacancies 
in  their  number.  At  the  winter  session  of  the  legislature,  in  1807, 
the  proprietors  were  incorporated  under  the  name  of  f  The  Boston  Athc- 


The  price  of  a  share  was  fixed  at  $300.  Annual  subscribers  were 
admitted  at  $10  per  annum.  From  these  sources,  occasional  voluntary 
subscriptions,  and  frequent  donations,  the  institution  has  risen  to  its  pre 
sent  important  position. 

The  principal  endowments  of  the  Athcnceum,  before  the  year  1847, 
are  thus  enumerated  in  an  inscription  under  the  corner-stone  of  the  new 
building  : 

"  The  sum  of  $42,000  was  raised  for  the  general  purposes  of  the 
Athenaeum,  by  voluntary  subscription  for  shares  created  in  1807. 

"  James  Perkins,  in  1821,  gave  his  own  costly  mansion  in  Pearl 
Street,  which  from  that  time  has  been  the  seat  of  the  institution. 

"  In  the  same  year,  the  sum  of  $22,000  was  raised  by  voluntary  sub 
scriptions  for  shares. 

"  Thomas  Ilandasyd  Perkins  (besides  his  earlier  and  later  valuable 
donations),  and  James  Perkins  the  younger,  seconded,  in  ]826,  the 
liberality  of  the  brother  and  the  father,  each  giving  $8000  ;  and  the 
sum  of  their  contributions  was  increased  to  $45,000,  by  other  subscrip 
tions,  obtained  chiefly  through  the  efforts  and  influence  of  Nathaniel 
Bowditch,  Francis  Galley  Gray,  George  Ticknor,  and  Thomas  Wren 
Ward. 

"  Augustus  Thorndike,  in  1823,  gave  a  choice  collection  of  casts  of 
the  most  celebrated  ancient  statues. 


94  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

"  George  Watson  Brimmer,  in  1838,  gave  a  magnificent  collection  of 
books  on  the  fine  arts. 

"John  Bromfield,  in  1846,  gave  825,000  as  a  fund  to  be  regularly 
increased  by  one-quarter  of  the  income,  of  which  the  other  three-quarters 
are  to  be  annually  applied  to  the  purchase  of  books  forever. 

u  The  sum  of  875,000,  for  the  erection  0f  the  building,  was  raised 
by  voluntary  subscription  for  shares  created  in  1844."1 

Liberality  like  this  is  seldom  witnessed,  and  deserves  the  most  honor 
able  mention. 

The  institution  first  occupied  rooms  in  Congress  Street,  whence  it 
was  removed  to  Scollay's  Buildings,  in  Court  Street,  and  in  1810  to  the 
building  on  Common  (now  Tremont)  Street,  north  of  King's  Chapel 
Burial-ground.  In  the  year  1822  it  was  removed  to  the  house  in  Pearl 
Street,  presented,  as  already  stated,  by  James  Perkins.  In  1823,  the 
King's  Chapel  Library  and  the  Theological  Library,  containing  together 
1300  volumes  of  theological  works,  were  deposited  in  the  Athenaeum, 
where  they  still  remain.  In  1826  a  union  was  effected  with  the  Boston 
Medical  Library,  and  its  books,  valued  at  84500,  were  added  to  those  of 
the  Athenaeum.  In  the  same  year,  also,  an  association  which  had  been 
formed  for  the  purchase  of  a  scientific  library  became  merged  in  the 
Athenaeum,  and  its  funds,  exceeding  83000,  were  transferred  to  the 
Athenaeum,  to  be  expended  in  the  purchase  of  scientific  books. — [See 
sketch  of  the  Boston  Athenaeum,  by  Edward  Wigglesworth,  M.A.,  in 
"The  American  Quarterly  Register/'  for  November,  1839.] 

In  July,  1849,  the  library  was  removed  to  its  new  home  in  Beacon 
Street,  just  above  the  Tremont  House.  The  location  is  central,  yet  free 
from  the  dust  and  noise  of  crowded  thoroughfares.  The  edifice  is  ele 
gant,  spacious,  and  convenient.  The  front  is  114  feet  long  and  60  feet 
high,  in  the  Palladian  or  later  Italian  style  of  architecture,  and  built  of 
freestone.  The  other  walls  are  of  brick'.  In  the  basement  story  are 
rooms  for  the  packing  of  books,  for  a  bindery,  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  janitor,  &c.  The  main  entrance  opens  into  a  pillared  and  panelled 
rotunda,  from  which  the  staircases  conduct  above.  On  the  first  floor 
are  two  large  reading-rooms,  a  room  for  the  trustees,  and  a  sculpture 
gallery,  80  feet  by  40.  The  library  occupies  the  second  story,  which 
is  divided  into  three  rooms,  two  in  front  and  one  large  hall  (109  feet 
by  40)  in  the  rear.  The  western  division  of  this  room  is  filled  with 

1  This  sum  having  been  found  insufficient  for  the  completion  of  the  building, 
an  additional  subscription  was  made. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  95 

encyclopedias,  transactions  of  learned  societies,  magazines,  and  other 
works  in  long  series  of  volumes.  The  other  and  larger  portion  is 
divided  into  26  alcoves.  This  hall  is  beautifully  finished  in  the  Italian 
style.  The  shelving  is  carried  to  the  height  of  18  or  20  feet,  and  the 
upper  shelves  are  made  accessible  by  means  of  a  light  iron  gallery, 
reached  by  five  spiral  staircases.  The  two  front  rooms  will  accom 
modate  some  25,000  volumes.  The  picture-gallery  occupies  the  upper 
story.  It  is  divided  into  six  apartments,  each  lighted  by  a  skylight.  It 
is  admirably  adapted  to  its  purposes.  The  roof  affords  a  magnificent 
view  of  the  city  and  the  surrounding  country.  The  whole  building  is 
constructed  in  the  most  substantial  and  workmanlike  manner.1 

Besides  70,000  bound  volumes,  including  1500  or  1GOO  volumes  of 
pamphlets,  the  library  possesses  20,000  or  more  unbound  pamphlets, 
between  400  and  500  volumes  of  engravings,  and  the  most  valuable 
collection  of  coins  in  this  part  of  the  country.  For  an  American  library 
it  is  rich  in  certain  departments,  as,  for  example,  in  the  reports  and 
transactions  of  learned  societies,  in  periodical  publications  in  the  Eng 
lish  language,  works  in  the  natural  sciences,  &c.  It  has  complete  sets 
of  the  Transactions  of  the  Royal  Society  of  London,  the  French  Insti 
tute,  the  Royal  Societies  of  Berlin,  Copenhagen,  Gottingen,  Lisbon, 
Madrid,  Stockholm,  St.  Petersburg,  Turin,  &c.  It  has  also  the  Ency 
clopedic  Raisonne,  35  volumes  folio;  the  Encyclopedic  Methodique, 
258  volumes  4to.,  including  37  of  plates;  Buffon's  Natural  History, 
by  Sonnini,  127  volumes  8vo.,  &c.2 

The  institution  has  a  valuable  collection  of  books  and  papers,  once 
forming  a  part  of  the  library  of  General  Washington,  It  contains  in 
all  about  450  bound  volumes,  and  from  800  to  1000  pamphlets  unbound, 
nearly  all  of  which  belonged  to  the  library  of  Washington.  About  350 
contain  his  autograph,  and  a  few  of  them  notes  in  his  handwriting. 
One  little  book  has  the  autograph  of  Washington  in  a  rude,  schoolboy 
hand,  at  about  the  age  of  nine  years.  There  are  several  autographs  of 
Augustine  Washington,  the  father  of  the  General;  of  Mary,  the  mother, 
and  of  Martha,  the  wife.  One  book  contains,  on  the  title-page,  the 
autograph  of  John  Custis  (first  husband  of  Martha),  and  on  the  next 
leaf  that  of  George  Washington.  One  volume  has  the  autograph  of 
Thomas  Jefferson.  There  are  several  presentation  copies  from  eminent 
authors, — Sir  John  Sinclair,  Arthur  Young,  Ebeling,  Alfieri,  Jeiferson, 

1  Literary  World,  August  11,  1849.  2  Bibliotheca  Sacra,  January,  1850. 


96  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

Dr.  Morse,  and  others.  Ten  volumes  contain  the  name  of  Richard 
Henry  Lee,  in  his  own  handwriting.  These  books  came  into  the  pos 
session  of  the  Athenaeum  in  the  following  manner.  General  "Washing 
ton  bequeathed  his  books  and  papers  to  his  nephew,  Bushrod  Washing 
ton.  On  the  death  of  Bushrod  Washington  the  library  was  divided : 
one  portion  was  left  at  Mount  Vernon,  where  it  still  remains ;  another 
fell  to  Colonel  Washington.  The  latter  portion  included  the  public 
papers  afterwards  purchased  by  Congress,  and  a  considerable  number 
of  the  books,  pamphlets,  and  private  papers.  The  books  had  been 
offered  for  sale.  Congress  had  declined  the  purchase.  Mr.  Henry 
Stevens  at  last  bought  the  collection,  and  offered  it  for  sale  to  the 
Athengeum.  A  few  gentlemen  of  Boston  and  its  vicinity  subscribed 
the  required  amount,  and  presented  these  precious  memorials  to  this 
institution. 

The  Athenaeum  possesses  many  valuable  paintings  and  statues.  Among 
the  latter  is  the  Orpheus  of  Crawford,  and  the  Backwoodsman,  by 
Dexter,  in  marble. 

Several  catalogues  of  the  books  have  been  printed;  one,  without  date, 
in  266  pages  8vo.,  in  which  the  books  are  arranged  in  16  classes. 
Another  was  printed  in  1827,  and  contains  856  pages  8vo.  It  is  alpha 
betical.  A  supplement  (60  pages)  was  printed  in  1829  ;  a  second  (80 
pages)  in  1834.  These  two  supplements,  with  the  other  additions  to 
the  library  up  to  1840,  were  in  that  year  printed  together,  in  a  volume 
containing  179  pages  8vo.  The  printed  catalogues  have  not  heretofore 
contained  the  titles  of  the  numerous  pamphlets  belonging  to  the  library. 
A  neat  and  accurate  catalogue  of  these  pamphlets,  prepared  by  Dr. 
A.  A.  Gould,  and  complete  to  within  two  or  three  years,  exists  in  manu 
script. 

The  library  is  hardly  surpassed,  either  in  size  or  in  value,  by  any 
other  in  the  country ;  and  its  regulations  are  framed  with  the  design 
that  it  shall  answer  the  highest  purposes  of  a  public  library.  Practically 
it  is  such;  for  each  proprietor,  besides  the  right  for  himself  and  his 
family  to  use  the  library,  may  grant  to  two  other  persons  constant  access 
to  it,  free  of  all  assessments,  and  tickets  for  a  month  to  any  number  of 
strangers.  Any  person,  indeed,  stranger  or  resident,  may  be  introduced 
for  a  special  purpose  by  a  note  from  a  proprietor.  Thus,  the  by-laws 
open  the  doors  of  the  institution  to  a  large  number  of  persons;  so  that 
the  proprietor  who  bestows  on  others  the  free  use  of  all  the  rights  he 
can  impart,  renders  himself  thereby  a  public  benefactor. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  97 

The  following  are  the  principal  regulations  of  the  institution : 

The  proprietors  meet  annually  on  the  first  Monday  of  January.  The 
officers  are  chosen  annually.  They  are,  a  president,  vice-president,  trea 
surer,  secretary,  and  nine  trustees.  The  trustees  appoint  a  librarian,  and 
sub-librarian. 

The  price  of  a  share  is  $300 ;  that  of  a  life  subscription  $100.  Annual 
subscribers  pay  $10  for  the  use  of  the  library  and  reading-room,  but  are 
not  allowed  to  take  out  books. 

Every  proprietor  has,  besides  his  own  right,  two  rights  of  admission, 
transferable  to  such  persons  as  he  may  select.  Proprietors  and  life  share 
holders,  on  paying  $5  annually,  may  take  books  home — not  to  exceed 
four  volumes  at  once.  Every  proprietor  and  life-subscriber  may  intro 
duce  strangers  not  residing  within  twenty  miles  of  Boston,  and  such 
strangers  are  entitled  to  visit  the  Athenaeum  for  one  month  from  the 
time  of  their  introduction. 

Certain  persons,  by  virtue  of  their  offices,  are  entitled  to  free  admis 
sion  to  the  Atheneeum.  These  are,  the  Governor  and  Council,  the  Lieu 
tenant-Governor  and  members  of  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  for  the 
time  being,  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  and  of  the  Courts  of  the 
United  States,  the  officers  and  resident  graduates  of  Harvard  College, 
of  Williams  College,  of  Amherst  College,  and  of  the  Theological  Semi 
nary  at  Andover,  the  several  presidents  of  the  American  Academy,  His 
torical  Society,  Medical  Society,  Agricultural  Society,  Salem  Athenaeum, 
and  the  East  India  Marine  Society  of  Salem ;  also  clergymen  settled  in 
Boston.  These  last  are  likewise  allowed  to  take  out  books  on  the  same 
terms  as  proprietors. 

In  1853,  a  donation  of  a  large  number  of  books  was  made,  unequalled 
in  value  by  any  previous  gift  of  books  to  the  library  since  its  founda 
tion. 

"  The  works  thus  presented  are  all  of  a  most  costly  and  splendid  cha 
racter,  and  include  several  which  are  not  to  be  found  in  any  other  pub 
lic  library  in  America.  Among  them  is  a  complete  set,  in  29  folio 
volumes,  of  the  works  of  Piranesi.  Those  works  are  of  hardly  less 
interest  to  the  scholar  and  the  man  of  letters,  than  to  the  artist.  Equally 
important,  as  illustrating  another  department  of  inquiry,  is  a  very  fine 
copy  of  Champollion's  great  work  on  Egyptian  Antiquities,  published 
under  the  auspices  of  the  French  Government,  in  four  folio  volumes. 
Accompanying  this,  are  Perring's  splendid  volumes  on  the  Pyramids  of 

7 


98  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

Gizeh.  But,  perhaps,  the  most  magnificent  work  in  the  collection,  is  a 
copy  of  Gould's  Birds  of  Europe,  a  work  which  rivals,  in  beauty  and 
expense,  Audubon's  Birds  of  America.  The  copy  now  placed  in  the 
Athenaeum  is  a  remarkably  fine  one :  the  plates  are  brilliant,  and  colored 
with  extreme  delicacy.  The  five  large  volumes  are  bound  in  the  most 
sumptuous  manner. 

"  These  works  may  serve  to  indicate  the  character  of  the  whole  collec 
tion.  There  is  not  a  single  book  comprised  in  it,  which  does  not  give 
proof  of  the  excellent  judgment  with  which  the  selection  has  been 
made." 

No  reports,  excepting  a  condensed  statement  of  the  treasurer,  are 
printed. 


BOSTON  LIBRARY  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     14,395  vols. 

Founded  in  1792.  Incorporated  in  1794.  The  principal  founder  of 
this  Society  was  Jeremiah  Belknap.  There  are  274  shares,  on  each  of 
which  an  annual  tax  of  83  is  levied.  The  receipts  during  1854-'55; 
were  8744  45;  and  during  the  same  time,  8310  02  were  expended  for 
books;  831  85  for  binding;  833  for  periodicals;  8250  for  salaries;  and 
808  05  for  incidentals.  The  library  is  open  three  hours  on  four  days 
in  the  week.  The  books  are  placed  on  the  shelves  as  received,  where 
most  convenient.  13,000  volumes  are  in  English,  1244  in  French;  none 
in  other  languages. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1849,  8vo.,  at  a  cost  of  8543  91  for  500 
copies;  the  first  supplement,  in  1849,  cost  8130  50  for  300  copies; 
second  supplement,  1855,  cost  8105  for  300  copies.  About  200  volumes 
are  added  yearly.  The  annual  expenses  are  8400,  exclusive  of  rent. 
During  the  last  five  years  82332  55,  have  been  expended  for  books. 

The  principal  object  of  the  Society  has  been  to  form  a  collection  of 
books  for  popular  use,  admitting  none  of  an  injurious  moral  tendency, 
and  preferring  those  of  solid  and  standard  value.  History  and  biogra 
phy  (particularly  American),  travels,  the  English  and  French  classics, 
and  fiction,  are  the  departments  best  supplied.  Most  of  the  books  have 
been  selected  and  purchased.  The  donations  have  been  comparatively 
few. 

For  some  years  after  the  library  was  founded,  the  shares  were  not 


MASSACHUSETTS.  99 

transferable,  and  subscribers  had  only  the  use  of  the  library  for  their 
lives  ]  consequently,  by  the  death  of  the  original  proprietors,  many  shares 
have  fallen  into  the  common  stock;  which  has  given  to  the  shares  of 
present  proprietors  a  value  far  beyond  their  cost.  Shares  are  now,  how 
ever,  transferable,  and  do  not  cease  at  the  death  of  the  proprietor. 


BOSTON  SOCIETY  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY.     (1857.)     GOOO  vols. 

Founded  in  the  winter  of  1830,  and  incorporated  February  24,  1831. 
Its  great  design  is  to  "promote  a  taste  and  afford  facilities  for  the  pur 
suit  of  natural  history,  by  mutual  co-operation  and  the  collection  of  a 
cabinet  and  library/'  The  Society  has  been  conducted  with  much 
energy.  It  holds  regular  and  frequent  meetings,  issues  a  "Journal/' 
and  has  collected  a  valuable  cabinet  and  library.  "When  the  Society 
originated,  the  great  difficulty  in  the  way  of  making  advances  in  the 
study  of  natural  history  was  the  want  of  books.  When  we  consider 
how  essential  a  library  is  to  the  study  and  arrangement  of  every  depart 
ment  of  the  cabinet,  it  cannot  but  be  felt  that  the  Society  have  done 
wisely  to  contribute  largely  towards  it.  It  is  of  vital  importance,  that 
the  naturalist  who  is  engaged  in  the  investigation  of  any  subject,  should 
be  able  to  know  all  that  has  been  written  upon  his  subject.  Scientific 
books  are  expensive,  and  no  man  among  us  can  promise  himself  such  a 
library  as  he  may  need." — [See  notices  of  Boston  Society  of  Natural 
History,  by  Dr.  A.  A.  Gould,  in  the  American  Quarterly  Register.  Feb 
ruary,  1842,  p.  236,  scq.] 

The  Society  has  a  permanent  fund  of  about  812,000  ;  610,000  of 
which  were  received  from  a  bequest  of  Ambrose  S.  Curtis,  Esq.,  £300 
from  a  grant  by  the  State,  and  8500  from  the  legacy  of  Simon  E.  Green, 
Esq.  ]  one-third  of  the  income  of  which  is,  by  vote,  appropriated  to  the 
library.  This  arrangement  is  liable  to  alteration.  The  Society  owns  a 
brick  building  with  iron  shutters.  This  contains  the  library  and  cabinet, 
and  cost  830,000.  The  library  room  is  30  by  26  feet.  The  centre 
building  is  40  by  30  feet,  with  two  wings  26  by  30  feet  each.  Indi 
viduals  not  members  of  the  Society  are  freely  allowed  to  make  use  of 
the  books,  on  application.  Books  are  lent  to  persons  at  a  distance,  who 
are  known  to  be  engaged  in  scientific  pursuits  requiring  them.  The 
library  committee  has  power  to  lend  them,  and  so  may  any  member,  he 
being  responsible  for  their  safe  return. 


100  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

The  receipts  during  1854  were  8230;  and  in  the  same  time  8150 
were  expended  for  books,  $50  for  binding,  $15  for  periodicals,  and  815 
for  incidentals.  The  library  is  open  every  day  from  9  to  12.  During 
1854,  320  volumes  were  lent  to  G5  persons.  1850  volumes  are  in  Eng 
lish,  472  French,  460  German,  150  Spanish,  130  in  other  modern  lan 
guages.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1840,  of  26  pages  Svo.,  at  a  cost 
of  840  for  1000  copies. 

The  Transactions  of  the  leading  scientific  societies  at  home  and  abroad 
are  received.  The  Society  has  a  large  collection  in  all  departments  of 
natural  history. 

In  January,  1857,  a  collection  of  1145  volumes,  &c.,  was  deposited 
by  Mrs.  Binney,  for  the  use  of  the  Society,  which  will  be  a  very  great 
aid  to  the  student  of  natural  history. 

The  yearly  increase  of  the  library  is  about  200  volumes  and  150 
pamphlets.  The  annual  cost  of  supporting  the  library  is  8100,  including 
binding  of  books  and  fuel.  During  the  last  five  years  about  8200  have 
been  expended  for  books. 


BOWDITCH  LIBKARY.     (1857.)     3000  vols. 

The  late  illustrious  mathematician,  Dr.  N.  Bowditch,  collected  a 
valuable  scientific  library  of  about  2500  volumes.  Since  his  death, 
his  family,  with  a  liberality  worthy  of  their  name,  have  allowed  to  the 
public  the  free  use  of  the  books.  Although,  therefore,  this  collection 
is  private  property,  its  public  usefulness  requires  that  it  should  find  a 
place  in  notices  of  the  public  libraries  of  Boston. 

The  proprietors  have  established  the  following  "  Rules  for  the  Bow- 
ditch  Library,  at  8  Otis  Place,  Boston  : 

"  As  this  library  is  peculiarly  valuable  from  the  circumstance  of  its 
former  ownership,  it  is  particularly  requested  that  books  taken  from  it 
be  used  with  care  and  returned  punctually,  subject  to  the  following 
rules  : 

"  1.  No  person  will  be  allowed  more  than  four  volumes  at  a  time. 

"  2.  •  If  any  book  be  lost,  it  must  be  replaced,  although,  of  course,  the 
loss  can  never  be  entirely  supplied. 

"  3.  No  book  must  be  kept  from  the  library  more  than  three  months, 
without  being  renewed  upon  the  record  book. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  101 

U4.  All  books  must  be  returned  on  or  before  March  1st,  of  each 
year,  for  examination.  After  the  20th  of  the  same  month,  the  library 
will  be  again  opened. 

"  5.  Omission,  for  the  space  of  one  week,  to  comply  with  the  requi 
sitions  contained  either  in  the  third  or  fourth  rule,  deprives  the  party  in 
default  of  the  right  thereafter  to  use  the  library,  unless  two  at  least  of 
the  proprietors  are  satisfied  that  the  neglect  is  excusable,  or  are  willing 
to  pass  over  the  omission." 

About  250  volumes  are  taken  out  annually.     None  have  been  lost. 

The  library  is  open  every  Saturday  afternoon,  freely  to  all. 


COMER'S  COMMERCIAL  COLLEGE. 

Founded  in  1840.     A  large  and  valuable  library  of  the  best  works  on 
commerce,  commercial  law,  &c.,  is  provided  for  reference. 


CONGREGATIONAL  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)    4050  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1854.  It  is  supported  by  an  annual  fee  of  81  from 
members.  It  is  mostly  a  reference  library.  Open  from  8  A.M.  to  G  P.M. 
every  day.  Besides  the  books,  there  are  14,500  pamphlets,  and  250  MSS. 

This  Association  has  purchased  the  late  residence  of  Judge  Jackson, 
on  Chauncey  Street,  Boston,  and  will  at  once  occupy  it  with  its  valuable 
collection  of  books,  manuscripts,  pictures,  and  other  memorials  of  the 
fathers  of  New  England.  The  lot  purchased  has  a  front  of  44  feet  by 
100  feet  in  depth ;  price  paid,  825,000. 

A  Boston  paper  remarks  (May,  1857)  : 

"  This  purchase  is  one  important  step  in  the  plan  which  this  Associa 
tion  has  in  contemplation,  of  erecting  in  this  city  a  splendid  building, 
which  shall  afford  accommodations  for  the  prominent  benevolent  socie 
ties  connected  with  the  Congregational  denomination,  contain  an  excel 
lent  reading-room,  and  be  a  kind  of  Religious  Exchange  and  home  for 
the  denomination  •  where  the  members,  clerical  and  lay,  from  all  parts 
of  New  England,  may  meet  for  conference  and  consultation.  The  de 
sign  of  the  Association  is,  for  the  present,  to  occupy  the  building  which 


102  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

now  stands  on  the  ground  for  their  own  accommodation,  and  the  accom 
modation  of  such  other  kindred  associations  as  may  choose  to  secure 
rooms  there.  The  building  is  so  arranged  that,  with  very  little  expense, 
it  can  be  made  to  accommodate,  conveniently,  six  or  seven  societies.  At 
a  suitable  time,  and  that  before  long,  it  is  the  design  of  the  Association 
to  make  an  appeal — and  it  is  to  be  the  only  appeal  for  life — to  the  Con 
gregational  churches  in  New  England,  to  contribute  the  means  to  enable 
the  Association  to  erect  the  proposed  building.  Such  an  appeal,  we 
have  no  doubt,  will  be  liberally  responded  to  by  the  denomination,  and 
the  means  will  be  at  once  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Association  to 
enable  it  to  carry  out  fully  its  design." 


MASSACHUSETTS  COLLEGE  OF  PHARMACY.     (1857.)     300  vols. 

Founded  in  1823.  Incorporated  in  1851.  The  receipts  for  1854 
were  850.  Expenditures  for  books,  $25  ;  binding,  65  ',  periodicals,  810  ; 
incidentals,  8100.  Members  of  the  College  have  the  free  use  of  the 
library,  which  is  accessible  at  all  times.  Nearly  all  the  works  are  in 
English.  Silliman's  Journal,  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy,  New 
York  Journal  of  Pharmacy,  and  Boston  Medical  and  Surgical  Journal, 
are  taken. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  $25. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  20. 

A  committee  of  three  members  is  chosen  each  year  to  take  charge  of 
the  library. 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY.     (1853.)     8000  vols. 

Organized  in  1701,  incorporated  in  1794.  The  foundation  of  the 
Massachusetts  Historical  Society  was  originally  suggested  by  Rev. 
Jeremy  Belknap  and  Mr.  Thomas  AValcutt.  The  library  contains 
about  8000  volumes,  inclusive  of  bound  newspapers ;  about  2000  un 
bound  pamphlets,  300  maps  and  charts,  450  volumes  of  manuscripts,  a 
few  coins,  and  70  portraits.  It  increases  about  100  volumes  annually, 
wholly  by  donations.  The  Society  possesses  no  funds,  not  even  for  the 
support  of  a  librarian.  The  entrance  fees  and  annual  assessments  go 


MASSACHUSETTS.  103 

for  binding  and  other  charges.  The  library  occupies  rooms  in  a  stone 
edifice,  erected  in  1833.  These  rooms  were  purchased  by  the  Society 
for  80500 ;  85000  of  which  were  collected  by  subscription  at  that  time. 
These  rooms  are  84  feat  by  40  in  their  whole  length  and  breadth.  The 
books  arc  placed  upon  the  shelves  according  to  size,  without  regard  to 
subjects.  Two  catalogues  have  been  published — the  first,  40  pages  8vo., 
in  1790  •  the  second,  compiled  by  llev.  Timothy  Aldcn,  90  pages  8vo., 
was  printed  in  1811.  The  continuation  is  in  manuscript.  The  library 
is  open  daily  from  9  A.M.  to  1' o'clock  P.M.,  and  from  3  to  0  P.M.  It  is 
accessible  to  members  and  others  pursuing  historical  investigations. 
About  200  volumes  a  year  are  lent  out.  About  1000  persons  a  year 
consult  the  library  without  taking  away  books.  By  permission  of  the 
standing  committee,  books  may  be  lent  to  persons  at  a  distance. 

"  Among  the  most  valuable  treasures  belonging  to  this  Society  arc  the 
manuscripts  of  the  historian  Ilubbard  •  of  the  first  Governor  Winthrop, 
11  volumes;  of  Governor  Hutchinson ;  of  Governor  Jonathan  Truni- 
bull,  of  Connecticut,  23  volumes;  the  manuscript  of  Washington's 
Farewell  Address  to  the  officers  of  the  American  Army.  The  Society 
has  also  98  folio  volumes  of  Commercial  Statistics  of  the  United  States, 
embracing  the  years  from  1810  to  1842  inclusive,  drawn  up  with  care, 
and  very  complete.  There  is  a  copy  of  Eliot's  Indian  Bible  in  the 
library.  Thirty  volumes  of  Collections  have  been  printed,  in  three 
series,  of  10  volumes  each.  The  last  volume  of  each  series  contains  a 
full  index  of  all  the  volumes  in  the  series.  The  portraits  of  about 
70  persons,  mostly  New  England  worthies,  adorn  one  of  the  rooms. 
Some  of  these  arc  of  special  value,  c.  g.}  the  portraits  of  Ilev.  Increase 
Mather  and  of  Rev.  John  Wilson. " 

An  interesting  "  Account  of  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society," 
prepared  by  William  Jenks,  D.D.,  of  Boston,  was  printed  in  the  Ame 
rican  Quarterly  Register  for  November,  1837,  pages  100-177. 

"  The  Massachusetts  Historical  Society  is  one  of  the  oldest  incorpo 
rated  societies  in  America  that  is  entirely  devoted  to  literary  pursuits. 
The  number  of  its  members  has  always  been  limited,  having  been  for 
many  years  restricted  by  legislative  enactments  to  GO  residents  within 
the  commonwealth  •  consequently  it  has  had  a  standing  which  no  other 
society,  with  the  single  exception  of  the  American  Academy  of  Arts 
and  Sciences,  has  acquired.  The  following  is  a  correct  list  of  the  pre 
sent  members,  arranged  in  order  of  election  : 


104 


PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


Hon.  Josiah  Quincy,  LL.D. 
Hon.  James  Savage,  LL.D. 
Hon.  Nathan  Hale,  LL.D. 
Hon.  Edward  Everett,  LL  D. 
Rev.  William  Jenks,  D.D. 
Jared  Sparks,  LL.D. 
Joseph  E.  Worcester,  LL.D. 
Joseph  Willard,  A.M. 
Lemuel  Shattuck,  Esq. 
Rev.  Joseph  B.  Felt,  A.M. 
Hon.  Lemuel  Shaw,  LL.D. 
Rev.  Convers  Francis,  D.D. 
George  Ticknor,  LL.D. 
Hon.  Nathan  Appleton,  LL.D. 
Hon.  Rufus  Choate,  LL.D. 
Hon.  John  G.  King,  A.M. 
Hon.  Daniel  A.  White,  LL.D. 
William  H.  Prescott,  LL.D. 
Hon.  Robert  C.  Winthrop,  LL.D. 
Rev.  Alvan  Lamson,  D.D. 
Hon.  Charles  F.  Adams,  A.M. 
Rev.  William  P.  Lunt,  D.D. 
Rev.  George  E.  Ellis,  A.M. 
Hon.  John  C.  Gray,  LL.D. 
Rev.  Nathaniel  L.  Frothingham,D. 
Hon.  George  S.  Hillard,  A.M. 
Hon.  William  Minot,  A.M. 
Hon.  Peleg  W.  Chandler,  A.M. 
Rev.  George  W.  Blagden,  D.D. 
Rev.  Lucius  R.  Paige,  A.M. 


Hon.  Solomon  Lincoln,  A.M. 
Rev.  Chandler  Bobbins,  D.D. 
Francis  Bowcn,  A.M. 
John  Langdon  Sibley,  A.M. 
Hon.  Richard  Frothingham,  Jr. 
Nathaniel  B.  Shurtleff,  M.D. 
Henry  Wheatland,  M.D. 
Hon.  David  Sears,  A.M. 
Silvester  Judd,  Esq. 
Thomas  H.  Webb,  M.D. 
Charles  Deane,  A.M. 
George  Livermore,  A.M. 
Francis  Parkman,  LL.D. 
Ellis  Ames,  A.M. 
Hon.  John  H.  Clifford,  LL.D. 
William  Brigham,  A.B. 
Hon.  Emory  Washburn,  LL.D. 
Rev.  Samuel  K.  Lothrop,  D.D. 
Rev.  William  Newell,  D.D. 
Hon.  Lorenzo  Sabine,  A.M. 
Thomas  Aspinwall,  A.M. 
Rev.  John  S.  Barry. 
John  A.  Lowell,  LL.D. 
Lucius  M.  Sargent,  A.M. 
D.  Cornelius  C.  Felton,  LL.D. 
J.  Lothrop  Motley,  A.M. 
Nathaniel  I.  Bowditch,  A.M. 
George  R.  Russell,  LL.D. 
Hon.  Charles  II.  Warren,  A.M. 


"  During  the  past  year,  the  Society  has  been  prospered  beyond  the 
usual  measure  allotted  to  associations  of  a  purely  literary  and  scientific 
character.  Its  funds  have  been  so  far  increased  by  the  generous  con 
tributions  of  its  wealthy  friends,  that  the  large  stone  building  in  which 
its  library  is  preserved  has  been  purchased,  and  a  portion  of  it  fitted  up 
for  the  accommodation  of  its  valuable  collections  of  rare  books  and 
interesting  portraits.  But  a  short  time  since,  by  the  munificence  of  the 
late  and  lamented  Samuel  Appleton,  a  liberal  fund  was  established, 


MASSACHUSETTS.  105 

which  will  insure  for  all  future  time  a  continuation  of  its  learned  and 
much-sought-for  publications.  Add  to  this  the  late  gift  of  the  venerable 
Thomas  Dowse,  the  unasked-for,  freewill  offering  of  one,  who  seems  to 
have  remained  on  earth,  the  few  last  years,  that  he  might  place  his  long- 
loved  treasure  in  a  most  secure  place  for  usefulness,  and  preservation. 

"  The  Dowse  Library  consists  of  a  very  large  and  well-selected  collec 
tion  of  books,  containing  the  choicest  editions  of  the  most  desirable 
works  in  the  English  language,  embracing  chiefly  those  that  belonged 
to  the  departments  of  bibliography,  history,  biography,  travels,  theology, 
and  general  literature;  and  these  arc  all  in  the  most  appropriate  and 
durable  binding  that  could  be  obtained  for  them.  The  description  of 
this  rare  collection  of  books  is  too  well  known  to  require  further  notice 
in  this  place.  Mr.  Dowse  did  not  long  survive  this  liberal  act,  but  in 
his  declining  days  looked  upon  it  with  more  satisfaction  than  any  one 
thing  he  had  done  in  his  long  and  useful  life. 

"  Within  the  last  month  this  addition  to  the  library  of  the  Historical 
Society  has  been  removed  from  Cambridge,  and  placed  upon  the  shelves 
of  the  elegant  cases  which  have  been  prepared  for  it  in  a  special  apart 
ment,  where  it  will  ever  be  kept  by  itself,  for  the  use  of  scholars.  The 
room  devoted  to  this  portion  of  the  Society's  library  measures  about  25 
by  30  feet,  and  fronts  upon  the  King's  Chapel  burial-ground.  It  has 
been  fitted  up  especially  for  the  purpose,  under  the  immediate  direction 
of  Rev.  Dr.  Chandler  Bobbins,  chairman  of  the  Standing  Committee  of 
the  Society,  and  Dr.  Nathaniel  B.  Shurtleff,  with  the  co-operation  of 
George  Livermore,  Esq.,  the  special  friend  and  confidant  of  the  generous 
donor. 

"  The  glazed  bookcases,  and  entire  finish  of  the  room,  are  of  solid  black 
walnut.  In  a  large  recess  in  the  case  fronting  the  folding  doors,  through 
which  the  room  is  entered  from  the  general  library-room  of  the  Society, 
is  placed  an  admirable  and  lifelike  portrait  of  Mr.  Dowse,  painted  by 
Wight.  Over  the  fireplace  is  suspended  a  head  of  Edward  Everett, 
painted  by  Stuart,  many  years  ago,  when  the  subject  of  the  portrait  was 
about  twenty-six  years  of  age ;  and  in  a  corner  of  the  room  is  a  marble 
bust  of  Sir  Walter  Scott,  executed  by  Chantry.  These  two  last-men- ' 
tioned  works  of  art  were  much  esteemed  by  the  original  possessor  of  the 
library,  and  were  the  ornaments  of  it  when  in  Cambridge.  The  only 
other  artistic  decorations  are  busts  of  Washington,  Franklin,  Shakspeare, 
Milton,  Tasso,  and  Roscoe.  The  furniture  of  the  room  consists  of  a 
very  handsome  oval-shaped  table,  highly  and  appropriately  ornamented 


106  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

with  carvings  of  black  walnut,  and  very  comfortable  and  elegant  chairs 
of  the  same  material,  trimmed  and  seated  with  garnet-colored  plush. 
The  AVilton  carpet,  which  corresponds  with  the  furniture,  gives  fine 
effect  to  the  room,  and  adds  much  to  the  comfort  and  general  appearance 
of  the  premises. 

"The  arrangement  of  the  books  is  very  fine,  and  perhaps  presents  the 
most  elegant  appearance  to  be  witnessed  in  any  library  in  the  country. 

"  The  general  library-room  of  the  Society  has  also  been  newly  fitted  up 
with  mahogany  cases  and  furniture,  and  the  books  have  been  classified 
and  arranged  in  a  very  proper  and  convenient  manner  according  to  the 
decimal  system. 

"With  the  encouraging  prospects  of  the  last  few  years,  it  is  expected 
that  this  venerable  association  will  continue  to  be,  what  it  has  been  for 
more  than  sixty  years,  the  headquarters  of  historical  learning  in  Massa 
chusetts/7 

LIBRARY  OF  THE  MASSACHUSETTS  GENERAL  HOSPITAL. 
(1S57.)     GOO  vols. 

Organized  in  1821.  The  first  appropriation  for  books  was  of  S40,  in 
185G.  Addition  to  the  library  during  1856,  90  volumes.  About  one- 
third  of  the  books  are  lent,  on  an  average,  to  the  patients.  150  volumes 
of  Lardner's  Cyclopaedia  are  seldom  read  by  the  patients,  for  whose  bene 
fit  the  library  is  designed.  Books  of  light  reading,  novels,  history,  or 
travels,  are  always  preferred.  As  the  first  appropriation  has  been  made 
to  the  library,  it  is  to  be  hoped  it  will  increase  with  the  growing  pros 
perity  of  the  institution. 


MASSACHUSETTS  STATE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     13,000  vols. 

The  State  Library  was,  established  by  an  Act  of  the  Legislature, 
passed  March  3d,  1826,  requiring  that  (( all  books  and  manuscripts 
belonging  to  the  Commonwealth,  and  now  in  any  of  the  departments  of 
the  State  House,  shall  be  collected,  deposited,  and  arranged,  in  proper 
cases,  in  the  room  in  the  said  State  House  usually  called  the  Land 
Office. "  609  volumes  are  added  yearly. 

The  regular  appropriation  for  the  library  has  been  $300  per  annum,  till 
January,  1857 ;  hereafter  $2300,  with  occasional  extra  allowances  (l  to  pro 
cure  such  books,  manuscripts,  and  charts,  works  of  science,  and  the  arts, 


MASSACHUSETTS.  107 

as  tend  to  illustrate  the  resources  and  means  of  improvement  of  tins 
Commonwealth,  or  of  the  United  States."  "  Additions  arc  also  made 
annually  of  the  statutes,  legislative  journals  and  documents,  and  law 
reports  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  several  States  of  the  Union, 
received  in  exchange  through  the  Secretary's  department.  Of  such, 
works  it  probably  contains  a  more  complete  collection  than  any  other 
library.  One  thousand  and  eighty  duplicate  volumes  of  laws,  public 
documents,  and  reports,  have  been  deposited  in  the  law  library  of  Har 
vard  University  by  a  resolve  of  the  legislature. 

"  The  library  contains  Mr.  Audubon's  collection  of  American  Birds, 
in  four  large  folio  volumes,  at  an  original  cost  of  about  $600.  An 
addition  was  recently  made  of  440  volumes  of  French,  German,  and 
Swedish  books  of  science,  arts,  history,  and  statistics,  some  of  which  are 
of  great  value,  by  international  exchanges  through  M.  Vattemare. 
Among  them  are  the  following  works,  presented  by  the  Chamber  of 
Deputies  :  Collection  of  Etruscan,  Greek,  and  Roman  antiquities,  from 
the  cabinet  of  Hon.  William  Hamilton,  Naples,  1766;  four  large  folio 
volumes,  with  English  and  French  text,  and  520  plates.  Presented  by 
the  Minister  of  the  Interior :  Monuments  of  Nineveh,  published  by 
order  of  the  Government;  descriptions  by  P.  E.  Botta;  designs  by  E. 
Flandin ;  the  first  ten  numbers — to  be  continued.  Presented  by  the 
Minister  of  Agriculture  and  Commerce  :  Statistics  of  France,  compris 
ing  territory,  population,  external  commerce,  &c.,  from  1837  to  1843 ; 
nine  large  folio  volumes.  Presented  by  the  National  Library  of  France : 
The  New  Theatre  of  the  World,  containing  maps,  tables,  descriptions, 
&c.,  of  all  regions  of  the  globe;  1639;  3  large  folio  volumes.  This, 
considering  its  date,  is  a  magnificent  work.  The  Holy  Evangelists,  in 
Arabic  and  Latin  :  printed  at  Rome,  in  the  typographia  of  Lorenzo  de 
Medici,  1591,  large  folio ;  the  works  of  Euclid,  in  Arabic :  printed  at 
Rome,  in  the  16th  century,  folio;  Acta  Historica  Ecclesiastica  Nostri 
Temporis  :  printed  at  Weimar,  1741  to  1774,  extremely  rare,  43  volumes. 
Presented  by  the  King  of  Sweden;  History  of  the  Kingdom  of  the 
Moors,  until  their  expulsion  in  1726,  in  Arabic  and  Latin :  edited  by 
Professor  Tornberg,  two  volumes  in  one;  Ancient  Sweden,  &c.,  with 
three  volumes  of  plates  of  its  provinces,  cities,  buildings,  &c.,  in  oblong 
quarto.  The  choicest  volumes  in  the  State  library  to  a  descendant  and 
admirer  of  the  Puritans,  and  indeed  to  any  true  son  of  New  England, 
are  the  ancient  General  Court  Records  of  Massachusetts.  They  are 
copies,  in  manuscript,  of  original  papers  in  the  archives  of  the  Secre- 


108  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

tary  of  State,  and  make  34  large  folio  volumes.  The  Kecords  commence 
with  1629  and  extend  to  October,  1777,  and  contain  the  entire  legis 
lative,  and  much  of  the  religious  history  of  Massachusetts  between  those 
periods.  Each  volume  has  a  copious  index  at  its  close,  containing  the 
names  of  persons  and  places,  also  a  list  of  subjects  spoken  of,  in  separate 
columns,  which  facilitates  reference,  and  greatly  increases  the  value  of 
these  treasures  of  our  colonial  history.  No  books  in  the  library  are  con 
sulted  more  frequently  or  with  more  interest.  Since  the  first  volume 
was  transcribed,  several  pages  have  been  inserted  at  the  beginning,  con 
taining  records  of  a  still  earlier  date/'1 

The  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Education  is,  by  law,  made  ex  officio 
librarian,  and  is  allowed  an  assistant.  Two  rooms  in  the  State  House 
are  appropriated  to  the  library;  one  of  them  is  54  feet  by  22,  and  the 
other  36  feet  by  25.  The  books  are  arranged  in  cases  with  glass  doors, 
and  generally  according  to  subjects.  A  catalogue  (43  pages  8vo.)  was 
published  in  1831;  another  in  8vo.  was  printed  in  1839;  and  one  (125 
pages  Svo.)  was  printed  in  1846. 

Receipts  during  1854,  8500.  Expenditures  for  books,  8500.  The 
public  can  consult  books ;  but  only  officers  of  Government  can  take  them 
out.  During  the  session  of  the  Legislature,  the  library  is  open  from  9 
A.M.  to  5  P.M.;  at  other  times  from  9  A.M.  to  2  P.M.  9000  volumes  are 
in  English,  1000  French,  in  1855. 


MECHANIC  APPRENTICES  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION. 

(1857.)     5000  vols. 

This  institution  claims  the  distinction  of  being  the  first  of  its  kind 
established  in  the  world.  It  is  due  to  the  wise  suggestion  and  philan 
thropic  energy  of  Mr.  William  Wood,  of  Canandaigua,  New  York. 
Lord  Brougham  remarks,  that  "although  the  remote  origin  of  these 
institutions  may  be  traced  to  Franklin,  Mr.  Wood  has  the  merit  of  esta 
blishing  them  on  their  present  plan,  arid  adapting  them  peculiarly  to 
the  instruction  of  mechanics  and  apprentices.  He  founded  the  first,  in 
Boston,  in  1820." 

Mr.  Wood  has  been  actively  engaged  in  the  formation  of  libraries  of 
a  similar  character  in  most  of  our  large  cities,  and  has  even  extended 
his  benevolent  efforts  to  the  cities  of  the  Old  World.  In  his  own  words, 
"from  the  establishment  of  this  library,  in  1820,  until  now,  as  oppor- 

1  Bibliotheca  Sacra,  January,  1850. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  109 

tunity  offered,  the  circulation  of  books,  in  any  shape  which  might  do 
good,  has  been  the  hobby  of  a  life  now  drawing  to  a  close/'  The  name 
of  this  gentleman  deserves  to  be  held  in  lasting  and  grateful  remem 
brance  as  a  public  benefactor. 

Mr.  Wood's  efforts  to  collect  a  library  for  apprentices  in  Boston  were 
warmly  seconded  by  several  distinguished  citizens,  and  about  1500 
volumes  were  soon  collected.  The  library  was  a  gift  from  the  public 
to  the  apprentices  of  Boston.  On  the  22d  of  February,  1820,  it  was 
formally  intrusted  to  the  guardianship  of  the  Massachusetts  Charitable 
Mechanics'  Association,  a  society  of  long  standing  and  established  repu 
tation.  They  agreed  to  take  upon  themselves  the  management  of  the 
institution,  on  condition  that  they  should  not  be  chargeable  with  its  inci 
dental  expenses. 

The  library  was  accordingly  opened,  and  the  apprentices  gratuitously 
supplied  with  books ;  the  expenses  being  defrayed  by  public  subscrip 
tions.  After  a  few  years  these  subscriptions  ceased,  and  the  doors  of 
the  library  were  consequently  closed.  The  apprentices  feeling  keenly 
this  deprivation,  held  a  meeting  and  agreed  to  take  upon  themselves  the 
cares  and  responsibilities  of  the  establishment,  if  the  Association  would 
appropriate  a  small  amount  to  aid  them  in  the  undertaking.  This  re 
quest  met  with  a  favorable  answer.  The  present  Association  of  Appren 
tices  was  formed  June  19,  1828 ;  and  the  library  committed  to  their 
entire  control  in  1832,  by  the  Mechanics'  Association. 

The  Association  consists  entirely  of  apprentices  to  mechanics  and 
manufacturers — of  course,  embracing  only  minors.  Any  young  man 
who  is  an  apprentice  to  a  respectable  mechanic  (and  learning  a  mecha 
nical  trade),  on  producing  a  certificate  that  he  is  worthy  of  confidence, 
paying  into  the  treasury  the  sum  of  one  dollar  per  year,  and  signing  the 
constitution,  shall  be  a  member.  The  affairs  of  the  institution  have  been 
very  ably  and  successfully  conducted  by  its  youthful  members. 

The  Association  occupies  two  rooms  in  Phillips  Place,  opposite  the 
head  of  School  Street;  the  one  for  reading  and  lecture-room  (say  30 
feet  by  40),  the  other  (say  30  feet  by  15),  for  library  and  conversation 
room.  The  library  is  well  selected  to  promote  the  intellectual  culture 
of  the  class  for  whom  it  was  intended.  The  reading  department  con 
tains  the  principal  newspapers  and  periodicals  of  the  city,  and  many 
from  different  parts  of  the  country,  and  is  in  a  most  flourishing  condi 
tion.  A  cabinet  of  minerals  and  curiosities  has  been  commenced ;  an 
annual  course  of  free  lectures  is  supported  by  the  institution ;  an  elocu- 


110  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

tion  class  has  been  formed,  the  exercises  of  which  consist  in  the  reading 
of  original  compositions,  declamation,  and  debate. 

The  yearly  average  increase  of  the  library  is  150  volumes.  A  cata 
logue  was  printed  in  1847,  containing  68  pages  12mo.  A  supplement 
was  printed  in  1853,  at  a  cost  of  869  for  500  copies. 

During  185-4,  the  receipts  were  8778  48,  and  expenditures  8552  To. 
All  the  books  are  in  English.  Average  annual  amount  expended  for 
books  since  1851,  8100.  The  library  is  open  three  hours  every  Tuesday 
and  Saturday  evening.  About  5000  volumes  arc  lent  out  annually. 


MERCANTILE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     18,000  vols. 

"This  was  the  first  Mercantile  Library  Association  formed  in  this 
country.  It  originated  at  a  meeting  of  merchants'  clerks,  and  others, 
held  at  the  Commercial  Coffee-House,  corner  of  Battery-march  ami  Milk 
Streets,  March  11,  1820.  The  meeting  was  numerously  attended;  and 
Mr.  Theodore  Lyman,  Jr.  (afterwards  Mayor  of  Boston),  WHS  called 
upon  to  preside. 

"The  original  rules  required  that  (  one  of  the  directors  should  be  in 
the  employment  of  a  dry-goods'  merchant;'  and  at  a  later  date,  a  vote 
authorizing  the  appointment  of  a  committee  was  passed  with  a  similar 
proviso. 

"'The  terms  of  subscription  were  two  dollars  annually;  and  each  sub 
scriber,  on  becoming  such,  was  required  to  present  to  the  library  l  one 
or  more  volumes,  either  in  biography,  history,  voyages,  travels,  or  works 
relative  to  mercantile  subjects;'  a  condition  which  was  afterwards  abo 
lished,  the  books  given  being  generally  of  a  worthless  character. 

"A  room  was  soon  after  procured  in  Merchants'  Hall,  corner  of  Con 
gress  and  Water  Streets,  where,  on  the  24th  of  April  following,  the 
library  was  formally  opened. 

"Active  exertions  were  now  made  to'incrcase  its  available  resources; 
and,  before  the  close  of  a  year,  two  hundred  and  twenty  members  were 
enrolled,  many  of  the  leading  newspapers  arid  maga/incs  of  the  day  were 
received,  and  the  library  numbered  eleven  hundred  volumes. 

"  But  these  nattering  prospects  were  of  short  duration.  The  history  of 
the  institution  for  the  next  fifteen  years  is,  with  but  few  exceptions,  a 
history  of  uninterrupted  reverses. 

"A  report  made  in  1829,  stated  that  there  were  then  but  eighty-one 
members ;  that  the  funds  were  exhausted,  and  there  were  many  unsettled 


MASSACHUSETTS.  Ill 

demands.  The  investigating  committee  also  stated  that  the  financial 
aspect  of  the  treasurer's  report  seemed  t  an  emphatic  earnest  of  a  pro 
cess  of  ejectment,  and  a  writ  of  attachment  on  books  and  chattels/ 
The  following  year,  owing  in  part  to  donations  of  money  from  its  friends 
among  the  merchants,  but  chiefly  to  an  arrangement  which  had  been 
entered  into  with  the  Society  for  the  Diffusion  of  Useful  Knowledge, 
whereby  the  members  were  privileged  to  attend  the  lectures  of  that 
society  at  one-half  the  usual  price,  affairs  wore  a  more  cheerful  aspect, 
and  the  directors  reported  the  Association  out  of  debt,  and  with  two 
hundred  and  thirty  members. 

"  During  the  next  two  years,  however,  the  number  of  members  fell  off 
slightly;  and,  in  1832,  but  one  hundred  and  seventy  retained  their  mem 
bership.  Again,  in  1834,  there  occurred  a  critical  era;  for,  during  that 
year,  the  number  of  subscribers  had  diminished  to  eighty-eight,  and  so 
small  was  the  income  that  only  820  had  been  appropriated  during  the 
year  for  the  purchase  of  books.  Truly,  this  was  an  unpromising  state 
of  affairs  ;  but  even  more  disheartening  reports  than  these  were  yet  to 
be  submitted.  In  September  of  the  same  year,  a  committee,  appointed 
to  investigate  the  affairs  of  the  institution,  reported  that  the  whole 
number  of  members  was  but  seventy-six;  and  they  presented  an  estimated 
statement  of  the  finances,  by  which  it  appeared  that  there  would  be  a 
deficit,  on  the  1st  of  October,  1835,  of  824G. 

"In  1832,  an  Address  to  the  merchants  of  Boston,  for  a  second  time, 
was  prepared  and  published,  setting  forth  the  objects  of  the  institution, 
its  then  reduced  circumstances,  and  soliciting  aid.  As  the  result  of 
this  measure,  small  sums  were  given  to  the  amount  of  about  8150, 
though  by  far  the  most  important  was  the  generous  donation  of  Mr. 
Amos  Lawrence,  from  whom  the  directors  received,  in  June,  a  friendly 
letter  inclosing  8100. 

"  Encouraged  by  Mr.  Lawrence's  kindness,  the  directors  addressed  him 
a  lengthy  letter  of  thanks  in  reply,  in  which  they  complained  that  the 
Society  had  suffered  great  neglect  from  the  mercantile  community.  They 
stated,  that  on  the  opening  of  their  new  rooms,  at  No.  93  Washington 
Street  (whither  they  had  removed  in  December  previous),  invitations, 
personal  and  through  the  newspapers,  were  extended  to  the  merchants, 
to  visit  them  on  three  evenings  set  apart  for  the  purpose,  but  not  a  mer 
chant  appeared. 

"  Mr.  Lawrence  soon  afterwards  presented  to  the  Library  thirty-nine 
volumes  of  valuable  works,  one  of  which,  ( Chalmers's  Discourses  on 


112  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

Christianity,  applied  to  the  Commercial  and  Ordinary  Affairs  of  Life/ 
he  especially  recommended. 

"  In  1881,  the  number  of  directors  was  increased  to  13  ;*  and,  in  1834, 
the  office  of  president  was  created.  A  vice-president  was  first  chosen  in 
1835,  and  a  corresponding  secretary  in  1844. 

"In  October,  1833,  the  Association  removed  to  53  Washington  Street; 
where,  in  1836,  the  calamity  of  fire  did  great  damage  to  the  books  and 
other  property.  Fortunately,  however,  insurance  was  recovered  to  the 
amount  of  $800  ;  which  sum  was  immediately  applied  to  the  replenish 
ing  of  the  library.  A  removal  was  soon  after  made  to  more  convenient 
rooms  in  Harding's  Building,  School  Street. 

"  But  the  leading  members,  in  these  dark  days,  were  zealous,  efficient, 
and  self-sacrificing.  They  signed  pledges  binding  themselves  to  procure 
new  members,  or,  from  their  own  resources,  pay  into  the  treasury  the 
amount  of  subscription ;  they  made  loans  to  the  Association ;  they  sub 
scribed  money  for  books ;  they  made  personal  application  for  aid ;  and 
they  not  unfrequently  made  donations  themselves. 

"  Where  so  many  have  labored,  it  were  difficult  certainly,  and  perhaps 
invidious,  to  particularize  ;  yet  Sampson  and  McCandish — both  of  whom 
have  died  beloved  and  respected — and  Coates,  and  Stearns,  and  Atkins, 
and  Mather,  and  Whipple,  and  Cowdin,  and  Haskell,  and  Allen,  are 
names  so  inseparably  connected  with  the  very  existence  of  the  Society, 
that  no  historical  account  of  it  can  be  complete  without  them. 

"  In  the  year  1835,  the  affairs  of  the  institution  assumed  a  more  favor 
able  aspect.  The  establishment  of  the  nucleus  of  a  reserved  fund  in 
July  of  that  year,  and  the  introduction  of  the  weekly  literary  exercises, 
in  1836,  seem  to  have  infused  into  it  new  life  and  spirit.  The  fund  was 
started  by  a  subscription  from  the  Hon.  Abbott  Lawrence  of  $100,  and 
amounted  to  $676.  Small  additions  were  made  to  it  from  year  to  year 
until  1845,  when,  immediately  following  the  Act  of  Incorporation,  Hon. 
Thomas  H.  Perkins  made  the  Association  the  handsome  donation  of  five 
shares  in  the  Merchants'  Exchange  Company,  equal  to  82500;  and,  in 
January  following,  Messrs.  Abbott  Lawrence,  William  Sturgis,  Nathan 
Appleton,  John  Bryant,  William  Appleton,  Amos  Lawrence,  John  P. 
Gushing,  and  Samuel  Appleton,  gave  81000  each,  to  be  applied,  at  some 
future  period,  to  the  erection  of  a  suitable  building.  These  sums, 
together  with  other  donations  made  at  different  times,  and  the  excess  of 

1  By  the  present  constitution  the  number  is  8. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  113 

receipts  over  expenses,  have  been  added  to  the  fund,  and  the  Associa 
tion  now  holds  certificates  of  stock  to  the  amount  of  about  $20,000. 

11  The  subject  of  connecting  literary  exercises  with  the  institution  was 
first  brought  forward  in  October,  1830 ;  but  they  were  not  permanently 
established  until  January,  1836.  It  was  proposed,  when  the  matter  was 
first  agitated,  to  set  apart  the  second  and  fourth  Wednesdays  of  each 
month  for  this  purpose ;  but  the  subject  met  with  little  favor.  Many 
regarded  them  as  an  innovation  upon  the  objects  of  the  library,  and 
urged  that,  if  undertaken,  they  would  not  succeed.  In  1836,  however, 
their  foundation  was  laid,  by  the  embodiment  into  the  Constitution  of 
provisions  for  an  Elocution  Class.  Such  a  class  had  been  formed  some 
time  previous  as  a  distinct  organization ;  and,  at  its  weekly  meetings 
during  the  winter  months,  questions  were  discussed,  original  composi 
tions  read,  and  selections  recited  for  improvement  in  declamation.  Oc 
casionally,  the  exercises  were  varied  by  the  delivery,  by  some  one  of  the 
members,  of  a  written  lecture.  In  the  next  year,  they  took  the  general 
form,  which  is  embodied  in  the  present  By-Laws,  consisting  alternately 
of  debate,  composition,  and  declamation. 

"  Whatever  may  have  been  the  misgivings  of  our  predecessors  a  gene 
ration  ago,  the  weight  of  evidence  now  proves  conclusively,  that  no  more 
judicious  variation  from  the  original  plan  has  ever  been  adopted;  and 
the  literary  exercises  are  justly  regarded  as  a  most  interesting  and  valu 
able  means  of  improvement. 

"  In  August,  1835,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  ex 
pediency  of  celebrating  the  Fifteenth  Anniversary  by  an  address  and  a 
supper.  They  subsequently  reported,  that  they  deemed  it  expedient 
and  proper  that  an  address  should  be  delivered,  but  discountenanced 
the  supper.  One  of  their  resolutions  cannot  but  be  commended  for  its 
good  sense  and  just  views  of  the  objects  of  the  institution  :  'Resolved, 
That  to  celebrate  our  annual  meetings  by  public  entertainments  is  con 
trary  to  the  intention  of  the  founders  of  the  Association,  and,  aside 
from  the  bad  effects  which  it  may  have  on  its  individual  members, — and 
more  especially  the  younger  portion, — will  strike  a  blow  on  its  future 
prosperity,  in  the  minds  of  the  mercantile  community  (to  whose  assist 
ance  we  look  in  hours  of  adversity),  from  which  it  may  never  recover/ 
The  recommendations  of  the  committee  were  approved  of;  but  no  mem 
ber  could  be  found  willing  to  deliver  the  address.  The  next  year,  how 
ever,  Mr.  G.  W.  Tyler,  an  honorary  member,  delivered  an  address;  and 
the  anniversaries  have  since  been  regularly  celebrated. 

8     • 


114  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES 

•"In  1835,  also,  the  practicability  of  establishing1  a  course  of  public 
lectures  was  first  discussed,  but  decided  to  be  inexpedient.  In  1838, 
an  arrangement  was  entered  into  with  J.  Silk  Buckingham,  Esq.,  of 
England,  to  deliver  a  course  of  eight  lectures  on  Egypt.  These  proved 
quite  successful,  and  were  the  means  of  adding  124  new  members; 
though,  as  lectures,  they  were  of  no  pecuniary  income  to  the  Associa 
tion.  In  1843,  the  present  plan  was  adopted;  and,  in  October  of  the 
same  year,  a  course  was  delivered  at  the  Odeon,  which  resulted  in  a 
profit  of  $325  83.  The  Annual  Report  of  the  directors,  prepared  by 
Mr.  Elliott  C.  Cowdin,  the  chief  originator  of  the  scheme,  stated  that 
1  the  enterprise  had  succeeded  beyond  the  expectation  of  its  most  zeal 
ous  advocates/  These  courses  of  lectures  have  been  continued  from 
year  to  year,  and  have  conduced,  in  an  eminent  degree,  to  the  prosperity 
of  the  institution.  In  1851,  their  popularity  had  so  increased,  the 
number  of  members  being  about  2200,  that  it  was  found  necessary  to 
establish  a  second  course;  an  expedient  which  met  with  success,  and 
has  since  been  continued. 

"In  September,  1841,  a  fourth  removal  was  made, — this  time  to  the 
Amory  Hall  Building,  corner  of  West  and  Washington  Streets;  and  in 
January,  1848,  the  rooms  at  present  occupied  were  dedicated.  The 
Association  was  incorporated  in  1845. 

"  Ten  years  after  its  formation,  the  library  contained  eighteen  hundred 
and  forty-six  volumes ;  and,  in  1833,  the  number  was  twenty-three  hun 
dred  and  seventy-eight.  In  1844,  the  Association  became  again  indebted 
to  its  generous  and  wise  patrons,  Messrs.  William  Sturgis,  Abbott  Law 
rence,  Nathan  Appleton,  William  Appleton,  John  P.  Gushing,  John 
Bryant,  David  Scars,  William  Lawrence,  Robert  G.  Shaw,  and  Amos 
Lawrence,  who  each  subscribed  8100,  to  be  expended  in  the  purchase 
of  books.  This  was  followed  by  the  munificent  donation  of  8500,  from 
the  late  Hon.  Daniel  Webster,  in  behalf  of  the  Society  for  the  Diffu 
sion  of  Useful  Knowledge,  of  which  he  was  President,  to  be  invested 
in  the  same  manner.  These  sums  were  judiciously  expended,  and  in 
1848  the  library  contained  about  six  thousand  volumes.  Since  that 
time,  by  means  of  increased  resources,  the  income  from  the  fund,  and 
the  profits  of  the  lectures,  large  additions  have  been  made.  The  circu 
lation  of  books,  especially  within  the  last  few  years,  has  been  larger  pro 
bably  than  that  of  any  similar  library  in  the  country.  In  1853,  it 
reached  eighty-one  thousand  volumes.  (During  five  months,  ending 


MASSACHUSETTS.  115 

Juno  1st,  1856,  40,000  volumes  were  taken  out,  at  the  rate  of  96,000 
a  year.) 

"The  design  of  making  the  reading-room  an  attractive  place  of  resort, 
has  been  steadily  kept  in  view.  At  its  very  commencement,  it  received, 
gratis,  the  leading  Boston  newspapers;  and  these  generous  contributions 
have  been  continued  to  the  present  time.  Now,  the  principal  reviews 
and  periodicals,  and  more  than  a  hundred  newspapers,  daily  invite  the 
perusal  of  its  members. 

"In  December,  1850,  the  rooms  were  opened  from  1  to  10  o'clock  P.M., 
instead  of  during  the  evening  only,  as  had  hitherto  been  the  practice; 
and  the  services  of  a  permanent  librarian  were  secured.  In  July,  1852, 
the  reading-room  was  made  accessible  during  the  entire  day  and  evening." 
— Report  of  Association,  1854. 

Number  of  volumes  in  1852,  11,451;  1853,  13,626;  1854,  15,275; 

1855,  16,867;  1857,  18,000. 

The  yearly  increase  of  volumes  is  1500.     The  cost  of  support  during 

1856,  $9174.     During  the  last  five  years  $7100  have  been  expended 
for  books.     The  number  of  members  in  June,  1856,  was  2667.     A 
catalogue  was  printed  in  1854,  8vo.,  294  pages,  cost  $1736  26  for  3000 
copies,  including  binding  of  800  copies.     The  rooms  are  open  from  7 
A.M.  to  10  P.M. 

The  Association  has  the  second  story  of  a  large  building  at  the  corner 
of  Summer  and  Hawley  Streets.  The  accommodations  are  ample. 
There  are,  a  reading-room  44  feet  by  57 ;  a  periodical  room,  22  feet 
by  30 ;  a  conversation  room,  22  feet  by  30 ;  a  room  for  the  delivery 
of  books,  10  feet  by  22;  the  library,  22  feet  by  82;  a  hall  with 
seats  to  accommodate  600  persons,  52  feet  by  60;  two  committee- 
rooms,  each  10  feet  by  16  j  a  private  room  for  the  librarian,  10  feet  by 
11;  a  room  for  the  storage  of  books,  &c.,  10  feet  by  11.  The  dimen 
sions  are  given,  above  in  the  clear,  and  do  not  include  the  space  occupied 
by  partitions  and  passages.  In  the  aggregate,  there  is  an  area  of 
11,000  square  feet  in  the  new  rooms.  The  rooms  are  finished  20  feet 
in  height.  The  walls  of  the  hall  are  built  with  deep  and  heavy  sunken 
panels.  There  is  an  entrance  8  feet  in  width,  from  Summer  Street, 
and  another  entrance  from  Hawley  Street. 


116  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


MUSICAL  FUND  SOCIETY. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  musical  works  belonging  to  this  Society : 
L.  Von  Beethoven's  9  symphonies,  complete.  .Joseph  Haydn's  13  sym 
phonies,  complete.  W.  A.  Mozart's  12  symphonies,  complete.  Men 
delssohn's  3  symphonies,  complete.  R.  Schumann's  1st  and  2d  sym 
phonies,  complete.  Kittl's  2  symphonies,  complete.  F.  Lachner's  prize 
symphony,  complete.  L.  Spohr's  symphony,  Consecration  of  Sounds, 
complete.  N.  "VV.  Glade's  4th  symphony,  complete.  73  overtures  of 
various  composers.  27  pieces  from  different  operas,  for  full  orchestra. 
Mendelssohn's  music  to  Shakspeare's  Midsummer  Night's  Dream,  com 
plete,  and  12  pieces  of  a  lighter  character,  by  various  composers. 


NEW  ENGLAND  HISTORIC  AND  GENEALOGICAL  SOCIETY. 
(1857.)     12,000  vols. 

Incorporated  17th  of  March,  1845.  Its  object  is  "  to  collect  and  pre 
serve  the  genealogy  and  history  of  early  New  England  families/'  Its 
library  is  mostly  the  fruit  of  donations,  and  comprises  most  of  the  local 
histories  of  New  England.  The  New  England  Historical  and  Genea 
logical  Register,  published  quarterly,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Society, 
is  a  valuable  repository  of  facts  relating  to  the  early  history  of  the 
country. 

More  than  500  volumes  are  added  yearly.  Annual  cost  of  support, 
8350. 

The  library  contains  many  curious,  valuable,  and  interesting  works. 


PRINCE  LIBRARY.     (1851.)     1800  vols. 

"  The  Old  South  Church  (Congregational),  in  Boston,  possesses  a 
valuable  collection  of  books  and  MSS.,  bequeathed  to  the  church  by 
Rev.  Thomas  Prince,  one  of  its  pastors  (the  learned  author  of  '  The 
Chronological  History  of  New  England,'  &c.).  Mr.  Prince,  while  in 
college,  in  1703,  began  a  collection  of  books  and  public  and  private 
papers,  relating  to  the  civil  and  religious  history  of  New  England,  to 
which  he  continued  to  make  valuable  additions  for  more  than  50  years. 
It  is  a  precious  collection,  containing  many  standard  works  in  church 
history  and  biblical  literature  and  theology,  the  works  of  the  early 


MASSACHUSETTS.  117 

divines  of  New  England,  and  valuable  pamphlets  and  MSS." — Biblio- 
theca  Sacra,  January,  1850. 

Mr.  Prince's  will  was  proved  in  1758.  Since  that  period,  or  nearly 
100  years,  this  has  been  the  public  library  of  that  church,  and  accessible 
to  any  person  desirous  of  using  it  for  literary  purposes. 

It  appears  from  Mr.  Prince's  will,  that  he  had  made  a  separate  col 
lection  (to  which  he  gave  the  name  of  the  New  England  Library)  of 
books,  papers,  &c.,  either  published  in  New  England,  or  pertaining  to 
its  history  and  public  affairs.  This  collection  he  gave  also  to  the  Old 
South  Church,  on  condition  that  it  should  be  kept  in  a  different  apart 
ment  from  the  other  books,  and  "  that  no  person  shall  borrow  any  book 
or  paper  therefrom;  but  that  any  person  whom  the  pastors  and  deacons 
of  said  church  shall  approve,  may  have  access  thereto/'  In  1814,  259 
works,  as  they  are  numbered  on  the  catalogue,  belonging  to  this  library, 
were  deposited  in  the  rooms  of  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society.  A 
"  Catalogue  of  the  library  of  Rev.  Thomas  Prince,  former  pastor  of  Old 
South  Church.,  presented  by  him  to  the  Old  South  Church  and  Society/' 
in  112  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  at  Boston  in  1846. 


PUBLIC  LIBRARY  OF  THE  CITY  OF  BOSTON. 

(1857.)     5G,000  vols. 

Instituted  in  1852.  A  munificent  donation  of  $50,000  was  made  to 
the  library,  in  October,  1852,  by  Mr.  Joshua  Bates,  a  native  of  Boston, 
but  long  a  resident  of  London,  the  interest  of  which  is  annually  to  be 
appropriated  for  the  purchase  of  books.  In  addition  to  this  act  of  libe 
rality,  as  soon  as  Mr.  Bates  was  informed  that  the  City  Council  had 
determined  to  erect  a  spacious  fire-proof  building,  he  communicated  to 
the  Mayor  his  intention  to  present  to  the  city  such  a  number  of  books, 
in  the  various  departments  of  science  and  literature,  as  would  enable 
the  library  to  commence  its  operations  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner, 
as  soon  as  the  new  building  should  be  completed.  The  cost  of  the 
books  thus  presented  had  reached,  in  less  than  a  year  and  a  half,  the 
sum  of  $38,893,  and  it  is  probable  the  aggregate  value  of  this  donation 
will  equal  the  amount  originally  contributed  by  Mr.  Bates  as  a  perma 
nent  fund. 

In  1853,  Hon.  Jonathan  Phillips  gave  $10,000  to  the  library,  the 
income  of  which  was  to  be  used  exclusively  for  the  purchase  of  books. 
This  donation  was  invested  in  like  manner  as  that  of  Mr.  Bates,  and 


118  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

these  two  donations,  with  that  of  Mr.  Bigelow,  of  $1000,  constitute  a 
permanent  fund,  yielding  an  annual  income  of  §3660,  for  the  gradual 
increase  of  the  library. 

An  appropriation  was  made  by  the  city,  in  1855,  of  89000;  in  1856, 
$7000.  The  receipts  during  1854-5,  were  $11,220.  Expenditures  for 
books,  $6247  30;  binding,  $525  43;  periodicals,  $680  22;  salaries, 
$2543  98;  incidentals,  $3841  14:  this  includes  cost  of  catalogue  and 
furnishing  reading-room.  The  books  were  first  circulated  in  May,  1854. 
All  inhabitants  over  21  years  of  age  can  use  the  library  free  of  expense. 

The  Trustees  are  a  body  of  7  persons,  1  of  whom  is  chosen  from  the 
Board  of  Aldermen,  1  from  the  Common  Council,  and  5  from  the  citi 
zens  at  large.  At  present  the  members  are  Edward  Everett,  George 
Ticknor,  John  P.  Bigelow,  N.  B.  Shurtleff,  W.  W.  Greenough,  Oliver 
Frost,  and  F.  L.  Washburn. 

During  1856,  the  number  of  books  borrowed  was  82,661.  The 
average  number  of  books  issued  daily  was  291.  The  highest  number 
in  Qne  day  was  647,  on  the  23d  of  February.  The  greatest  average  per 
day,  for  one  week,  was  385;  in  February;  the  smallest  was  194,  in  Oc 
tober. 

During  the  year  1857,  2236  names  were  registered,  and  2263  accounts 
opened  in  the  loan  books.  The  whole  number  of  subscribers  is  now 
15,092,  and  the  number  of  accounts  is  13,781.  The  number  of  volumes 
delivered  to  borrowers  was  92,233.  The  average  daily  circulation  was 
320.  The  largest  number  borrowed  in  one  day  was  730;  on  the  24th 
of  January,  1857. 

It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  not  a  fine  has  been  enacted  or  called  for 
on  account  of  damage  to  a  book,  caused  by  abuse  or  carelessness. 

"The  catalogues  consist  of:  Catalogue  of  Accessions,  Alphabetical 
Card  Catalogue,  Alcove  or  Shelf  Catalogue,  and  Printed  Alphabetical 
Catalogue.  The  Catalogue  of  Accessions  contains  the  name  of  every 
book  received  into  the  library,  from  its  beginning,  in  the  order  of  recep 
tion,  with  its  condition  at  the  time,  its  cost,  if  purchased,  and  the  name 
of  the  giver,  if  presented.  The  Alphabetical  Card  Catalogue  contains 
the  full  title,  or  transcript  of  the  title  page,  of  every  book,  on  a  separate 
card,  with  brief  references  on  other  cards,  to  all  the  names  or  words  of 
the  title  under  which  it  is  deemed  at  all  likely  that  the  book  will  be 
inquired  for.  The  Alcove  Catalogue,  attached  to  each  alcove  or  range 
of  shelves,  contains  the  names  of  all  the  books  in  the  order  in  which 
they  belong  on  each  shelf;  thereby  furnishing  ready  means  of  knowing, 


MASSACHUSETTS.  119 

at  any  time,  the  exact  condition  of  the  library,  in  regard  to  books  miss 
ing,  &c.  Copies  of  the  Printed  Alphabetical  Catalogue,  with  abbre 
viated  titles  of  books,  are  on  the  tables  of  the  reading-room.  They  are 
interleaved,  and  include  the  name  of  every  book  which  has  been  added 
to  the  library  since  the  catalogue  was  printed.  Besides  these  catalogues 
of  books,  there  are  two  folio  volumes  containing  the  names  (autographs) 
of  all  persons  who  have  claimed  to  avail  themselves  of  the  privileges  of 
the  institution.  The  names  are  attached  or  subscribed  to  an  obligation 
to  observe  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  library.  The  books  used  for 
charging  and  crediting  the  volumes  delivered  or  received,  are  arranged 
on  a  decimal  plan,  new  and  peculiar  to  this  library,  which  greatly  facili 
tates  rapid  and  correct  delivery  and  reception.  At  the  re-opening  of 
the  library,  on  the  first  instant,  more  than  500  volumes  were  charged, 
and  given  out  to  as  many  different  individuals,  within  the  space  of  five 
hours,  and  as  many  more  could  have  been  given  out  within  the  same 
time,  if  applied  for.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that,  with  a  proper  number 
of  assistants,  rightly  accommodated,  the  plan  will  admit  of  giving  out 
thousands  of  volumes  in  a  day,  if  occasion  therefor  should  ever  occur. 
For  the  invention,  and  practical  application  of  this  admirable  plan,  the 
community  is  indebted  to  Dr.  Nathaniel  13.  Shurtleff,  whose  zealous  and 
efficient  endeavors  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  institution,  cannot  be 
too  highly  estimated." — Report,  1856. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  May,  1854,  8vo.  180  pages;  cost  $935 
for  5000  copies.  138  periodicals  are  taken,  costing  8600  annually.  It 
is  considered  particularly  rich  in  periodical  literature. 

In  the  first  annual  report  the  whole  number  of  volumes  was  stated  to 
be  10,000;  in  the  second,  16,221;  third,  22,617;  fourth,  28,080  and 
12,386  pamphlets.  The  annual  increase  is  therefore  about  6000  vo 
lumes. 

The  alcoves  are  shelved  for  books  on  the  decimal  plan,  having  ten 
shelves  in  height,  divided  into  ten  spaces  in  length,  making  one  hundred 
spaces  in  each  alcove.  The  shelves  are  of  wood,  covered  with  a  fire 
proof  solution  of  glass,  &c.  The  building  cost  $247,051,  the  land  and 
preparation  $116,582,  making  a  total  of  $363,633.* 

REPUBLICAN  INSTITUTION.     (1855.)     1000  vols. 
Founded   in    1819.     Endowed   by  James    Lloyd,   1826.     Receipts 
1  Guild's  Librarian's  Manual. 


120  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

during  1854,  $100.  All  members  of  the  institution,  and  of  the  Society 
of  Natural  History,  are  entitled  to  the  free  use  of  the  library,  which  is 
open  from  9  to  12  daily.  During  1854,  200  volumes  were  lent  to  100 
persons.  900  volumes  are  in  English,  100  French. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     2396  vols. 

Founded  December,  1851.  Incorporated  March  30,  1852.  Mem 
bership,  81  per  annum.  The  library  in  Tremont  Temple  is  open  every 
day  from  9  A.M.  to  10  P.M. 

In  the  fall  of  1851,  a  correspondent  of  the  "  Watchman  and  Re 
flector/'  a  religious  paper  of  Boston,  wrote  an  account  of  a  visit  to  the 
rooms  of  the  London  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  and  gave  a 
brief  sketch  of  what  it  was  doing.  It  attracted  the  attention  of  several 
young  men,  and  they  resolved  to  form  a  similar  organization.  On  the 
evening  of  December  15th,  1851,  thirty-two  young  men,  representing 
about  twenty  churches  of  different  denominations,  met  to  consider  the 
matter.  Charles  Deuiond  was  chairman,  and  Henry  L.  Chase,  secre 
tary.  A  Constitution  was  adopted  December  29 ;  officers  elected  Janu 
ary  5th,  1852;  and  the  first  Board  of  Managers  chosen  on  the  10th  of 
January,  1852.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1857,  Svo.,  64  pages; 
1000  copies  for  $121.  The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  8600;  assistant, 
8156.  About  200  volumes  are  added  annually.  The  cost  of  support 
ing  the  library  and  reading-room  is  $3000.  During  the  last  five  years 
about  $425  have  been  expended  for  books.  The  receipts  for  1855-'56, 
were  83366  35,  and  expenditures,  83297  75.  Receipts  for  the  year 
ending  May  30th,  1857,  84003  79.  Expenses,  83995  97. 

The  works  in  the  library,  1857,  are  thus  classified  :  anecdotes  and 
tales,  170  volumes;  science  and  natural  history,  143;  biblical,  107; 
biographical,  371;  geography,  voyages,  and  travels,  209;  history,  296; 
lectures  and  sermons,  111;  magazines  and  reviews,  245;  poetical  and 
dramatic,  48 ;  public  documents,  89 ;  miscellaneous,  626 ;  total,  2415. 
10  daily,  47  weekly,  7  monthly  papers,  and  31  magazines  and  reviews 
are  taken. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  UNION.     (1857.)     2083  vols. 

This  society  was  organized  in  1851,  and  incorporated  in  1852.     "  Its 
purpose  is  to  aid,  elevate,  and  improve  the  young  men  of  the  city,  who 


MASSACHUSETTS.  121 

are  clerks,  mechanics,  or  apprentices,  living,  for  the  most  part,  in  board 
ing-houses,  and  without  the  comforts,  interests,  or  influences  of  a  home. 
The  rooms  of  the  Union  are  at  No.  6  Bedford  Street.  They  are  open 
every  evening, — well  lighted  and  cheerful;  and  are  supplied  with  news 
papers,  magazines,  reviews,  and  other  periodical  literature.  The  library 
numbers  about  1600  volumes  of  standard  works.  To  these  rooms  mem 
bers  resort  every  evening  for  reading  or  for  conversation.  The  average 
daily  attendance  is  about  40.  During  the  winter  months  meetings  are 
held  at  the  rooms  on  alternate  Thursdays  for  declamation,  and  the  read 
ing  of  original  essays,  &c.,  and  for  debate ;  and,  on  every  other  Tuesday,  a 
social  religious  meeting.  These  meetings,  during  the  past  winter,  have 
been  conducted  with  great  spirit,  and  fully  attended.  They  are  open  to 
all  members  of  the  Union,  and  to  their  friends, — ladies  as  well  as  gen 
tlemen. 

"  Besides  these  meetings,  lectures  by  the  members,  addresses  from  cler 
gymen  on  religious  matters,  and  from  other  friends  of  the  society,  are 
from  time  to  time  delivered  at  the  rooms  of  the  Union.  During  every 
winter,  since  its  organization,  a  course  of  lectures  upon  church  history 
has  been  maintained  with  great  success  in  various  churches  of  the  city, 
upon  Sunday  evenings,  under  the  direction  of  the  Union  ;  and  the  most 
eminent  clergymen  of  all  denominations  have  freely  lent  their  aid  in  its 
support." 

The  Union  requires  no  sectarian  test  as  a  qualification  for  membership, 
and  is  mainly  composed  of  Unitarians.  The  number  of  members  at  pre 
sent  is  about  600.  Receipts  during  1853,  $2454  65;  1854,  $2438  61; 
1855,  $1257  47;  1856,  $1877  02;  1857,  $1362  37.  Expenditures 
during  1853,  $1849  42;  1854,  $1818  51;  1855,  $1032  73;  1856, 
$1601  84;  1857,  $1231  73.  Average  annual  amount  expended  for 
books  since  1851,  $147  12.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added 
to  the  library,  152.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers, 
about  3000. 


BBIDGEWATER, 

BRIDGE  WATER  NATURAL  HISTORY  SOCIETY.     (1855.)     525  vols. 

Founded  May,  1853.  Members  pay  $2  entrance  fee,  and  $2  annually. 
Subscribers  to  the  library  pay  50  cents  per  quarter.  It  is  open  on  Wed 
nesday  and  Saturday  afternoons  and  evenings.  During  1854,  450  vo- 


122  PUBLIC  LIBRARIES. 

lumes  were  lent  to  65  persons.     A  catalogue  was  printed  in  January, 
1856,  16  pages,  cost  819  for  400  copies. 


CAMBRIDGE, 

HARVARD  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     72,000  vols. 

Historical  Sketch. — On  the  24th  of  January,  1764,  in  a  stormy  winter's 
night  during  the  college  vacation,  Harvard  Hall,  containing  the  library 
of  more  than  5000  volumes,  the  philosophical  apparatus,  and  all  the 
little  collections  of  objects  of  interest  belonging  to  the  College,  was 
destroyed  by  fire.  "  Thus  perished  the  valuable  books  given  by  John 
Harvard,  Sir  Kenelm  Digby,  Sir  John  Maynard,  Dr.  Lightfoot,  Dr. 
Gale,  Bishop  Berkeley,  and  other  distinguished  benefactors;  the  books 
and  pamphlets  connected  with  the  early  history  of  New  England,  the 
precious,  though  scanty,  accumulations  of  a  hundred  and  twenty-six 
years — a  loss  which,  in  those  days,  must  have  seemed  appalling,  and 
which  the  historian,  the  antiquary,  and  the  bibliographer  can  never  cease 
to  deplore." 

The  State  legislature  was  in  session.  Indeed,  at  the  time  of  the  cala 
mity,  Harvard  Hall  was  occupied  by  them  in  consequence  of  the  alarm 
excited  by  the  existence  of  the  small-pox  in  Boston.  At  the  instigation 
of  Governor  Bernard,  they  immediately  appropriated  £2000  to  erect  a 
new  building  in  place  of  that  which  had  been  destroyed  while  occupied 
by  them.  A  general  subscription  was  made  for  the  same  purpose  among 
the  towns  and  counties  of  the  State,  amounting  to  £878  16s.  9C/.1  A 
generous  sympathy  was  shown  by  many  persons  in  the  parent  country. 
The  subscription  of  Thomas  Hollis,  for  the  new  building,  was  £200. 
The  friends  of  the  institution  manifested  not  less  zeal  and  liberality  in 
supplying  the  new  hall  with  books.  The  General  Assembly  of  New 
Hampshire  gave  books  to  the  value  of  £300  sterling.  The  Society  for 
Propagating  the  Gospel  in  New  England  and  adjacent  parts,  gave  £200 
sterling,  and  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts, 
gave  £100  for  the  library.  In  1790,  the  library  had  increased  to 
12,000  volumes;  in  1830,  to  30,000.  It  is  almost  entirely  the  fruit  of 
individual  munificence.  First  among  its  distinguished  benefactors 

1  See  Sketch  of  the  History  of  Harvard  College,  by  Samuel  A.  Eliot,  Boston. 
1848. 


MASSACHUSETTS,  123 

stands  the  name  of  Thomas  Hollis,  a  wealthy  Baptist,  of  London,  whose 
a  deeds  of  peace"  entitle  him  to  our  warmest  respect  and  gratitude. 
The  books  which,  during  the  first  ten  years  of  the  present  library,  he 
placed  upon  its  shelves,  were  very  numerous/  admirably  chosen,  and 
many  of  them  elegantly  bound,  and  containing  curious  and  interesting 
notes  in  his  own  handwriting.  At  his  decease,  in  1774,  he  bequeathed 
to  the  College  a  sum  of  money  which  now  constitutes  a  fund  of  68000, 
the  interest  of  which  is  laid  out  in  the  purchase  of  books.  In  a  note  in 
Giggeius's  Thesaurus  Linguae- Arabicse,  he  states  that  he  has  (( been  par 
ticularly  industrious  in  collecting  grammars  and  lexicons  of  the  Oriental 
root  languages,  to  send  to  Harvard  College,  in  hopes  of  forming  by  that 
means,  assisted  by  the  energy  of  the  leaders,  always  beneficent,  a  few 
prime  scholars,  honors  to  their  country  and  lights  to  mankind." 

Thomas  Brand  Hollis  gave  to  the  library  many  excellent  books,  and 
at  his  decease,  in  1806,  one  hundred  pounds  sterling.  Hon.  John  Han 
cock,  in  pursuance  of  the  known  intention  of  his  uncle,  Thomas  Han 
cock,  whose  estate  he  inherited,  presented  to  the  library,  in  1767,  £554 
sterling.  He  gave  for  himself,  also,  u  a  large  collection  of  chosen 
authors."  Thomas  Palmer,  of  Boston,  in  1772,  presented  the  Anti 
quities  of  Herculanccum,  and  Piranesi's  Views  of  Rome,  in  twenty  folio 
volumes;  and  at  his  decease,  in  1820,  bequeathed  his  library  of  nearly 
1200  "  choice  and  costly  volumes,"  valued  at  $2500.  Samuel  Shap- 
leigh,  librarian  of  the  University,  in  1801,  gave  a  piece  of  land  and  the 
residue  of  his  estate  for  the  increase  of-  the  library.  The  sum  obtained 
from  this  bequest  was  §3000,  the  interest  of  which  is  applied  to  the 
purchase  of  books  in  modern  literature.  Israel  Thorndike,  of  Boston, 
purchased  and  presented,  in  the  year  1818,  the  celebrated  library  of  Pro 
fessor  Ebeling,  of  Hamburgh,  containing  3200  volumes  of  works  mostly 
relating  to  America,  and  a  collection  of  10,000  maps  and  charts,  "pro 
bably  unrivalled  by  any  other  collection  of  the  kind  in  the  world." 
The  whole  cost  $6500.  In  1823,  Samuel  A.  Eliot,  of  Boston,  pur 
chased  and  presented  the  valuable  collection  of  books  relating  to  Ame 
rica,  of  D.  B.  Warden,  consisting  of  1200  volumes,  besides  maps,  prints, 
and  charts,2  costing  $5000.  The  "Boyleston  Medical  Library,"  of  more 
than  1100  volumes,  was  presented  by  Ward  Nicholas  Boyleston.  The 

1  The  arrivals  of  43  "cases"  are  noted  on  the  records  at  different  intervals  during 
this  period. 

2  Mr.  Warden  subsequently  made  a  second  collection,  which  was  bought  by  the 

State  Library  of  New  York. 


124  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

sum  of  $2000,  given  to  the  University,  in  1825,  by  Hon.  Peter  0. 
Thacher,  "from  a  fund  left  him  in  trust  by  the  late  William  Breed,  Esq., 
of  Boston,"  was  applied  by  the  corporation  to  the  purghase  of  books  for 
the  library.  The  Hon.  Christopher  Gore,  who  had  previously  enriched 
the  law  library  by  frequent  and  valuable  donations,  at  his  death,  in  1831, 
left  by  will  to  the  College  the  residue  of  his  estate,  of  which  638,000 
are  reserved  for  annuities  bequeathed  by  him.  The  whole  ultimately 
receivable  by  the  College  amounts  to  $94,888.  From  this  fund  Gore 
Hall,  the  present  library  building,  has  been  erected.  In  1842,  the  sum 
of  821,008  was  subscribed  by  thirty-four  gentlemen  in  Boston  and  vici 
nity,  for  the  purchase  of  books ;  not  as  a  permanent  fund,  but  for  use 
when  wanted.  In  1844,  Horace  A.  Haven  bequeathed,  for  the  purchase 
of  mathematical  and  astronomical  works  for  the  library,  the  sum  of  §3000. 
In  1845,  the  Hon.  William  Prescott  bequeathed  $3000,  which  has  been 
expended  for  books  on  American  history,  topography,  &c.  In  1846, 
Hon.  Thomas  Grenville,  of  London,  gave,  through  President  Everett, 
£100  for  the  purchase  of  books  for  the  library.1 

The  income  of  the  Hollis  and  the  Shapleigh  funds,  to  be  expended 
for  books,  amounted  to  about  $300  annually.  A  subscription  of  more 
than  $21,000  was  raised  in  the  year  1842,  by  the  merchants  and 
scholars  of  Boston  and  vicinity,  for  the  purpose  of  meeting  the  almost 
disreputable  arrearages,  in  modern  works,  into  which  the  library  had 
fallen.  In  1843;  a  bequest  of  $3000  for  mathematical  and  astronomical 
works  was  made  by  the  accomplished  scholar,  Horace  Appleton  Haven, 
of  Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  a  graduate  in  the  class  of  1842.  A  bequest  of 
$3000,  in  the  year  1844,  by  the  Hon.  William  Prescott,  was  spent,  to 
the  gratification  of  his  friends,  in  purchasing  scarce  old  books  on  Ame 
rican  history.  A  subscription  of  $1100  for  improvement  in  the  depart 
ment  of  English  Poetry,  was  raised  by  Professor  Child  in  1852.  Some 
small  grants  were  made  by  the  corporation  of  the  University.  In  all, 
more  than  $31,000  were  paid  for  books  in  the  quarter  of  a  century 
during  which  Dr.  Harris  was  librarian.  Besides  these,  were  the  volumes 
and  pamphlets  given  by  societies,  authors,  editors,  publishers,  and  other 
friends  of  the  University.  From  all  these  sources  about  30,000  volumes 
were  added  to  the  33,000  of  which  the  library  consisted  when  the  late 
librarian  commenced  his  duties,  in  1831,  as  successor  to  the  laborious 
and  lamented  Benjamin  Pierce. 

1  For  a  full  list  of  donations,  see  the  Appendix  to  Eliot's  History  of  Harvard 
College  :  compare  also  the  preface  to  the  catalogue,  by  Benjamin  Pierce. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  125 

The  public  library  is  kept  in  Gore  Hall,  the  foundation  of  which  was 
laid  April  25th,  1837,  and  to  which  the  books  were  removed  July,  1841. 
The  outer  walls  of  the  building  are  of  rough  stone  (Quincy  granite,  or 
sienite),  laid  in  regular  courses,  with  hammered  stone  buttresses,  towers, 
pinnacles,  drip-stones,  &c.  The  inner  walls,  columns,  and  the  main 
floor  (which  rests  on  solid  brick  arches),  are  of  brick,  the  floor  covered 
with  hard  pine  boards ;  the  other  parts  finished  with  plaster.  The  par 
titions  are  strengthened  with  iron  columns  concealed  within  them,  and 
the  roof  and  galleries  rest  on  iron  rafters.  The  whole  cost,  including 
the  heating  apparatus,  by  steam,  was  little  short  of  875,000.  It  is  in 
the  form  of  a  Latin  cross,  the  extreme  length  of  which,  externally,  is 
140  feet,  and  through  the  transept,  81  £  feet.  The  interior  contains  a 
hall  112  feet  long  and  35  feet  high,  with  a  vaulted  ceiling,  supported 
by  20  ribbed  columns.  The  spaces  between  the  columns  and  side  walls 
arc  divided  by  partitions  into  stalls  or  alcoves,  for  books  above  and  below 
the  gallery,  which  is  12  £  feet  from  the  floor.  One  transept  is  used  for 
a  reading-room,  and  the  other  is  divided  into  three  apartments  for  books. 
(See  Quincy' s  History  of  Harvard  University,  II,  page  599.)  The  books 
are  arranged  according  to  subjects. 

A  catalogue  of  the  old  library,  in  102  pages  4to.,  was  published  in 
1723,  with  the  title,  "Catalogus  Librorum  Bibliothecce  Collegii  Har- 
vardini  quod  est  Cantabrigian  in  Nova  Anglia.  Bost.  Nov.  Angl.  typis 
B.  Green." 

After  the  burning  of  the  library,  a  "  Sclectior  Catalogus  in  Usum 
Academias  Aluinnorum,"  was  published,  but  no  copy  of  it  exists  in  the 
library. 

Another,  "  Catalogus  Bibliothecoc  Harvardianjc.  Cantabrigiso,  Nov. 
Anglorum.  Bostonke,  typis  T.  &  J.  Fleet,  1790,"  8vo.,  358  pages. 

The  last  printed  catalogue  is  entitled :  "  A  Catalogue  of  the  Library 
of  Harvard  University,  in  Cambridge,  Massachusetts,  3  vols.  8vo.?  Camb. 
1830." 

This  catalogue  was  prepared  by  Benjamin  Pierce,  then  librarian. 
The  first  two  volumes  (952  pages)  contain  an  alphabetical  catalogue. 
The  third  volume  (223  pages)  contains  a  systematic  index,  in  the  five 
classes  :  theology,  jurisprudence,  arts  and  sciences,  belles-lettres,  history; 
with  a  sixth  division,  comprising  works  relating  to  America.  Each 
class  has  numerous  subdivisions. 

As  a  fourth  volume,  was  published  u  A  Catalogue  of  the  Maps  and 
Charts  in  the  Library  of  Harvard  University,  Svo.,  Camb,  1S31 ;"  322 
pages ;  also  prepared  by  Mr.  Pierce. 


126  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

A  "  First  Supplement"  to  the  catalogue,  prepared  by  the  present 
librarian,  was  published  in  1834  (260  pages  8vo.),  containing  the  addi 
tions  to  the  library  up  to  September  1st,  1830. 

All  officers  and  students  of  the  University,  officers  of  the  State 
government,  and  members  of  the  Legislature,  clergymen  of  all  denomi 
nations  living  within  ten  miles  of  the  library,  benefactors  to  the  library 
to  the  amount  of  $40  during  their  residence  in  Cambridge,  and  all  per 
sons  temporarily  residing  in  Cambridge  for  purposes  of  study,  may  bor 
row  books  from  the  library,  under  certain  conditions  prescribed  in  the 
laws.  "  A  ready  admittance,  and  the  requisite  information  and  facilities 
for  examining  and  consulting  the  works,  are  afforded  to  all  visitors. 
The  privileges  granted  to  individuals  are  not  exceeded  by  those  enjoyed 
at  any  other  institution  of  a  similar  kind,  and  are  believed  to  be  in  all 
respects  as  great  as  a  due  regard  to  general  accommodation  and  to  the 
preservation  of  the  books  would  permit." — Preface  to  Catalogue.* 

A  small  sum  is  assessed  on  the  students  for  the  use  of  the  library. 
All  other  persons  are  allowed  to  take  out  books  without  charge.  The 
library  is  very  much  used  for  the  purpose  of  consultation,  not  only  by- 
persons  who  are  entitled  to  borrow  books,  but  by  others.  The  books 
have  not  suffered  much  by  insects.  The  injury  has  been  confined  mostly 
to  old  books,  infested  before  they  came  to  the  library,  and  to  some  others 
which  were  kept  in  closed  cabinets. 

"  The  recent  loss  of  two  of  the  citizens  of  Boston,  has  been  the  occa 
sion  of  greatly  enriching  the  literary  and  scientific  resources  of  Harvard 
University.  Francis  C.  Gray,  Esq.,  one  of  the  accomplished  sons  of 
her  own  liberal  culture,  just  deceased  in  the  midst  of  life,  has  bequeathed 
to  that  institution  $66,000,  beside  the  richest  and  costliest  private  col 
lection  of  engravings,  probably,  in  the  country — a  department  of  art  in 
which  he  has  long  been  known  to  be  a  diligent  seeker  and  a  distin 
guished  connoisseur.  $16,000  are  appropriated  to  the  perpetual  care  of 
this  collection.  850,000  are  devoted  to  the  establishment  of  a  Museum 
of  Natural  History.  Another  splendid  bestowinent  is  from  Dr.  Henry 
Wales,  a  fastidious  young  man  of  taste  and  travel,  with  a  passion  for 
buying  rare  and  elegant  books  in  his  lifetime,  and  a  grateful  disposition 
to  hand  them  over  to  his  alma  mater  at  his  early  death.  Probably  no 
single  donation  to  the  Harvard  library  has  been  so  munificent.  There 
are  about  1400  volumes,  in  beautiful  typography,  and  costly  bindings  of 
vellum  and  gold ;  among  them,  numerous  and  magnificent  editions  of 
the  Italian  poets,  Latin  classics,  modern  Greek  and  German  authors, 


MASSACHUSETTS.  127 

specimens  of  the  Romaic  literature,  works  of  superb  illustration,  like 
Canini's  Roman  Buildings,  and  Inghirami's  Etruscan  Monuments,  and 
Gerhard's  Mirrors,  and  others  illustrative  of  the  ancient  letters  and 
poetry  of  the  East,  with  a  sprinkling  of  Spanish  and  Portuguese.  Many 
of  these  are  from  the  celebrated  press  of  Bocloni  of  Parma.  Dr.  Wales 
caused  as  many  of  his  books  as  possible  to  be  bound  to  order,  in  the 
several  countries  that  produced  them,  in  the  best  style  of  the  masters  of 
their  craft.  These  countries  he  visited  in  person,  having  been  abroad 
three  times,  and  dying,  last  June,  in  Paris.  He  graduated  at  Cambridge 
in  1838  j  prepared  himself  for  the  medical  profession,  but  never  prac 
tised;  and  studied  Sanskrit  nearly  three  years,  at  Berlin,  with  Professor 
Bopp.  This,  indeed,  was  his  favorite  pursuit ;  and  he  gave  the  final 
proof  of  his  attachment  to  that  most  ancient  of  languages,  by  leaving 
^40,000  for  the  foundation,  after  a  time,  of  a  chair  of  instruction  in  the 
Sanskrit  literature  at  Cambridge." — (Neio  York  paper.) 

The  Law  library  was  commenced  by  the  purchase  of  the  valuable  col 
lection  of  Judge  Story.  It  is  in  the  building  erected  for  the  law  school. 
It  contains  about  14,000  volumes — having  cost,  excluding  large  dona 
tions,  more  than  835,000.  "It  includes  all  the  American  reports,  and  the 
statutes  of  the  United  States,  as  well  as  those  of  all  the  States,  a  regu 
lar  series  of  all  the  English  reports,  including  the  Year  Books,  and  also 
the  English  statutes,  as  well  as  the  principal  treatises  in  American  and 
English  law,  besides  a  large  collection  of  Scotch,  French,  German, 
Dutch,  Spanish,  Italian,  and  other  foreign  law,  and  a  very  ample  collec 
tion  of  the  best  editions  of  the  Roman  or  civil  law,  together  with  the 
works  of  the  most  celebrated  commentators  upon  that  law/' 

"  This  library  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most  valuable  relating  to  law 
to  be  found  in  the  country.  As  an  aid  to  study  it  cannot  be  estimated 
too  highly.  Here  the  student  may  range  at  will  through  all  the  de 
mesnes  of  jurisprudence.  Here  he  may  acquire  a  knowledge  of  the 
books  of  his  profession  j  learning  their  true  character  and  value,  which 
will  be  of  incalculable  service  to  him  in  his  future  labors.  Whoso 
knows  how  to  use  a  library,  possesses  the  very  keys  of  knowledge. 
Next  to  knowing  the  law,  is  knowing  where  the  law  is  to  be  found." 

The  library  is  open  for  the  use  of  students  during  the  term,  and  those 
who  desire  it  pursue  their  studies  there,  especially  in  the  preparation  of 
their  moot-court  cases. 

Several  catalogues  of  the  library  have  been  published ;  one  (not,  we 
believe,  the  first)  was  in  80  pages  Svo.,  1833 ;  a  supplement  (16  pages 


128  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

8vo.)  contained  the  books  bequeathed  to  the  library  by  Hon.  Samuel 
Livermorc,  of  Portsmouth,  N.  H.  A  general  catalogue  of  the  library 
was  published  in  1834  (228  pages  8vo.).  This  excellent  catalogue,  pre 
pared  by  Charles  Sunnier,  Esq.,  is  alphabetical,  with  a  systematic  index. 
The  preface  contains  an  interesting  sketch  of  the  history  of  the  library. 
The  fourth  edition,  with  the  additions,  was  printed  in  1846,  in  354 
pages  8vo. 

"  The  Theological  library  is  in  Divinity  Hall.  Persons  entitled  to  its 
privileges  must  be  connected  with  the  Divinity  School.  The  books  con 
sist  of  valuable  select  works,  principally  in  modern  theology,  with  some 
of  the  early  fathers  in  the  original.  Means  have  been  recently  devised 
to  add  to  the  library  valuable  modern  works  in  theology  and  morals,  as 
they  are  published.  An  important  accession  has  been  made  to  the 
theological  library,  by  the  purchase  of  the  library  of  the  late  Professor 
Liicke,  of  Gottingen,  comprising  upwards  of  4000  volumes.  It  includes 
Greek  and  Latin  classics,  editions  of  the  Fathers,  and  historical  and  phi 
losophical  works ;  but  it  is  especially  rich  in  the  recent  German  contri 
butions  to  dogmatic  and  exegetical  theology.  The  whole  expense  has 
been  defrayed  by  subscriptions  among  the  friends  of  the  School, — twelve 
hundred  dollars,  the  original  cost  of  the  library,  having  been  contributed 
by  Colonel  Benjamin  Loring.  In  acknowledgment  of  this  liberality, 
the  collection,  being  deposited  in  a  separate  apartment  of  Divinity  Hall, 
will  bear  his  name. 

"  The  Medical  library  is  in  the  Medical  College  in  Boston.  It  is 
placed  there  for  the  convenience  of  students  attending  the  medical  lec 
tures.  It  contains  all  the  elementary  works  which  are  the  most  impor 
tant  and  the  most  used  by  students.  Besides  these,  it  has  the  writings 
of  the  early  Greek  and  Latin  medical  fathers,  and  the  works  of  the  later 
medical  classics;  and,  with  the  latter,  it  contains  numerous  valuable 
modern  works." 

The  following  extract  is  from  the  report  of  Hon.  E.  Washburn  to  the 
overseers  of  Harvard  University,  January  29th,  1857 : 

"In  judging  of  the  library  and  its  wants  and  deficiencies,  your  com 
mittee  would  not  be  so  unreasonable  as  to  institute  a  comparison  between 
the  number  of  volumes  it  contains,  and  those  of  the  principal  libraries 
in  the  Old  World. 

"  We  may  never  hope  to  rival,  if,  indeed,  it  were  desirable  to  do  so, 
the  accumulations  which  royal  munificence  or  governmental  bounty  may 
have  gathered  in  a  long  course  of  years. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  129 

"  Nor  should  we  count  a  library  as  intrinsically  of  little  value  because 
it  failed  to  approximate  to  those  of  Paris,  or  Munich,  or  Petersburg,  or 
the  British  Museum.  It  may,  from  the  character  of  the  works  it  con 
tains,  and  the  wants  it  is  designed  to  supply,  be  everything  that  could 
be  desired  in  one  state  of  things,  though  wholly  inadequate  and  unsatis 
factory  in  another. 

"  The  intrinsic  value  and  distinguished  character  of  many  of  the 
works  of  which  the  University  library  is  composed,  as  well  as  the  muni 
ficence  of  its  private  contributors,  need  no  encomiums  from  your  com 
mittee. 

"But  while  they  would  do  justice  to  these,  they  would  do  injustice 
to  the  subject,  if  they  were  unmindful  of  the  wants  that  are  still  to  be 
supplied. 

"  The  library  is  not  designed  for  a  school  of  mere  elementary  instruc 
tion.  If  it  were,  there  are  already  more  books  upon  its  shelves  than 
could  be  profitably  made  use  of  for  such  a  purpose. 

"  The  public  have  a  right  to  regard  it  as  a  University, — and  not  only 
so,  but  as  an  institution  almost  coeval  with  the  Commonwealth  itself, 
and  always  treated  in  some  respects  as  an  institution  belonging  to  the 
State." 

The  library  is  open  six  hours  on  Mondays,  Tuesdays,  Wednesdays, 
and  Thursdays,  and  four  hours  on  Fridays. 

The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  81300 ;  assistant  librarian,  81200 ; 
janitor,  8420. 

The  total  number  of  volumes  connected  with  all  the  libraries  is 
(1857)  112,000,  (1858)  114,500. 


INSTITUTE  OF  1770  (HARVARD  COLLEGE).     (1855.)     2800  vols, 

Founded  in  1770,  as  a  debating  club,  and  is  the  oldest  society  of 
students  of  Harvard  College.  The  library  was  founded  in  1796.  The 
receipts  during  1854  were  8150;  expenditures  for  books,  8120;  bind 
ing,  820;  incidentals,  810.  Members  of  the  three  upper  classes  in  the 
College  are  entitled  to  use  the  library.  It  is  open  one  hour  every  day. 
The  books  are  classified  by  subjects.  1000  volumes  were  lent  during 
1854  to  96  persons.  2750  volumes  are  in  English,  25  French,  15 
Latin,  10  Greek. 

9 


130  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


PORCELLIAN  CLUB  (HARVARD  COLLEGE).     (1855.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  in  1791,  by  Mr.  Joseph  McKcan.  The  library  is  entirely 
dependent  upon  the  voluntary  donations  of  the  members.  Receipts 
during  1854,  $88;  expenditures  for  books,  $300;  binding,  $125; 
periodicals,  $50;  incidentals,  $85.  "Immediate  and  honorary  members 
of  the  Club  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library,  though  the  books  are 
occasionally  lent  to  others."  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects. 

The  library  is  open  at  all  times,  except  during  the  annual  examina 
tion.  About  1000  volumes  were  lent,  during  1854,  to  30  persons. 
4500  volumes  are  in  English;  in  other  languages,  500. 

A  catalogue,  120  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  in  May,  1854. 

The  Porcellian  Club  is  a  convivial  and  literary  club  of  many  years' 
standing.  Considerable  annual  additions  from  the  periodical  and  other 
current  literature  are  made  to  its  library,  which  is  the  largest  society- 
library  connected  with  the  University,  and  contains  a  large  number  of 
valuable  editions. 


HASTY  PUDDING  CLUB  (HARVARD  COLLEGE).     (1855.) 
4500  vols. 

Founded  in  1795.  The  library  was  formed  in  1808.  The  books  are 
classified  by  subjects,  and  are  accessible  every  day  to  members.  During 
1854,  8000  volumes  were  lent  to  100  persons.  4000  volumes  are  in 
English,  50  in  French,  60  German,  30  Spanish,  70  other  modern  lan 
guages,  250  Latin,  40  Greek.  The  annual  increase  is  now  about  300 
volumes, — the  additions  being  made,  at  present,  solely  by  the  donations 
of  the  members.  The  intention  of  the  library  is  to  give  to  the  members 
of  the  club  those  facilities  for  reference  and  relaxation  which  are  ordi 
narily  afforded  by  a  gentleman's  private  library. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1838. 


ALPHA  DELTA  PHI  SOCIETY.     (1852.)     300  vols. 

Founded  in  1837.     The  library  consists  principally  of  sets  of  impor 
tant  periodicals. 

RUMFORD  SOCIETY. 
Founded  16th  November,  1848.     This  society  was  so  called  in  honor 


MASSACHUSETTS.  131 

of  Count  Rumford,  who,  at  his  death,  in  1814,  bequeathed  a  handsome 
sum  of  money  to  Harvard  College. 
A  library  has  been  commenced. 


PHI  BETA  KAPPA  SOCIETY  (HARVARD  COLLEGE). 

By  vote  of  the  Society,  in  July,  1855,  it  was  decided  to  discontinue 
the  library,  and  divide  the  books  between  the  other  larger  society  libra 
ries  of  the  College.  There  were  about  400  volumes  thus  distributed. 


HARVARD  NATURAL  HISTORY  SOCIETY. 
Founded  4th  May,  1837.     The  library  is  small  but  valuable. 

CAMBRIDGE  HIGH  SCHOOL.     (1857.)     1700  vols. 

"  The  library  of  the  Cambridge  High  School  owes  its  origin  partly 
to  the  liberality  of  a  private  individual,  and  partly  to  encouragement 
afforded  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Massachusetts.  The  nature 
of  this  encouragement  may  be  learned  from  the  following  resolve,  which 
was  approved  March  7th,  1843. 

" f  Resolved,  That  the  provisions  of  the  resolve  of  March  3d,  1842, 
concerning  school-district  libraries,  be  and  the  same  are  hereby  extended 
to  every  city  and  town  in  the  Commonwealth,  not  heretofore  divided 
into  school  districts,  in  such  manner  as  to  give  as  many  times  §15  to 
every  such  city  or  town  as  the  number  60  is  contained,  exclusive  of 
fractions,  in  the  number  of  children  between  the  ages  of  4  and  16  years 
in  said  city  or  town  •  provided,  evidence  be  produced  to  the  treasurer, 
in  behalf  of  said  city  or  town,  of  its  having  raised  and  appropriated,  for 
the  establishment  of  libraries,  a  sum  equal  to  that  which,  by  the  provi 
sion  of  this  resolve,  it  is  entitled  to  receive  from  the  school-fund/ 

"The  School  Committee  of  Cambridge,  in  their  Report  for  the  year 
1843,  recommended  to  the  town  to  raise  the  sum  necessary  to  authorize 
it  to  draw  an  equal  amount  from  the  State  Treasury.  This  recommen 
dation  was  not  adopted.  But,  in  the  spring  of  1850,  the  present  master 
of  the  High  School,  Mr.  Elbridge  Smith,  generously  offered  to  place  at 
the  disposal  of  the  City  Council,  a  number  of  suitable  books,  selected 
from  his  private  library,  of  sufficient  value  to  enable  the  city  to  avail 


132  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

itself  of  the  patronage  of  the  State.  The  offer  was  accepted.  The 
books  presented  to  the  City  Council  were  appropriated  to  the  High 
School,  and  an  order  was  drawn  by  the  Mayor  on  the  State  Treasurer, 
to  the  amount  of  8825.  This  money  was  expended  for  the  purchase  of 
books,  under  the  direction  of  the  School  Committee. 

"  The  value  of  the  library  at  its  commencement,  it  thus  appears,  was 
81650.  Since  that  time,  considerable  additions  have  been  made. 
Several  hundred  volumes  have  been  given  by  Mr.  Smith,  and  valuable 
donations  of  books  have  been  received  from  other  individuals,  among 
whom  may  be  mentioned,  the  Hon.  Edward  Everett,  George  Livermore, 
Esq.,  Prof.  Benjamin  Pierce,  Prof.  C.  C.  Felton,  Prof.  Henry  W.  Long 
fellow,  the  Rev.  George  R.  Xoyes,  D.D.,  John  Sargent,  Esq.,  Charles 
Folsom,  Esq.,  John  E.  Horr,  Esq.,  Zelotes  Hosmer,  Esq.,  and  Master 
William  Everett.  The  city  has  appropriated  875  for  the  purchase  of 
books  and  for  binding,  and  has  procured  a  bookcase  at  an  expense  of 
8115.  The  present  value  of  the  library,  which  now  contains  about 
1600  volumes,  may  be  estimated  at  not  far  from  82400." — Catalogue. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  8157  83-a-. 

About  200  books  have  been  added  since  1851. 

The  number  of  volumes  taken  out  from  September,  1856;  to  Sep 
tember,  1857,  was  1390. 

The  following  remarks  are  made  by  Ezra  Abbott,  Jr.,  Esq..  in  the 
preface  to  a  catalogue  to  the  library : 

"  A  good  alphabetical  catalogue  of  a  library  will  be  entirely  satisfac 
tory  to  one  who  knows  all  the  books  which  may  be  useful  or  interesting 
to  him,  and  who,  accordingly,  wishes  simply  to  ascertain  whether  certain 
works  are  to  be  found  in  it.  But,  as  such  extensive  bibliographical 
knowledge  was  hardly  to  be  presupposed  in  the  members  of  the  Cam 
bridge  High  School,  I  could  not  doubt  that  for  them,  at  least,  a  classed 
catalogue,  one  which  should  guide  them  to  the  sources  of  information 
on  particular  subjects,  would  be  far  more  valuable.  It  is  hoped  that  the 
use  of  such  a  catalogue  may  promote  the  formation  of  those  habits  of 
investigation  and  research,  which  are  essential  to  success  in  the  pursuit 
of  truth, — without  which,  even  genius  may  only  mislead  and  bewilder 
its  possessor.  When  the  curiosity  of  the  student  is  excited,  it  is  most 
desirable  that  he  should  have  every  facility  for  pursuing  the  inquiries  to 
which  he  is  led;  that  he  may  thus  be  encouraged  to  examine  and  think 
for  himself. 

"  One  who  has  become  acquainted  with  the  books  of  a  well-selected 


MASSACHUSETTS.  133 

library  of  one  or  two  thousand  volumes,  and  has  learned  how  to  turn 
them  to  account,  will  find  this  knowledge  and  experience  of  very  great 
service  to  him,  should  he  afterwards  have  access  to  larger  collections. 
And  if  the  classification  adopted  be  not  unnatural  and  arbitrary,  the  use 
of  a  classed  catalogue,  and  the  habit  to  which  it  leads  of  referring  books 
to  their  proper  place,  in  a  systematic  arrangement  of  the  different  depart 
ments  of  literature,  cannot  be  without  value  as  a  means  of  mental  disci 
pline.  It  may  be,  also,  that,  to  those  who  are  just  beginning  to  traverse 
the  vast  fields  of  literature  and  science,  a  survey,  as  if  from  some  emi 
nence,  of  the  territory  that  lies  before  them,  will  enable  them  to  under 
stand  better  the  relations  of  its  different  parts  to  each  other,  will  give 
them  new  conceptions  of  the  varied  objects  of  interest  which  it  presents, 
and  animate  them  to  press  cheerfully  through  the  somewhat  tangled 
and  thorny  paths  by  which  it  is  to  be  entered. 

"  The  classification,  here  adopted,  may  be  seen  in  the  synopsis  prefixed 
to  the  catalogue.  It  is  necessarily  imperfect.  The  different  branches 
of  human  knowledge  are  so  intimately  connected,  that  no  scheme  of 
classification  can  be  devised,  in  which  the  several  classes  will  not  run 
into  each  other ;  and  in  the  practical  application  of  any  system,  it  will 
be  found  that  some  books  belong  equally  to  two  or  more  different  divi 
sions.  When  such  is  the  case  with  respect  to  any  work,  its  title  has 
usually  been  recorded  in  full  under  only  one  of  these  divisions,  and 
briefly  noticed  under  the  others,  with  a  reference  to  the  complete  entry. 
The  affinities  between  different  classes  have  often  been  pointed  out  by 
notes,  which  will  also,  it  is  hoped,  aid  the  student  who  wishes  to  find 
what  the  library  contains  on  a  particular  subject. 

"  The  Alphabetical  Index,  at  the  end  of  the  volume,  will  show  at  once 
whether  a  particular  work  belongs  to  the  library. 

"  In  each  class,  the  titles  of  the  works  belonging  to  it  are  entered 
alphabetically  under  their  authors'  names,  when  these  are  known ;  or, 
in  the  case  of  anonymous  publications,  whose  authors  are  not  ascertained, 
under  the  first  word  of  the  title,  not  an  article  or  a  preposition.  Pseu 
donymous  works,  if  the  true  name  of  the  author  is  not  known,  are 
entered  under  the  assumed  name.  Care  has  been  taken  to  make  such 
references  from  the  most  important  words  in  the  title,  and  from  the  as 
sumed  name,  as  will  enable  one  readily  to  find  the  entry  of  any  anony 
mous  or  pseudonymous  work  which  is  placed  under  the  name  of  its 
author.  There  is  one  important  exception  to  the  rule  given  above.  In 
Class  XXIV,  Part  II  (Individual  Biography),  the  names  of  the  subjects, 


134  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

0 

not  the  authors,  of  the  works  contained  in  it,  are  prefixed  to  their  titles ; 
and,  as  the  authors'  names  all  appear  in  the  index,  it  has  not  been 
thought  necessary  to  make  cross-references  from  them  in  this  Part. 

"  "Works  published  by  any  organized  society,  using  the  term  in  its  most 
comprehensive  sense,  if  the  production  of  its  officers  or  agents  in  their 
official  capacity,  and  also  if  anonymous  or  polyonynious  (that  is,  bearing 
the  names  of  several  authors),  are  entered  under  the  name  of  the  so 
ciety.  The  first  word  of  that  name,  not  an  article,  is  made  the  leading 
word  in  the  heading.  This  rule  is  intended  to  include  documents  pub 
lished  by  national,  municipal,  and  other  governments.  In  cases  not 
comprehended  in  the  preceding  statement,  if  the  author's  name  is  pre 
fixed  to  a  work  published  by  a  society,  the  work  is  entered  under  his 
name.  All  the  works,  however,  published  by  a  society  are  noticed  under 
its  name  in  the  index. 

"  Periodical  publications,  except  those  issued  by  societies,  are  entered 
under  the  first  word  of  their  titles,  not  an  article,  with  cross-references 
from  the  names  of  editors,  and  from  other  words  under  which  they 
might  naturally  be  looked  for. 

"  Collections  embracing  the  works  of  several  authors  under  a  general 
title,  except  such  as  may  be  included  in  the  two  preceding  rules,  are 
entered  under  the  name  of  the  editor.  If  the  editor's  name  does  not 
appear,  such  a  collection  is  treated  as  an  anonymous  work,  unless  the 
authors'  names  are  given  on  the  title-page,  in  which  case  it  is  catalogued 
under  the  first  of  these. 

"When  any  work  forming  part  of  a  collection  has  an  independent  title- 
page  and  pagination,  it  is  also  catalogued  separately  under  the  class  to 
which  it  belongs,  its  place  in  the  collection,  however,  being  indicated  by 
a  reference  within  parentheses,  at  the  end  of  the  title. 

"  In  accordance  with  the  spirit  of  this  rule,  though  it  is  not  strictly 
required  by  its  letter,  the  tracts  composing  Chambers' s  '  Miscellany/ 
1  Papers  for  the  People,'  and  '  Picpository  of  Instructive  and  Amusing- 
Papers,'  have  all  been  classed  and  entered  as  distinct  works.  There 
was  a  special  reason  for  doing  this  in  the  present  catalogue,  as  these 
tracts  are  admirably  adapted  to  the  wants  of  those  for  whose  use  it  is 
chiefly  intended.  They  were  all,  it  is  also  to  be  observed,  originally 
printed  and  paged  independently. 

"  In  like  manner,  the  titles  of  the  various  treatises  contained  in  the  first 
thirteen  volumes  of  the  Encyclopedia  Mctropolitana,  with  the  exception 
of  some  anonymous  portions  of  the  first  volume,  have  been  inserted  in 


MASSACHUSETTS.  135 

their  proper  places  in  the  catalogue  under  the  names  of  their  authors. 
The  articles  in  these  volumes  are  not  arranged  alphabetically,  as  they 
are  in  the  remainder  of  the  work,  and  many  of  them  have  been  pub 
lished  independently. 

"  A  similar  course  has  been  pursued  in  respect  to  the  different  works 
which  are  comprised  in  the  four  volumes  entitled  l  Natural  Philosophy/ 
published  by  the  Society  for  the  Diffusion  of  Useful  Knowledge. 

"  In  some  instances,  a  reference  has  been  made  under  the  proper  class 
to  a  particular  treatise  of  especial  interest  or  importance  included  in  the 
collected  writings  of  an  author,  which  are  entered  under  a  different  class. 

u  All  the  more  important  biographical  collections,  not  alphabetical, 
which  belong  to  the  library,  have  been  analyzed ;  that  is  to  say,  refe 
rences  are  made  to  the  biographical  sketches  contained  in  them,  under 
the  names  of  those  to  whom  they  relate.  This  course  has  been  pursued 
with  the  thirty-one  volumes  of  Lardner's  'Cabinet  Cyclopaedia/  which 
are  devoted  to  biography,  Sparks's  ( Library  of  American  Biography,7 
twenty-five  volumes;  Belknap's  'American  Biography/  Brougham's 
'  Historical  Sketches  of  Statesmen/  and  his  ( Lives  of  Men  of  Letters 
and  Science/  Mrs.  Jameson's  e  Memoirs  of  Celebrated  Female  Sove 
reigns/  '  St.  John's  Lives  of  Celebrated  Travellers/  and  many  other 
collections. 

"  In  some  cases  it  has  appeared  advisable  to  specify  the  contents  of  par 
ticular  works. 

"  Some  explanations  may  now  be  given  respecting  the  headings  of  the 
titles,  or  the  words  which  determine  their  place  in  the  alphabetical 
arrangement.  These  consist,  for  the  most  part,  of  the  surnames  of 
authors,  which,  as  well  as  their  Christian  names,  appear  in  the  vernacular 
form.  There  are  a  few  exceptions  to  this  rule.  The  works  and  biogra 
phies  of  canonized  persons,  as  Thomas  Aquinas,  are  entered  under  their 
Christian  names.  Sovereigns  are  also  designated  by  their  Christian 
names,  in  the  form  in  which  they  are  commonly  written  in  English. 
The  names  of  ancient  Greek  authors,  of  the  fathers  of  the  Church,  and 
of  authors  of  the  Middle  Ages  who  wrote  wholly  in  Latin,  with  a  few 
others,  as  Confucius,  Copernicus,  G-rotius,  are  given  in  their  Latin 
form. 

"  In  respect  to  surnames  with  prefixes,  the  following  rules  have  been 
observed.  In  English  names,  the  prefix  is  treated  as  a  part  of  the  sur 
name.  Accordingly,  in  the  alphabetical  series,  De  Morgan  and  D'Israeli 
are  placed  under  D.  In  all  other  languages,  except  the  French,  sur- 


130  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

names  arc  entered  under  the  letter  following  the  prefix ;  as,  Von  If  um- 
boldt,  under  II;  Las  Casas,  under  C  ;  Delia  Valle,  under  V.  In  French, 
also,  this  rule  applies  to  names  preceded  by  the  preposition  de ;  thus., 
DC  Monts  is  placed  under  M.  French  surnames  preceded  by  Le,  La, 
L',  are  entered  under  L,  as  Le  Vaillant,  La  Fontaine,  L'Epec ;  if  pre 
ceded  by  Du  or  Des,  under  D,  as  Du  Bois,  Des  Cartes,  more  commonly 
written  Dubois,  Descartes. 

"  Compound  surnames,  except  English,  are  generally  entered  under  the 
first  part  of  the  name,  as  Calderon  de  la  Barca,  Cubi  i  Soler,  Merle 
d'Aubigne,  Simonde  de  Sismondi.  But  it  has  not  been  thought  expe 
dient  to  put  Fenelon  under  Salignac,  though  the  rule  has  been  carried 
to  this  extent  by  Lelong,  in  that  monument  of  bibliographical  industry 
and  skill,  the  'Bibliothcque  Historique  de  la  France.' 

"  The  works  and  biographies  of  English  noblemen  and  ecclesiastical 
dignitaries  are  catalogued  under  their  family  names,  not  their  titles, 
even  though  they  may  be  more  generally  known  by  the  latter.  The 
Duke  of  Marlborough  accordingly  appears  under  Churchill,  Lord  Chat 
ham  under  Pitt,  and  Lord  Malion  under  Stanhope.  There  can  be  little 
doubt  that  this  is  the  best  rule  for  English  names,  and  perhaps  it  should  be 
made  universal,  as  it  is  in  the  new  catalogue  of  the  British  Museum,  and  by 
Professor  Jewett.  But  partly  from  a  doubt  of  the  expediency  of  putting 
Buffon  under  Leclerc,  Condorcet  under  Caritat,  Lacepede  under  La  Ville, 
Mirabeau  under  Riquettl,  Richelieu  under  Du  Plessis,  Madame  de  Genlis 
under  Ducrest  de  Saint- Aubin,  and,  as  would  seem  to  be  required,  Lafay 
ette  under  31otier,  to  give  no  more  examples, — and  partly  from  the 
impossibility  of  determining  with  confidence,  in  some  cases,  whether  a 
particular  name  is  to  be  regarded  as  a  family  name  or  only  as  part  of  a 
title, — I  have  enrolled  all  noblemen,  except  British,  under  their  titular 
appellations.  This  accords  with  the  general  usage  in  French  and  Ger 
man  biographical  and  bibliographical  works.  The  necessary  cross-refe 
rences  have  been  made  from  name  to  title,  and  vice  versa. 

"  Family  names  and  prefixes  to  thern,  which,  for  any  reason,  do  not 
stand  in  the  heading  of  the  title  as  a  part  of  the  surname,  but  are  placed 
after  it  in  a  parenthesis,  with  the  Christian  name,  are  printed  in  small 
capitals.  This  rule  includes  the  case  of  names  changed  by  the  assump 
tion  of  a  new  surname,  when  the  original  name  is  also  retained ;  as, 
Sigourney  (Mrs.  Lydia  Huntlcy)  ;  Tooke  (John  Home).  The  maiden 
name  of  a  married  woman,  if  not  known  to  be  retained,  is  likewise 
printed  in  small  capitals,  but  in  brackets.  The  works  of  an  author 


MASSACHUSETTS.  137 

whose  name  lias  been  changed  are  all  entered  under  his  last  adopted 
name,  with  the  necessary  cross-references. 

"  Some  persons  who  have  two  or  more  Christian  names  are  generally 
designated  by  only  one  of  them,  and  no  more  than  this  may  appear  on 
the  title-pages  of  their  works.  In  such  instances,  this  name  is  distin 
guished  by  being  printed  in  spaced  letters.  "When  the  initial  only  is 
used,  as  in  cross-references  and  in  the  index,  it  is  italicized. 

"  The  heading  of  a  title  is  inclosed  in  brackets  when  it  does  not  appear 
in  any  form  on  the  title-page. 

"In  transcribing  titles,  no  alteration  has  been  intentionally  made  in  the 
language  of  the  author,  and  even  the  orthography  and  punctuation  have 
been  scrupulously  preserved.  The  following  abbreviations  have,  how 
ever,  been  used:  <  ed.'  for  'edition/  <  1st/  <2d/  '  3d/  £c.,  for  <  first/ 
'  second/  c  third/  in  designating  the  number  of  the  edition  j  and,  not 
unfrequently,  the  initial  only  of  a  name  is  given  in  the  title,  when- that 
name  appears  in  full  in  the  heading.  I  now,  however,  doubt  the  expe 
diency  of  this  use  of  initials. 

"In  works  consisting  of  several  volumes,  it  occasionally  happens  that 
their  titles  differ.  Such  differences  are  sometimes  pointed  out  in  a  note. 
More  frequently,  after  giving  the  title  of  the  first  volume,  it  has  been 
found  convenient  to  add  the  peculiarities  in  the  titles  of  others,  indica 
ting  the  transition  from  the  title  of  one  volume  to  another  by  the  sign  |  . 

"  For  illustrations  of  the  course  which  has  been  pursued  in  the  case  of 
volumes  with  double  titles,  one  general  and  the  other  special,  or  one  en 
graved  and  the  other  printed,  differing  from  each  other,  see  Butler, 
Chalmers,  Ware,  Ewbank. 

"  Additions  to  a  title  are  inclosed  in  brackets ;  any  omission,  except  of 
the  mere  designation  of  the  author's  name  when  that  appears  in  the 
heading,  is  denoted  by  three  dots. 

"  The  abbreviation,  n.  d.,  is  used  for  l  no  date.'  It  must  be  men 
tioned,  that  no  reliance  can  be  placed  on  the  date  of  stereotyped  books 
printed  in  this  country,  as  affording  evidence  of  the  time  of  their  pub 
lication.  The  common  booksellers'  trick  of  affixing  false  dates  to  the 
works  which  they  issue,  with  the  view  of  promoting  their  sale,  and, 
especially,  of  postdating  them  by  three  or  four  months,  if  published  so 
near  the  end  of  the  year,  is  to  be  reprobated  as  a  falsification  of  literary 
history,  with  which  all  other  history  is  so  intimately  connected. 

"In  accordance  with  general  usage,  the  terms  folio,  quarto,  octavo,  &c., 


138  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

or  rather  their  abbreviations,  have  been  used  in  designating  the  form  of 
books.  They  denote,  as  every  one  knows,  the  number  of  leaves  into 
which  the  printed  sheet  is  folded.  But  this  is  what  the  best  biblio 
grapher  cannot  always  determine,  without  knowing  the  size  of  the  sheet. 
The  signatures  often  fail  him,  because  they  may  be  the  same  in  several 
different  forms ;  for  example,  they  are  eight  leaves  apart  in  an  ordinary 
Svo.  and  in  a  16mo.  printed  in  half-sheets ;  six  leaves  apart  in  a  duo 
decimo  printed  in  half-sheets  and  in  a  common  18mo.  All  that  can  be 
stated  with  certainty  is  the  number  of  leaves  intervening  between  the 
successive  signatures.  In  the  more  doubtful  cases,  I  have  added  this, 
within  parentheses,  after  the  ordinary  designation  of  form,  which,  in 
general,  is  only  given  as  probable. 

"It  must  be  distinctly  understood  that  the  terms  folio,  quarto,  &c., 
afford  very  little  indication  of  the  actual  size  of  a  book.  A  large  duo 
decimo  may  be  twice  the  size  of  a  post  octavo.  If  it  is  the  purpose  of 
the  cataloguer  to  state  the  size,  the  only  satisfactory  mode  is  that  recom 
mended  by  Professor  Jewett,  namely,  to  give  the  measurement  of  the 
full  printed  page  in  inches  and  tenths  of  inches. 

"  Another  point  must  be  noticed.  Many  stereotyped  books  have  two 
sets  of  signatures,  one  usually  consisting  of  letters,  the  other  of  Arabic 
figures, — in  order  that  they  may  be  printed  in  different  forms,  at  the 
pleasure 'of  the  publisher.  Thus  there  happen  to  be  in  the  High  School 
library  two  copies  of  Keightley's  History  of  Home,  one  printed  at  Boston, 
in  1839,  as  an  octavo,  the  other  printed  at  New  York,  in  1848,  from 
the  same  stereotype  plates,  as  a  duodecimo.  It  has,  accordingly,  two 
sets  of  signatures,  in  one  of  which  they  occur  at  intervals  of  four,  in 
the  other  of  six  leaves.  Examples  of  a  similar  kind  are  numerous. 
They  are  noted  in  the  catalogue  by  the  abbreviations  <4.  and  G/  (S. 
and  6./  and  the  like,  within  parentheses,  immediately  following  the 
designation  of  form. 

"  In  other  cases  the  signatures  succeed  each  other  at  intervals,  it  may 
be,  of  eight  and  four,  or  twelve  and  six  leaves,  alternately.  This  is  indi 
cated  in  the  catalogue  by  the  abbreviations  l  8.  4.,'  f  12.  6./  &c. 

"  In  works  consisting  of  but  a  single  volume,  the  number  of  pages  is 
stated  as  it  is  noted  in  the  book,  if  less  than  100  or  more  than  600. 
The  sign  -f  is  added  when  the  volume  contains  several  pages  not  num 
bered,  and  therefore  not  taken  into  account. 

"In  two  or  three  classes  a  different  course  would  have  been  pursued 


MASSACHUSETTS.  189 

had  not  the  number  of  volumes  belonging  to  them  been  so  small  as  to 
make  it  hardly  expedient.  In  a  classed  catalogue  of  a  more  extensive 
library,  it  would  be  of  great  advantage  if,  under  the  heads  of  '  Voyages 
and  Travels/  and  of  (  Geography,'  the  names  of  the  countries,  &c.,  to 
which  the  works  contained  in  these  classes  relate,  should  appear  in  their 
alphabetical  order,  as  in  a  geographical  dictionary,  with  references  to 
the  works  in  the  library  descriptive  of  each.  Thus,  in  the  present  cata 
logue,  under  Class  XXIII,  we  might  have  the  entry :  '  ITALY.  See 
Goethe  (J.  "W.  Yon);  Morgan  (Lady  S.  [0.]).'  In  such  a  case,  it 
would  be  well  to  have  the  names  of  countries,  &c.,  printed  in  a  different 
type  from  that  of  the  headings  of  the  titles/' — Catalogue. 


CAMBRIDGEPORT. 

CAMBRIDGEPORT  PARISH  LIBRARY.     (1855.)     494  vols. 

Founded  in  1849.  Receipts  during  1854,  8100;  expenditures  for 
books,  880  13 ;  incidentals,  822  75.  All  the  members  of  the  Parish 
are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library. 

The  books  are  arranged  on  the  shelves  in  the  order  in  which  they 
are  purchased.  The  library  is  open  1£  hour  each  Sunday.  In  1854, 
1022  volumes  were  lent  to  85  persons.  In  the  catalogue  the  books  are 
arranged  in  alphabetical  order.  The  last  catalogue  was  printed  Novem 
ber  1,  1854. 

FRANKLIN  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1855.)     400  vols. 

Founded  in  1848.  Incorporated  in  1854.  This  is  an  active  and 
flourishing  association.  It  holds  weekly  meetings  for  debate,  &c.  The 
library  has  increased  slowly,  almost  entirely  by  donations.  At  the 
organization  of  the  Society  there  were  12  members;  in  1855  there  were 
80.  A  number  of  periodicals  are  taken. 


CHARLESTOWN, 

MISHAWUM  LITERARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1000  vols. 
Founded  September,  1851.     Any  person  of  good  moral  character  and 


140  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

above  the  age  of  17,  is  eligible  to  membership.  An  entrance  fee  of  82 
is  required,  and  an  annual  assessment  of  82.  The  library  is  open  two 
evenings  a  week.  During  1854,  1500  volumes  were  lent  to  55  persons. 
There  arc  no  works  in  foreign  languages.  A  catalogue  of  24  pages  Svo. 
was  printed  in  1857,  together  with  the  by-laws,  &c.  A  number  of 
periodicals  are  taken. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  EVANGELICAL  UNION. 

The  Union  has  been  obliged  (1857)  to  give  up  its  rooms  and  scatter 
the  library.  The  proximity  of  Boston  prevents  a  sufficient  interest 
being  taken  in  the  organization. 


CHELSEA, 

CHELSEA  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     850  vols. 

Founded  in  1847.  Annual  dues,  81.  2000  books  were  lent  during 
1850,  to  250  persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1858 ;  500  copies 
cost  $37.  About  100  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During  the  last  five 
years,  8450  were  expended  for  books.  Annual  cost  of  support,  8250. 
All  the  books  are  in  English.  In  case  the  Association  is  ever  dissolved, 
the  library  will  become  the  property  of  the  town,  for  the  use  and  benefit 
of  its  common  schools. 

WINNIS1MMET  LITERARY  INSTITUTE.     (1855.)     G50  vols. 

Founded  January,  1849.  The  annual  fee  for  membership  is  81- 
The  books  arc  arranged  by  size.  The  library  is  open  every  Monday 
evening.  350  books  were  lent  during  1854,  to  44  members. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1850,  10  pages  12mo. 


CLINTON. 

BIGELOW  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     2280  vols. 

Founded  in  1852.  Stockholders  and  subscribers  pay  an  annual  fee 
of  -82.  The  library  is  open  4  hours  every  Saturday.  During  1854, 
4000  volumes  were  lent.  2123  volumes  are  in  English.  During  1854, 


MASSACHUSETTS.  141 

the  receipts  were  8865  06;  expenditures  for  books,  8588  84;  binding, 
810  ;  salaries,  850 ;  incidentals,  892  08.  About  400  volumes  are  added 
yearly.  During  the  last  5  years,  82010  73  were  expended  for  books. 
The  annual  cost  of  supporting  the  library  is  8125.  The  Association  has 
erected  a  commodious  and  substantial  building,  sufficient  in  capacity 
and  arrangement  to  accommodate  the  increase  in  the  library  for  many 
years  to  come.  The  liberality  of  E.  B.  Bigelow,  Esq.,  has  provided  for 
the  annual  addition  to  the  library  of  about  400  volumes. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1853,  42  pages;  a  supplement  in  1854; 
and  a  second  in  1855. 


DEERFIELD. 

DEERFIELD  ACADEMY.     (1857.)     GOO  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1797.  Many  of  the  books  are  donations,  but  appro 
priations  arc  made  occasionally  from  the  funds  of  the  Academy.  The 
trustees  and  scholars  have  the  free  use  of  the  library  for  reference. 

SOCIAL  LIBRARY.     (1855.)     1400  vols. 

Founded  in  1790.  It  is  supported  by  a  subscription  of  $2  annually 
from  each  member.  During  1854,  the  receipts  were  854;  expenditures 
for  books,  820;  binding,  88;  periodicals,  820;  salaries,  84. 

The  library  is  open  once  a  week.  The  librarian  remarks,  "  Books  of 
solid  literature  are  not  much  read.  This  is  a  general  feature  of  the 
age."  A  number  of  periodicals  are  taken. 


DORCHESTER, 

DORCHESTER  ANTIQUARIAN  AND  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 
(1857.)     480  vols. 

Founded  January  27,  1843.  Incorporated  May  3,  1855.  It  is  sup 
ported  by  annual  assessments  and  voluntary  contributions. 

The  receipts  during  1854,  were  8112;  expenditures  for  books,  810; 
periodicals,  83 ;  incidentals,  896.  It  is  a  special  library,  consisting  of 
historical,  statistical,  biographical,  and  genealogical  works.  There  are 
5250  pamphlets,  15  MSS.,  10  maps,  30  engravings,  and  250  coins.  It 


142  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

is  open  once  a  week,  for  3  hours.  During  1854,  220  volumes  were 
taken  out  by  16  persons.  70  volumes  is  the  average,  annually.  400 
volumes  are  in  English,  4  French,  2  German,  6  Latin.  The  Society 
has  published  three  volumes  of  their  collections.  No.  1,  being  u*The 
Memoirs  of  Roger  Clapp."  No.  2,  "  Annals  of  Dorchester  •"  by  James 
Blake.  No.  3,  «  The  Journal  of  Richard  Mather;"  with  his  Life.  The 
Society  have  also  entered  on  the  publication  of  a  u  History  of  Dor 
chester;"  three  numbers  of  which  have  already  been  issued. 


MATTAPAN  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1855.)     987  vols. 

Founded  December  18,  1848.  It  is  supported  by  money  received 
for  shares,  which  are  85  each,  annual  subscriptions,  fines,  &c.  Receipts 
in  1854,  8175  19.  Expended  for  books,  8152  44.  Incidentals,  822  75. 
Open  Saturday  afternoon.  About  25  persons  change  books  every  week. 
All  the  volumes  are  in  English.  Works  of  fiction,  biography,  travels, 
and  history,  are  most  read. 


DORCHESTER  AND  MILTON. 

DORCHESTER  AND  MILTON  CIRCULATING  LIBRARY. 

(1855.)     1000  vols. 

Founded  in  1838.  A  fair  was  held  by  the  ladies,  from  which  81000 
were  realized;  of  which  8500  were  expended  for  books,  and  8500  in 
vested  in  bank  stock.  Another  fair  was  held,  from  which  8600  were 
realized.  There  are  about  100  subscribers,  who  pay  81  annually. 
During  1854,  the  receipts  were  8100.  Expenditures,  889  46.  For 
books,  86.  Binding,  818.  Periodicals,  852.  Salaries,  82.  The 
library  is  open  daily  from  8  A.M.  to  8  P.M.  All  the  books  are  in 
English.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1854,  at  a  cost  of  825  for  300 
copies.  A  few  periodicals  are  taken. 


FALL  RIVER, 

FALL  RIVER  ATHENAEUM.     (1855.)     2500  vols. 
Established  in  1835.     A  warrant  for  the  first  legal  meeting  was  issued 


MASSACHUSETTS.  143 

by  Joseph  Gooding,  a  Justice  of  the  Peace,  dated  March  31,  1835  ; 
and  the  meeting  took  place  on  the  first  Monday  of  April  following. 
Several  hundred  dollars  were  raised  at  once  on  shares,  the  price  of  which 
was,  and  still  is,  85  each.  Stockholders  pay  $1  per  annum.  Subscri 
bers,  82.  The  receipts  during  1854,  were  8488  43.  Expenditures  for 
books,  845  55.  Binding,  811  25.  Periodicals,  841  07.  Salaries,  805. 
Incidentals,  886  15.  The  library  is  open  nine  hours,  once  a  week. 

During  1854,  4316  volumes  were  lent  to  83  persons.  2300  volumes 
are  in  English,  a  few  in  French  and  Latin,  and  one  in  Greek.  A  cata 
logue  was  printed  in  1855,  36  pages  12mo. ;  500  copies  cost  867  70. 
During  1854,  the  books  read  were  as  follows:  3150  novels;  52  philoso 
phy;  65  theology;  78  medicine;  130  scientific;  468  biography;  433 
history.  Eleven  periodicals  are  taken. 

A  few  years  since,  the  library  and  natural  history  collections  were 
entirely  destroyed  by  fire.  The  whole  was  then  larger  than  at  present. 
It  was  insured,  but  the  Company  failed,  and  nothing  was  recovered. 
There  is  now  a  beautiful  building  expressly  for  the  library.  The  libra 
rian  receives  850  salary. 


FRANKLIN. 

FRAXKLIN  LIBRARY. 

"  This  library  was  presented  to  the  town  in  the  year  1786,  by  Dr.  Ben 
jamin  Franklin.  It  consisted  of  116  volumes,  of  a  sterling  character. 
Among  these  volumes  are  the  following:  Locke's  Works;  Montesquieu's 
Spirit  of  Laws;  Blackstone's  Commentaries;  Newton  on  the  Prophecies; 
Sydney's  Works;  Priestley's  Institutes;  Ridgeley's  Works;  also  Hoad- 
ley's,  Barren's,  Hopkins's,  and  Erskine's  Works.  There  are  Duchal's, 
Price's,  Stennek's,  Fordyce's,  Barnard's,  and  Emmons's  Sermons;  Laws 
of  Massachusetts;  Backus's  History;  Price  on  Providence  and  on 
Liberty;  Addison's  Evidences;  Life  of  Cromwell,  and  of  Doddridge; 
Dickinson  on  the  Five  Points;  Prideaux's  Connections;  Cambridge 
Platform;  Cooper  on  Predestination;  History  of  the  Rebellion;  Ame 
rican  Constitution;  Young's  Night  Thoughts;  Pilgrim's  Progress;  Spec 
tator,  &c. 

"  We  have  enumerated  some  of  the  volumes,  without  regard  to  their 
classification,  simply  for  a  specimen.  It  is  quite  evident  that  Dr.  Frank 
lin  selected  the  library  in  a  systematic  way,  taking  the  116  volumes  from 


144  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

the.  departments  of  law,  religion,  history,  and  general  literature,  accord 
ing  to  the  importance  lie  attached  to  them.  The  volumes  on  history  are 
limited,  while  Christianity  and  law  have  their  full  share.  Any  person 
who  is  familiar  with  Dr.  Franklin's  life,  will  see  that  the  library  is  cha 
racteristic.  A  man  exhibits  his  own  mental  and  moral  proclivities  in 
selecting  a  library,  in  some  degree.  So  did  Dr.  Franklin. 

"  We  have  examined  the  library  with  reference  to  the  number  of  books 
it  contains  which  are  now  out  of  print,  so  that  young  ministers  and 
lawyers  cannot  find  them  for  their  libraries.  About  two-thirds  of  the 
volumes  cannot  now  be  had  at  the  bookstores.  Another  class  of  volumes 
has  taken  their  place,  many  of  them  of  far  less  intrinsic  value. 

"  Many  of  the  works  were  very  expensive  at  that  time.  It  is  probable 
that  they  cost  three  or  four  times  as  much  as  they  would  now.  With 
the  same  amount  of  money  to  expend  at  the  present  time,  a  committee 
would  probably  purchase  five  or  six  hundred  volumes. 

"  At  the  time  this  library  was  presented,  the  town  added  thereto  about 
the  same  number  of  volumes ;  in  which  were  included  several  works  by 
Dr.  Franklin  himself,  and  which  his  modesty  forbade  him  to  number  in 
his  gift.  Since  that  time  not  a  volume  has  been  added,  except  certain 
public  documents  from  the  State  or  National  Government.  For  some 
years  past  the  library  has  been  neglected/' — (Boston  Traveller,  February 
9th,  1858.) 

GREENFIELD. 

GREENFIELD  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     G92  vols. 

Founded  March,  1855.  Any  resident  of  the  town  over  fourteen 
years  of  age,  can  become  a  member,  by  paying  81  annually.  The  library 
is  open  two  and  a  half  hours,  three  days  a  week;  four  and  a  half  hours 
on  Saturday.  All  the  books  are  in  English.  §340  38  have  been  ex 
pended  for  books,  during  1855-'56.  The  annual  cost  of  support  is 
8125. 


GROTON, 

LAWRENCE  ACADEMY.     (185,5.)     3500  vols. 

Founded  in  1793,  and  incorporated  under  the  name  of  "Groton  Aca 
demy."     "It  received,  in  1797,  from  the  Commonwealth,  a  grant  of 


MASSACHUSETTS.  145 

half  a  township  in  Maine,  which  yielded  a  permanent  though  small  fund. 
In  consideration  of  the  munificent  donations  of  Messrs.  William  and 
Amos  Lawrence,  natives  of  the  town  of  Groton,  the  Legislature,  in  1847, 
gave  to  the  institution  its  present  name.  Its  endowments  are  already 
ample,  and  when  the  proceeds  are  fully  realized,  as  they  will  be  in  a  few 
years,  the  Academy  will  rest  on  a  pecuniary  basis  as  large,  with  two  or 
three  exceptions,  as  that  of  any  similar  institution." 

The  library  is  open  for  an  hour  on  Wednesdays.  3400  volumes  are 
in  English,  50  French,  12  Spanish,  12  other  modern  languages,  50 
Latin,  30  Greek.  There  are  500  pamphlets,  20  maps,  and  a  case  of 
medals.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1850,  Svo.  206  pages,  at  a  cost  of 
$250  for  500  copies.  No  periodicals  are  taken. 


HAVERHILL. 

HAVERHILL  ATHENAEUM.  (1857.)  1288  vols. 
Incorporated  February,  1852.  The  receipts  during  1854  were 
81068  18;  1856,  433  75.  Expenditures  for  books  during  1854,  8317; 
1856,  $264  52.  Salaries,  1854,  $67  50;  1856,  $52  25.  Incidentals, 
1854,  $210  92 ;  1856,  $29  70.  Lectures,  $475.  The  library  is  open 
on- Wednesday  and  Saturday  evenings.  During  1854,  10,735  volumes 
were  lent  to  274  persons.  All  the  volumes  arc  in  English.  A  cata 
logue  was  printed  in  1854,  at  a  cost  of  $30  for  500  copies.  Another 
was  printed  in  October,  1856,  36  pages  8vo.,  cost  $50  for  1000  copies. 
Yearly  increase,  100  volumes.  Annual  cost  of  support,  $100.  During 
the  last  five  years,  $1012  35  have  been  expended  for  books. 


ESSEX  NORTH  DISTRICT  MEDICAL  SOCIETY. 
(1857.)     275  vols. 

Organized  in  1854,  by  Dr.  Thomas  Manning,  late  of  Ipswich,  by  will. 


HAVERHILL  CIRCULATING  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     600  vols. 

Owned  and  kept  by  0.  W.  Flanders.  Terms  to  subscribers  :  $3  per 
year,  $1  75  for  6  months,  $1  for  3  months,  37J  cents  for  1  month,  in 
advance.  About  100  volumes  are  added  yearly.  A  catalogue  was 
printed  in  1855.  .  Works  of  fiction  are  most  read. 

10 


146  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

JAMAICA  PLAIN. 

ELIOT  LITERARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1400  vols. 

Organized  September,  1857.  William  H.  Spooner,  Jr.,  president. 
T.  J.  Brewer,  secretary. 

"  Judging  from  present  appearances,  we  may  soon  expect  to  see  the 
'  Eliot  Library  Association'  standing  high  in  the  scale  of  young  men's 
library  societies.  We  learn  that  the  Association  has  already  a  large 
fund  at  its  disposal,  for  the  purchase  of  books,  &c." — (Boston  Paper.*} 

1300  volumes  were  received  from  the  Eliot  Social  Library  and  the 
Parish  Library. 

LANCASTER. 

LANCASTER  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     415  vols. 

Founded  December,  1851.  Members  pay  annually,  83;  transient 
readers,  50  cents  per  quarter.  The  receipts  during  1854,  were  891  54 ; 
expenditures  for  books,  §54  05  •  binding,  84  52 ;  periodicals,  820 ; 
salaries,  S3 ;  incidentals,  810  50.  The  library  is  open  twice  a  week 
from  3  P.M.  till  sunset.  300  volumes  were  lent  during  1854,  to  25  per 
sons.  A  catalogue  of  12  pages,  8vo.,  was  printed  in  March,  1854,  at  a 
cost  of  88  for  100  copies.  Blackwood's  Magazine,  Putnam's,  and  the 
Horticulturist,  are  the  only  periodicals  taken  at  present ;  it  having  been 
found  that  little  interest  was  taken  in  this  branch  of  literature. 

The  annual  salary  of  the  librarian  is  83. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  860. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  70. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  700. 


LAWRENCE. 

FRANKLIN  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1800  vols. 

Established  by  Act  of  Legislature,  1847.  The  shares  originally  were 
810  each,  with  an  annual  assessment  of  82  on  each  share.  In  July, 
1847,  a  donation  of  81000  was  received  from  Hon.  Abbott  Lawrence, 
which  was  expended  entirely  in  books.  In  1853,  the  shares  were 


MASSACHUSETTS.  147 

divided,  making  them  85  each,  with  an  annual  assessment  of  81  on  each 
share.  In  tho  will  of  the  late  Hon.  Abbott  Lawrence,  there  was  a 
bequest  of  85000  to  the  library,  to  be  expended  in  books.  During  the 
last  five  years,  8286  22  have  been  expended  for  books.  The  receipts 
during  1854,  were  8151  37;  expenditures  for  binding,  BIG  29;  periodi 
cals,  832;  salaries,  850;  incidentals,  896  63.  The  annual  cost  of  sup 
porting  the  library  is  8125,  It  is  open  every  Saturday,  from  noon  till 
9  P.M.  1025  volumes  arc  in  English,  23  French,  14  Spanish.  There 
are  some  valuable  sets  of  periodicals  in  the  library,  among  them  the 
North  American  Review,  from  1812;  Edinburgh,  from  1803;  Foreign 
Quarterly,  1834  to  1841;  Siliiinan's  Journal,  from  1847;  Journal  of 
Franklin  Institute,  from  1847 ;  Westminster  Review,  from  1844 ;  Chris 
tian  Examiner,  from  1826,  &c.  &c. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  on  1st  of  January,  1855,  46  pages,  cost  842 
for  500  copies. 

PACIFIC  MILLS  (PRINT  WORKS).     (1857.)     2024  vols. 

Pacific  Mills  is  the  largest  manufacturing  establishment  in  the  United 
States.  The  following  interesting  information  has  been  furnished  by 
the  superintendent : 

"  Pacific  Mills  was  organized  in  1852  (the  Hon.  Abbott  Lawrence 
being  the  active  spirit  of  the  enterprise),  capital  82,000,000,  as  a  manu 
facturing  corporation.  We  have  1500  operatives  employed ;  450  are  native 
born,  1050  are  foreign  born.  600  are  females,  900  are  males.  Age  of 
operatives,  from  10  to  50  years.  To  elevate  and  enlighten  the  minds  of 
these  operatives,  has  ever  been  a  matter  of  deep  interest  to  the  managers 
of  this  corporation.  In  the  structure,  an  elegant  lecture  hall  was  built, 
capable  of  seating  900  persons.  This  is  the  first  instance  on  record,  we 
believe,  that  a  lecture  hall  formed  part  of  a  manufacturing  establish 
ment.  A  library  and  reading-room  was  also  a  part  of  the  means  adopted 
for  the  elevation,  &c.,  of  the  operatives  employed  here.  To  make  these 
features  practical  and  permanently  established,  a  condition  of  employ 
ment  is,  that  each  person  shall  pay  one  cent  per  iccek  to  the  'Library 
Fund ;'  this  fund  is  expended  by  a  committee  of  the  operatives,  chosen 
annually.  Apart  from  the  purchase  of  books,  we  expend  from  8250  to 
8350,  each  winter,  for  popular  lectures,  musical  entertainments,  pano 
ramas,  &c.  &c.  We  frequently  have  to  repeat  musical  entertainments, 
having  our  hall  densely  crowded  (as  we  allow  heads  of  families  to  bring 
their  wives).  The  panoramic  displays  are  for  the  youth,  which  prepon- 


148  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

derates  very  largely.  Our  reading-room  is  open  daily,  Sundays  ex- 
cepted,  from  G.30  A.M.  until  9.30  P.M.  Daily  papers,  7;  weekly  papers, 
15  j  weekly  magazines,  1;  monthly  and  quarterlies,  15.  Total,  38. 

u  Our  library  contains  2024  volumes.  We  have  650  daily  readers.  The 
library  is  open  daily.  220  are  American  by  birth,  430  are  foreign  by 
birth.  325  are  females,  325  are  males. 

"The  daily  earning  of  males  is  109  cents,  of  females  63  cents.  88500 
is  required  weekly  to  pay  our  operatives." 

A  catalogue  of  84  pages  8vo.  was  published  in  1855,  and  a  supple 
ment  in  1856. 


LENOX. 

LENOX  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1100  vols. 

Organized  January  1st,  1854.  Whole  amount  expended  for  books, 
about8800.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  100. 
Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  from  60  to  80  per 
week.  It  owes  its  existence  to  the  private  liberality  of  a  few  individuals 
of  moderate  means.  To  the  sum  thus  raised,  the  town  appropriated 
8300.  The  united  amount,  8600,  was  the  nucleus  of  the  enterprise. 
For  the  reception  of  the  books,  a  small  room  was  appropriated  in  our 
town  hall.  This  soon  became  too  small,  and  a  fire-proof  brick  building- 
was  erected,  in  octagonal  form,  sufficiently  large  to  accommodate  6000 
volumes,  at  a  cost  of  81600.  Much  interest  is  felt,  in  the  town,  in  this 
library. 


LOWELL. 

CITY  SCHOOL  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     11,000  volumes. 

Founded  October,  1844.  First  opened  for  the  delivery  of  books, 
February  11,  1845.  The  first  purchase  consisted  of  3800  volumes. 
The  city  drew  from  the  State  its  proportion  of  a  fund  that  had  been 
accumulating  for  the  purpose  of  forming  school  libraries,  amounting  to 
81215,  and  appropriated  82000  to  purchase  this  library.  The  library 
occupies  a  room  60  feet  by  28,  on  the  ground  floor  of  a  brick  building 
belonging  to  the  city,  and  centrally  located.  The  books  are  arranged  ac 
cording  to  size,  without  regard  to  subjects,  and  each  volume  is  numbered. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  149 

Aii  animal  appropriation  of  81000  is  made  by  the  city  to  the  library, 
and  all  persons  approved  by  the  directors,  arc  entitled  to  draw  books,  by 
paying  50  cents  a  year.  The  receipts  during  1854,  were  61384  97. 
Expenditures  for  books,  $683  53.  Binding,  $5  80.  Salaries,  8600. 
Incidentals,  $21.  The  library  is  open  five  hours  daily.  There  are  800 
subscribers.  All  the  books  are  in  the  English  language.  A  catalogue 
was  printed  in  January,  1853,  and  supplement  in  1854?  16mo.,  at  a  cost 
of  $250  for  2500  copies. 


MIDDLESEX  MECHANIC  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     6G30  vols. 

Founded  in  1825.  Reading-room  established  in  1834.  Stockholders 
and  subscribers  are  entitled  to  take  books  out.  Shares  812  50.  There 
is  an  annual  assessment  on  the  former  of  $1,  and  on  the  latter  of  $2. 
The  library  is  open  nine  hours  every  day.  During  1854,  868  persons 
borrowed  books.  The  receipts  during  1854,  were  82636.  Expended 
for  books,  $302.  Binding,  $35  50.  Periodicals,  881.  Newspapers, 
8120.  Salaries,  8600.  Incidentals,  taxes,  repairs,  fuel,  £c.,  81131. 
Subscribers  pay  82  per  annum.  During  1857,  11,000  volumes  were 
lent  to  450  members.  There  are  4610  volumes  in  English,  533  in 
French,  8  German,  3  Spanish,  5  Latin,  and  10  Greek.  Total,  5250, 
in  1855.  The  receipts  during  1856,  were  $2636.  Expenditures  for 
books  and  binding,  $336  81.  Periodicals,  $202  70.  Salaries,  $600. 
About  300  volumes  are  added  annually.  The  yearly  expense  of  support 
ing  the  library  and  reading-room  is  $1958  47. 

In  1833-'34,  the  Association  erected  a  large  building  of  brick,  at  an 
expense  of  $20,486  04,  for  all  the  purposes  of  the  Association.  The 
library-room  is  40  feet  by  26,  and  11  feet  high.  The  reading-room  is 
of  the  same  size.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1840,  containing  136 
pages  8vo.  A  supplement  of  22  pages  was  printed  in  1846,  another  in 
1853,  and  a  third  in  1856.  600  copies  quarto,  cost  $315. 

The  books  are  arranged  upon  the  shelves  in  classes  and  sections.  The 
shelves  are  numbered  consecutively.  The  books  are  numbered  upon  the 
backs  with  two  numbers  (thus  58ff)-  The  upper  number  denotes  the  shelf 
to  which  the  book  belongs.  The  lower  number  marks  the  relative  position 
of  the  book  upon  its  shelf.  More  or  less  frequent  changes  in  the  num 
bering  of  the  books  will  be  required  under  the  system  of  arrangement 
which  has  been  adopted;  and  the  catalogue  was  printed  without  numbers 


150  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

on  this  account.     But  "finding-catalogues,"  containing  the  numbers  of 
the  books,  are  placed  upon  the  table  in  the  library. 
The  following  classification  is  adopted  : 

CLASS  I.  THEOLOGY. 

CLASS  II.  LAW,  POLITICS,  POLITICAL  ECONOMY,  COMMERCE,  ETC. 

CLASS  III.  SCIENCE  AND  ART. 

SECTION  1.  Moral  Philosophy,  Mental  Philosophy,  Logic,  Education.  £c. 
"         '2.  Mathematics. 

3.  Physics. 
'•         4.  Natural  History,  Mineralogy,  Geology,  Botany,  Meteorology,  and 

Medicine. 

-         5.  Fine  Arts,  Useful  Arts. 
"         0.  Encyclopaedias,  Learned  Journals,  and  Transactions. 

CLASS  IV.  LITERATURE. 

SECTION  1.  Philology  (including  Languages,  Criticism,  Rhetoric  and  Oratory. 

Speeches,  and  Essays). 
"         2.  Poetry  and  the  Drama. 

3.  Novels,  Romances,  Tales,  Works  of  Wit  and  Humor. 
"          4.  History  (including  Chronology,  Geography,  and  Statistics). 
"          5.  Biography. 
"          G.  Voyages  and  Travels. 
"         7.  Periodical  and  Miscellaneous  Literature. 

21  magazines  and  reviews,  15  daily,  and  50  weekly  newspapers,  are 
regularly  taken.  Works  of  fiction  are  most  read;  then  voyages  and  tra 
vels  and  history.  The  favorite  authors  are  Sir  W.  Scott,  Dickens,  Cooper, 
James,  Irving,  Mrs.  Stowe,  Grace  Aguilar,  &c. 


MIDDLESEX  NORTH  DISTRICT  MEDICAL  SOCIETY. 

(1855.)      1GG  vols. 

Founded  in  1848,  from  a  part  of  the  library  of  the  Massachusetts 
Medical  Society.  It  is  a  special  medical  collection.  Open  once  a 
month  for  three  hours.  141  volumes  are  in  English,  15  French,  10 
Latin,  1  Greek.  There  are  also  300  pamphlets. 


LYNN. 

LYNN  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     3500  vols. 
Incorporated  March  24th,  1S55.     Organized  July  7th,  1855.    Went 


MASSACHUSETTS.  151 

into  active  operation,  i.  e.,  distributing  books,  October  22d,  1855.  Head 
ing-room  (with  58  different  newspapers,  representing  all  sections  of  the 
country,  and  18  different  magazines  and  reviews)  added,  November, 
1856. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1855,  $4.00. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  707. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  9004. 

Of  the  books  circulated,  fiction  comprises  more  than  half.  Travels, 
nearly  a  fifth.  Biographical  and  historical,  about  a  tenth  each.  Scien 
tific  and  miscellaneous,  the  remainder. 

The  rooms  are  open  every  evening,  from  6  till  9  o'clock.  Also  Wed 
nesday  and  Saturday  afternoons,  from  3  till  5  o'clock. 

In  addition  to  the  library  and  reading-room  departments,  there  is  a 
cabinet-room,  filled  with  a  miscellaneous  assortment  of  natural  and  arti 
ficial  curiosities;  minerals,  shells,  coins,  birds,  animals,  reptiles,  South 
Sea  Island  curiosities,  &c.  &c. 

Any  person  of  correct  moral  habits  may  become  a  member  of  this 
Society  by  paying  $2.  The  annual  payment  is  62. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1856,  12mo.  84  pages. 


MANCHESTER. 

MANCHESTER  LYCEUM.     (1857.)     G50  vols. 

This  Lyceum  was  organized  February  21st,  1830,  for  mutual  improve 
ment  by  lectures,  disquisition,  and  debate,  and  proved  highly  useful  and 
beneficial  to  those  within  its  influence;  and  as  showing  the  appreciation 
of  such  means  of  improvement  by  the  people  by  whom  the  Lyceum  was 
established,  the  fact  is  significant  that  it  numbered,  in  its  first  year,  118 
male  members,  in  a  population  not  greatly  exceeding  a  thousand.  (The 
exact  population  was  1260.) 

Among  its  first  acts  was  one  to  lay  the  foundation  for  a  library,  by,  at 
first,  each  member  contributing  such  book  or  books  as  he  chose ;  and 
afterwards,  appropriating  the  surplus  funds  of  the  Lyceum  to  the  pur 
chase  of  books,  The  library,  thus  formed,  was  open  to  any  one,  on  the 
payment  of  50  cents  and  subscribing  to  the  regulations  :  these  constitu 
ting  him  a  member  and  joint  proprietor,  for  one  year.  From  such 
beginning,  it  has  slowly  increased  to  its  present  size  (which,  though 


152  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

small,  yet  when  viewed  in  regard  to  its  influence  on  a  limited  popula 
tion,  is  not  without  importance)  '}  and,  from  the  nature  of  its  existence, 
must  be  permanent  while  there  remain  any  to  enjoy  its  benefits. 

The  fee  annually  due  from  members,  is  50  cents.  During  1854, 
826  60  were  received,  88  50  expended  for  books,  810  for  salaries,  and 
87  28  for  incidentals.  The  library  is  open  half  an  hour  every  Saturday. 
During  1854,  500  volumes  were  lent  to  37  persons.  About  10  volumes 
are  added  annually.  During  the  last  5  years,  830  have  been  expended 
for  books. 


MARLBOROUGH, 

PARISH  LIBRARY  OF  THE  SECOND  PARISH.     (1855.)     72G  vols. 

Founded  in  March,  1847,  by  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Phelps.  There  is  a  fund 
of  8500,  under  the  charge  of  trustees,  the  interest  of  which  is  applied 
to  the  purchase  of  books.  Other  expenses  are  defrayed  by  the  parish. 
Receipts  during  1854,  830;  expenditures  for  books,  830 ;  binding,  81  50; 
salaries,  810;  incidentals,  81. 

All  members  of  the  Second  Parish  can  use  the  library  free  of  charge. 
1500  volumes  were  lent  to  100  persons  during  1854.  Works  of  fiction, 
of  which  a  few  of  the  best  are  bought,  were  most  read,  biography  and 
travels  next. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  July,  1852,  12mo.  8  pages;  300  copies 
cost  815. 

MEDFOEJ), 

TUFT'S  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     3300  vols. 

Founded  in  1854.  Students  pay  50  cents  a  year  for  the  use  of  the 
library.  About  1000  volumes  were  added  during  1856.  The  library 
is  open  on  Saturday. 

Most  of  the  volumes  in  the  library  were  received  as  donations. 


NANTUCKET. 

NANTUCKET  ATHENAEUM.     (1857.)     3202  vols. 
Incorporated  in  1834.     The  building  and  library  were  destroyed  by 


MASSACHUSETTS.  153 

lire  in  1846.  They  were  reopened  February,  1847,  the  library  being 
made  up  of  donations  from  the  citizens  of  Boston,  publishers  of  New 
York  and  Boston,  and  the  shareholders.  The  institution  is  supported 
by  a  tax  of  82  per  year  on  the  proprietors,  who  are  270  in  number,  and 
by  the  renting  of  a  lecture-room.  It  is  governed  by  a  president,  vice- 
president,  two  secretaries,  treasurer,  and  five  trustees,  chosen  annually. 

Receipts  during  1854,  6897  23;  expenditures  for  books,  §87  75; 
binding,  852  68 ;  periodicals,  837  50 ;  salaries,  8130. 

The  shareholders  and  the  public  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library, 
Shareholders  pay  82  per  annum,  and  non-proprietors  $3. 

A  wooden  building  was  erected  for  the  use  of  the  Institution,  in 
1846-'47,  containing  a  lecture-room,  library-room,  and  museum — the 
cost,  about  85000.  The  library-room  is  49  feet  by  24,  and  12  feot  high. 
It  is  arranged  in  alcoves,  and  capable  of  holding  10,000  volumes. 

It  is  both  a  reference  and  lending  library.  The  books  are  arranged 
by  subjects.  Open  3£  hours  daily,  and  3  hours  on  Saturday  evening. 
5369  volumes  were  lent  during  1854.  2902  volumes  are  in  English, 
60  French,  3  German,  2  Spanish,  3  Italian,  13  Latin,  39  Greek.  Novels 
arc  most  read,  then  travels,  biography,  natural  science,  poetry,  and  his 
tory. 

Quite  a  number  of  periodicals  are  taken.  About  100  volumes  are 
added  yearly.  Annual  cost  of  supporting  the  library,  8864.  During 
the  last  five  years,  8437  78  were  expended  for  books. 


JtfEW  BEDFORD. 
NEW  BEDFORD  FREE  PUBLIC  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     10,000  vols. 

On  the  24th  of  May,  1851,  an  act  was  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  Mas 
sachusetts,  giving  authority  to  towns  and  cities  to  tax  their  ratable  polls 
one  dollar  each  to  establish,  and  twenty-five  cents  annually  to  maintain 
libraries  for  the  use  of  their  inhabitants.  On  the  8th  of  July,  1851,  a 
member  of  the  Common  Council  introduced  an  order  for  the  raising  of 
a  committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  establishing  a  public  library 
in  New  Bedford.  This  is  believed  to  be  the  first  order  ever  introduced 
into  any  representative  body  for  the  establishment  of  such  an  institu 
tion. 

On  the  14th  of  June,  1852,  the  Councils  appropriated  81500  for  the 
library,  and  the  proprietors  of  the  Social  Library  transferred  their  col- 


154  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

lection  of  59G1  volumes  to  the  city.  It  is  claimed  for  this  institution. 
that  it  is  "the  very  first  free  public  library  known  to  the  annals  of  the 
world."  (Address  of  J.  B.  Congdon,  1856.) 

The  corner-stone  of  a  new  building  for  the  library  was  laid  with 
appropriate  ceremonies,  August  28th,  1856.  This  building  is  of  brick 
and  freestone,  with  a  basement  of  dark  Quincy  granite.  It  cost  £37,000, 
exclusive  of  the  ground  on  which  it  stands. 

By  its  regulations  "all  adult  residents  of  the  city  are  entitled  to  the 
privilege  of  taking  books  from  the  library/'  and  all  minors,  on  an  order 
from  a  resident  adult.  There  is  no  distinction  of  color  or  sex;  all  citi 
zens  sixteen  years  old  participate  freely  in  the  advantages  of  the  library, 
subject  to  nothing  but  an  implied  engagement  to  observe  the  regulations 
of  the,  institution,  and  children  less  than  sixteen  may  take  books  by 
leaving  a  deposit  of  books  or  money,  in  case  they  can  find  no  adult  to 
become  responsible  for  them.  It  has  always  been  urged  by  the  oppo 
nents  of  free  libraries,  that  people  who  pay  nothing,  individually,  for  the 
use  of  books,  are  careless  about  returning  them.  This  is  found  to  be  a 
fallacy.  When  40,000  volumes  had  been  taken  from  this  library,  by 
everybody  who  cared  to  apply,  an  examination  disclosed  the  fact  that 
but  60  volumes  were  missing.  The  annual  reports  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees,  written  by  Mr.  J.  B.  Congdon,  Cashier  of  the  Merchants' 
Bank  in  New  Bedford,  who  has  devoted  much  time  to  the  foundation 
and  supervision  of  the  library,  say  among  other  things : 

"A  striking  and  delightful  feature  of  our  operations  is  the  large 
number  of  females  who  visit  the  rooms  both  as  takers  of  our  books, 
and  readers  of  our  periodicals.  Nearly  one-half  of  the  names  upon  our 
books  are  those  of  females.  The  convenient  location  of  the  library,  the 
liberality  of  its  arrangements,  and  the  quiet  and  decorum  which  pervade 
the  place,  have  attracted  thither,  that  class  of  the  population  which  has 
hitherto  seldom  been  found  visiting  our  public  libraries. 

"It  is  a  most  gratifying  fact,  and  one  that  is  highly  creditable  to  the 
inhabitants  of  our  city,  that  during  the  year,  no  indecorum,  no  breach 
of  the  rules  for  maintaining  order,  quiet,  and  neatness,  in  the  rooms, 
have  interfered  with  their  pleasant  and  profitable  use  by  any  portion  of 
our  people/' 

Two  thousand  dollars  are  appropriated  annually  by  the  city  to  the 
library;  one-half  goes  toward  its  current  expenses,  the  other  toward  new 
books.  The  entire  expenditure  incurred  for  it  has  been  nearly  855,000. 

During  1854,  20,843  volumes  were  lent  to  2951  persons.     During 


MASSACHUSETTS.  155 

1855,  20,041  volumes  were  lent  to  3183  persons.  During  1856,  23,240 
volumes  were  lent  to  3937  persons.  About  three-fourths  were  works  of 
fiction,  and  the  larger  portion  of  the  remainder,  voyages  and  travels. 
Of  novels,  Scott's,  Cooper's,  and  Miss  Edgeworth's,  are  most  read. 
Works  relative  to  Napoleon,  are  always  in  demand.  In  history,  Ban 
croft,  Hildreth,  and  works  on  the  French  Revolution,  find  the  most 
readers.  22  periodicals  are  taken.  The  librarian  receives  a  salary  of 
$500.  Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  8900. 
Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  1000.  Ave 
rage  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  22,000.  Cost  of  sup 
porting  the  library,  §2000.  Amount  expended  for  books  during  the  last 
five  years,  $4500. 


NEWBUKYPOBT. 

PUBLIC  LIBRARY  OF  THE  CITY  OF  NEWBURYPORT. 

(1857.)     8493  vols. 

Founded  September,  1854,  by  lion.  Josiah  Little.  Opened  for  public 
use,  5th  September,  1855.  Receipts  for  1857,  $850  80 ;  expenditures, 
$837  76.  A  donation  of  $5000  was  made  to  the  library  by  Hon.  Josiah 
Little;  and  a  legacy  of  $5000  was  left  by  Matthias  Plant  Sawyer,  of 
Boston,  the  interest  forever  to  go  to  the  purchase  of  books.  The  library 
is  open  every  day.  In  1855,  5600  volumes  were  in  English,  100  French, 
50  Spanish.  During  the  year  1857,  29,562  volumes  were  taken  out. 

The  librarian  receives  a  salary  of  $400  per  annum. 

a  The  Newburyport  Public  Library  has  one  of  the  most  valuable  col 
lections  of  books  to  be  found  in  the  State.  Though  small,  little  rising 
8000  in  number,  the  classification  is  very  thorough,  and  every  depart 
ment  of  literature  is  represented  by  the  best  authors.  Hon.  Caleb  Gush 
ing,  Hon.  Timothy  Davis,  and  others,  have  recently  contributed  largely 
to  the  shelves,  and  added  much  to  its  value.  Its  use  is  quite  general : 
the  greater  portion  of  the  citizens  avail  themselves  of  its  advantages. 
The  city  has  been  very  fortunate  in  the  selection  of  a  librarian,  through 
whose  exertions  the  institution  has  been  managed  in  a  manner  not  only 
conducive  to  the  public  good,  but  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  its 
patrons." 


156  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

NEWTON  CENTRE. 
NEWTON  THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTION.     (1857.)     10,325  vols. 

Founded  in  1825.  A  fund  of  $10,000  is  set  apart  for  the  support  of 
the  library  by  the  trustees.  Salaries  of  librarian  and  assistant,  850. 
The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  Library  open  two  days  per  week, 
one  hour  each  day.  6800  volumes  are  in  English,  700  French,  1000 
German,  50  Spanish,  400  other  modern  languages,  500  Latin,  350 
Greek,  130  Hebrew,  120  Oriental.  There  are  also  500  pamphlets,  25 
MSS.,  25  maps,  20  engravings.  A  number  of  reviews,  magazines,  and 
newspapers,  are  taken.  About  300  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During 
the  last  five  years,  $2500  have  been  expended  for  books. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  1000. 


NORTHAMPTON. 

NORTHAMPTON  YOUNG  MEN'S  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     3000  vols. 

Founded  in  1845.  Supported  by  membership'  82  per  year  for  adults, 
and  $1  for  minors.  Receipts  during  1854,  8600.  Receipts,  1856, 
8350;  expenditures  for  books,  8200 ;  salaries,  8100;  incidentals,  825. 

The  books  arc  not  arranged  by  subject,  but  are  placed  upon  shelves 
as  they  are  added,  and  numbered  consecutively.  The  library  is  opened 
six  hours  every  day,  and  one  evening  each  week.  2500  volumes  are  in 
English,  10  French,  6  German.  (1855.)  About  200  volumes  are 
added  yearly.  The  annual  cost  of  supporting  the  library  is  8125. 

During  five  years,  81000  were  expended  for  books. 


NORTH  BROOKFIELD. 

NORTH  BROOKFIELD  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.    (1857.)    413  vols. 

Founded  January  1, 1857.  This  is  a  joint  stock  company,  with  shares 
of  85  each.  8750  were  subscribed  in  1856.  Several  periodicals  are 
taken. 

The  clergymen  in  the  Brookfield  Association  formed  themselves  into 
a  library  company  June  16,  1819. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  157 

In  January,  1825,  they  solicited  of  the  Legislature  an  act  of  incorpo 
ration.  As  the  result,  a  general  act  was  passed  in  the  following  month, 
authorizing  "  any  seven  settled  or  ordained  ministers  of  the  Gospel, 
within  this  Commonwealth,  who  shall  become  proprietors  in  common  of 
any  theological  library,"  to  form  themselves  into  a  society  or  body  politic, 
with  corporate  powers. 

In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  act,  the  clergymen  in  this 
association  were  incorporated  under  the  name  of  "  The  Theological 
Society  in  the  Town  of  Brookfield,"  on  the  5th  of  October,  1825. 

The  library  of  this  Society,  by  a  change  in  the  Constitution,  in  1849, 
was  permanently  located  in  the  town  of  Brookfield,  and  confided  to  the 
care  of  the  pastor  of  the  evangelical  church  in  that  town,  who  acts  as 
librarian,  &c. 

The  library  consists  now  of  about  400  volumes  and  many  rare 
pamphlets,  but  there  has  been  no  addition  to  it  of  late. 


PLYMOUTH, 

OLD  COLONY  PILGRIM  SOCIETY. 

The  Old  Colony  Pilgrim  Society  was  formed  9th  of  November,  1819, 
for  the  purpose  of  commemorating  the  landing  of  the  Pilgrims  upon  the 
rock  of  Plymouth,  of  cherishing  the  memory  of  their  virtues  and  suffer 
ings,  and  of  preserving  such  well-authenticated  relics  as  could  then  be 
gathered.  In  1824,  a  monumental  edifice  was  erected  by  the  Society. 
It  is  of  unwrought  split  granite,  70  feet  in  length  by  40  in  width,  and 
is  two  stories  in  height.  It  has  a  handsome  Doric  portico.  The  whole 
expense  of  the  building  and  appurtenances  was  about  $15,000.  In  the 
edifice,  a  room  is  set  apart  for  a  library  and  a  cabinet  of  curiosities.  It 
has,  as  yet,  but  a  small  number  of  volumes.  It  has  also  some  manu 
scripts  relative  to  our  early  history.  The  cabinet  contains  a  large  number 
of  curiosities  of  great  interest.  [See  History  of  the  Pilgrim  Society, 
by  W.  Cogswell,  in  the  American  Quarterly  Register  for  August,  1838, 
pp.  82-90.] 

ROXBTJRY. 

ATHENAEUM.     (1857.)     6900  vols. 
Founded  May  1,  1848.     Incorporated  in  1851.     It  is  supported  by 


158  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

assessments  on  shares  of  82,  and  subscriptions  of  84  per  annum.  Re 
ceipts  during  1854,  8626  75 ;  expenditures  for  books,  899  44 ;  periodi 
cals,  814  j  salaries,  8200 ;  incidentals,  8323  25.  It  is  open  daily  for 
six  hours  in  summer,  and  five  in  winter.  During  1854,  5850  volumes 
were  lent. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1849,  12nio.  115  pages.  Five  reviews 
and  two  newspapers  are  received.  300  volumes  are  added  yearly. 
During  the  last  five  years,  8349  97  were  expended  for  books.  Annual 
cost  of  support,  8500. 


SALEM, 

ATHENAEUM.     (1855.)     12,000  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1810 ;  and  was  formed  by  the  union  of  the  Social  and 
Philosophical  Libraries. 

"  In  the  year  1760,  a  number  of  gentlemen  united  to  form  the  '  Social 
Library/  the  number  of  shares  in  which,  at  the  commencement,  was 
32,  at  five  guineas  per  share.  In  1797,  an  act  of  incorporation  was 
obtained ;  and,  in  1809,  a  catalogue  was  printed. 

(<  During  the  Revolution,  an  American  privateer  captured  a  vessel,  on 
board  of  which,  a  part  of  the  library  of  the  celebrated  Dr.  Richard 
Kirwan,1  had  been  shipped  for  transportation  across  the  Irish  Channel. 
These  books  were  carried  into  Beverly,  Massachusetts,  and  sold  to  a 
company  of  gentlemen,  who  thus  laid  the  foundation  of  the  '  Philoso 
phical  Library/  An  offer  of  remuneration  was  afterward  made  to  Dr. 
Kirwan,  who  generously  declined  it,  expressing  his  satisfaction  that  his 
books  had  found  so  useful  a  destination. 

"  The  Athenreum  has  received  many  liberal  gifts  from  Nathaniel  Bow- 
ditch,  LL.D.,  Miss  Mchitable  Higginson,  Miss  Susan  Burley,  Miss  Caro 
line  Plummer,  and  other  benefactors. 

"  Miss  Caroline  Plummer,  who  died  in  1854,  bequeathed  to  the  Athe 
naeum  the  sum  of  830,000,  for  the  purchase  of  land  and  the  erection  of 
a  safe  and  elegant  building,  for  the  legitimate  uses  of  the  Athenaeum ; 
to  be  completed  within  three  years.  Leave  was  also  given,  by  the  will, 

1  "Dr.  Kirwan,  a  chemical  philosopher,  was  born  in  Ireland  about  the  middle  of 
the  last  century,  and  died  in  1812.  His  principal  works  are,  'An  Essay  on  the 
Constitution  of  Acids,'  '  Elements  of  Mineralogy,'  in  2  vols.  Svo.,  and  a  work  on 
Logic,  published  in  1809.'' — Penny  Cyclopa'din.  art.  Kirwan. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  159 

that  the  Athenseum  might  grant  the  use  of  the  building  to  other  socie 
ties,  of  a  kindred  character,  for  similar  purposes ;  and  it  was  provided 
that  the  bequest  should  not  be  forfeited  in  case  the  library  should  become 
a  public  library. 

The  bequest  was  accepted,  and  measures  have  been  taken  to  secure 
the  erection  of  the  building  according  to  the  conditions  of  the  will. 

The  receipts  during  1854,  including  Miss  Plummer's  bequest,  were 
$30,595;  expenditures  for  books,  $129  50;  binding,  $61  14;  periodi 
cals,  $99  50;  salaries,  $50;  incidentals,  $288  22. 

Proprietors  pay  an  annual  assessment  of  $5 ;  subscribers,  $6 ;  clergy 
men,  $3.  The  library  is  open  for  reference  from  9  A.M.  till  sunset;  for 
delivery,  one  hour  every  day. 

There  have  been  several  catalogues  printed  : 

Catalogue  of  the  Social  Library,         1S09,  .  .  Svo.  42  pages. 

"         Salem  Athenaeum,  1811,  .  .  "      72     ;c 

"  1818,  .  .  "77     » 

"  1820,  .  .  "      95     " 

"  "  1842,  .  .  »    171     " 

Supplement  to  the  same,  1849,  .  .  "      13     ;' 

The  catalogue  of  1842,  by  Thomas  Cole  and  Dr.  H.  Whcatland,  con 
sists  of  two  parts :  the  first,  of  93  pages,  contains  the  titles  of  the  books, 
systematically  arranged;  the  second  (pp.  95-171),  a  list  of  about  1000 
pamphlets,  inserted  alphabetically  under  the  names  of  their  respective 
authors.  A  short  account  of  each  author,  as  far  as  could  be  ascertained, 
is  affixed,  noticing  the  year  of  his  birth  and  death,  the  college  or  univer 
sity  at  which  he  was  graduated,  the  principal  places  of  residence,  occu 
pation,  &c. 

The  library  is  open  every  day,  except  Sundays,  from  8  o'clock  A.M. 
till  sunset.  Proprietors  and  their  families,  also  settled  clergymen  of  the 
city  and  neighboring  towns,  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  books.  Pro 
prietors  have  the  liberty  to  introduce  strangers  as  readers. 

The  pamphlets,  forming  a  very  valuable  collection,  are  mostly  bound 
in  volumes.  This  is  not  only  an  excellent  library  for  popular  use,  but 
it  contains  an  unusually  large  proportion  of  works  of  standard  value. 
Early  theological  and  scientific  works,  and  the  transactions  of  learned 
societies,  are  more  fully  represented  than  in  most  libraries  of  this  kind. 
The  later  additions  have  been  well  selected,  and  mostly  in  the  depart- 


160  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

ments  of  modern  history,  biography,  voyages  and  travels,  and  general 
English  literature. 


•-' 


EAST  INDIA  MARINE  SOCIETY.     (1850.)     300  vols. 

This  Society,  whose  membership  is  confined  to  those  who  have  doubled 
Cape  Horn  and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  as  masters  of  vessels,  was  formed 
in  1799,  and  incorporated  in  1801.  It  has  a  library  containing  300 
volumes,  some  20  or  30  of  which  arc  manuscript  journals  of  sea-voyages, 
&c.  The  museum  belonging  to  this  Society  is  valuable  and  interesting. 
A  catalogue  of  the  museum,  &c.,  was  printed  in  1831  (178  pages,  Svo.). 


ESSEX  AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETY.     (1850.)     G50  vols. 

Formed  in  1818,  under  the  auspices  of  the  late  Hon.  T.  Pickering, 
its  first  president.  He  purchased  the  agricultural  library  of  the  late 
Henry  Colman,  containing  525  volumes.  It  is  deposited  in  a  room  in 
the  City  Hall,  Salem. 


ESSEX  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     10,500  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1848,  and  formed  by  the  union  of  the  Essex  Histo 
rical  Society  (incorporated  in  1821),  and  the  Essex  County  Natural  His 
tory  Society  (incorporated  in  1836).  About  400  volumes  and  1000 
pamphlets,  are  added  yearly.  The  annual  cost  of  supporting  the  library 
is  8350.  During  the  last  five  years  8400  have  been  expended  for  books. 
The  receipts  during  1854,  were  8716  40.  Expenditures  for  books,  825. 
Binding,  880.  Periodicals,  812.  Incidentals,  8420. 

During  1854,  650  books  were  taken  out  by  100  persons.  8804 
volumes  are  in  the  English  language,  203  French,  23  German,  6  Spa 
nish,  82  other  modern  languages,  209  Latin,  105  Greek,  6  Hebrew,  and 
12  Oriental.  In  1857,  there  were  10,500  volumes,  and  20,000  pam 
phlets  in  the  library.  No  catalogue  has  been  printed. 


ESSEX  SOUTH  DISTRICT  MEDICAL  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     725  vols. 
Founded  in  1805.     Members  of  the  Massachusetts  Medical  Society, 


MASSACHUSETTS.  161 

residing  in  the  district,  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library,  by  paying 
an  annual  fee  of  $3.  591  volumes  are  in  English,  73  French,  and  Gl 
Latin.  There  are  some  very  valuable  works  in  the  library.  During  the 
last  five  years,  $60  have  been  expended  for  books.  A  catalogue  of  16 
pages  IGmo.,  was  printed  in  1824.  The  London  Lancet  is  the  only 
periodical  taken. 

SALEM  CHARITABLE  MECHANIC  ASSOCIATION. 

(1855.)     3006  vols. 

Founded  in  1820.  Receipts  during  1854,  §500.  Expenditures  for 
books,  8150.  Binding,  $4.  Salaries,  100.  The  library  is  open  every 
Saturday  evening.  About  150  volumes  are  lent  weekly.  All  the 
volumes  are  in  English.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1851 ;  a  supple 
ment  in  1854. 


SOUTH  ANDOVER. 

PUNCHARD  FREE  SCHOOL  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     28  vols. 

Founded  December  22d,  1856.  Members  pay  25  cents  annually,  or 
give  two  such  books  as  shall  be  considered  an  equivalent.  The  library 
is  open  every  Friday  afternoon. 


SOUTH  DANVERS. 

PEABODY  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     5408  vols. 

" Its  foundation  is  due  to  the  munificence  of  George  Peabody,  Esq., 
now  of  London,  who  has  chosen  this  method  of  conferring  a  lasting- 
benefit  on  his  native  town.  The  circumstances  attending  the  announce 
ment  of  Mr.  Peabody's  gift  are  interesting.  The  citizens  of  Danvers 
had  determined  to  celebrate  the  one  hundredth  anniversary  of  the  exist 
ence  of  the  town,  as  a  distinct  municipal  corporation,  which  fell  upon 
Wednesday,  the  16th  of  June,  1852.  Although  Mr.  Peabody  had 
long  been  absent,  yet  the  many  proofs  by  which  he  had,  in  previous 
instances,  evinced  his  .regard  for  the  place  of  his  birth,  gave  him  pecu 
liar  claims  to  be  included  among  the  invited  guests.  Accordingly,  an 
invitation  was  early  forwarded  to  him  by  the  committee  of  the  town,  to 
be  present  at  that  festival,  with  a  request  that,  if  unable  to  attend,  he 
would  signify  by  letter  his  interest  in  the  occasion.  In  his  reply,  after 

11 


162  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

stating  that  his  engagements  would  allow  him  to  comply  only  with  the 
latter  part  of  the  request,  he  said,  "I  inclose  a  sentiment,  which  I  ask 
may  remain  sealed  till  this  letter  is  read  on  the  day  of  the  celebration, 
according  to  the  direction  on  the  envelope. " 

The  indorsement  on  the  envelope  of  the  sealed  packet  was  as  follows : 

"  The  seal  of  this  is  not  to  be  broken  till  the  toasts  arc  being  proposed  by 
the  Chairman,  at  tho  dinner,  16th  June,  at  Danvers,  in  commemoration  of  the 
one  hundredth  year  since  its  severance  from  Salem.  It  contains  a  sentiment 
for  the  occasion,  from  George  Peabody,  of  London." 

In  obedience  to  the  above  direction,  at  the  proper  moment,,  the  read 
ing  of  the  communication  was  called  for;  and  the  following  was  received 
by  the  delighted  audience  with  loud  acclamations  : 

"  By  George  Peabody,  of  London  : 

"  EDUCATION — A  debt  due  from  present  to  future  generations. 

"  In  acknowledgment  of  the  payment  of  that  debt  by  the  generation  which 
preceded  me  in  my  native  town  of  Danvers,  and  to  aid  in  its  prompt  future 
discharge,  I  give  to  the  inhabitants  of  that  town  the  sum  of  twenty  thousand 
dollars,  for  the  promotion  of  knowledge  and  morality  among  them. 

"I  beg  to  remark,  that  the  subject  of  making  a' gift  to  my  native  town  has 
for  some  years  occupied  my  mind;  and  I  avail  myself  of  your  present  interest 
ing  festival  to  make  the  communication,  in  the  hope  that  it  will  acid  to  the 
pleasures  of  the  day. 

"  I  annex  to  the  gift  such  conditions  only  as  I  deem  necessary  for  its  preser 
vation,  and  the  accomplishment  of  the  purposes  before  named.  The  conditions 
are,  that  the  legal  voters  of  the  town,  at  a  meeting  to  be  held  at  a  convenient 
time  after  the  IGth  of  June,  shall  accept  the  gift,  and  shall  elect  a  committee, 
of  not  less  than  twelve  persons,  to  receive  and  have  charge  of  the  same,  for 
the  purpose  of  establishing  a  lyceum  for  the  delivery  of  lectures,  upon  such 
subjects  as  may  be  designated  by  a  committee  of  the  town,  free  to  all  the  inha 
bitants,  under  such  rules  as  said  committee  may  from  time  to  time  enact;  and 
that  a  library  shall  be  obtained,  which  shall  also  be  free  to  the  inhabitants, 
under  the  direction  of  the  committee. 

"  That  a  suitable  building  for  the  use  of  the  lyceum  shall  be  erected,  at  u 
cost,  including  the  land,  fixtures,  furniture,  &c.,  not  exceeding  seven  thousand 
dollars,  and  shall  be  located  within  one-third  of  a  mile  of  the  Presbyterian 
Meeting-House,  occupying  the  spot  of  that  formerly  under  the  pastoral  care  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Walker,  in  the  south  parish  of  Danvers. 

"  That  ten  thousand  dollars  of  this  gift  shall  bo  invested  by  the  town's  com- 


MASSACHUSETTS.  163 

mittee.  in  undoubted  securities,  as  a  permanent  fund,  the  interest  arising  there 
from  to  be  expended  in  support  of  the  lyceum. 

"In  all  other  respects,  I  leave  the  disposition  of  the  affairs  of  tjhe.  Lyceum  to 
the  inhabitants  of  Danvers, — merely  suggesting  that  it nri^&'tke'fidvisable  for 
them,  by  their  own  act,  to  exclude  sectarian  theology  and  political  discussions 
forever  from  the  walls  of  the  institution. 

"I  will  make  one  request  of  the  committee ;  which  is,  if  they  see  no  objec 
tion,  and  my  venerable  friend,  Capt.  Sylvester  Proctor,  should  be  living,  that 
he  be  selected  to  lay  the  corner-stone  of  the  Lyceum  building. 

"  Respectfully  yours, 

"GEORGE  PEABODY." 

"  The  officers  of  the  Institute  are  a  Board  of  Trustees  chosen  by  the 
town,  in  whom  are  vested  its  funds  and  other  property,  for  the  purpose 
of  maintaining  a  lyceum  and  library  •  and  another  Board,  chosen  annually 
by  the  trustees,  called  the  Lyceum  and  Library  Committee,  whose  duties 
arc  to  superintend  and  direct  all  its  active  operations. 

"  Mr.  Peabody  afterwards  added  ten  thousand  dollars  to  his  first  dona 
tion;  the  whole  to  be  so  expended,  that  seventeen  thousand  dollars  should 
be  appropriated  for  the  land  and  building,  three  thousand  to  the  purchase 
of  books,  as  the  foundation  of  a  library,  and  ten  thousand  to  remain  as 
a  permanent  fund. 

"  The  difficulty  of  procuring  a  suitable  lot  of  land,  within  the  prescribed 
distance  from  the  meeting-house,  caused  some  delay  in  the  erection  of 
the  building.  But  at  length  a  site  was  selected  on  Main  Street;  and 

O  CD  / 

the  corner-stone  of  the  new  structure  was  laid,  with  appropriate  cere 
monies,  on  the  20th  of  August,  1853, — Hon.  Abbott  Lawrence,  an  inti 
mate  friend  of  Mr.  Peabody,  performing  the  part  assigned  to  Capt.  Syl 
vester  Proctor,  who  had  deceased.  The  building  was  finished  in  the 
course  of  the  following  year,  and  dedicated  to  its  future  uses  on  the  29th 
of  September,  1854.  Hon.  Ilufus  Choate  delivered  an  eloquent  address 
on  that  occasion. 

"  It  is  a  stately  edifice,  82  feet  in  length  by  50  in  breadth,  built  of 
brick,  and  ornamented  with  brown  Connecticut  freestone.  On  its  front, 
a  slab  of  freestone  bears  the  words,  PEABODY  INSTITUTE,  in  relief. 
The  lecture  hall,  occupying  the  whole  of  the  upper  story,  is  finished 
with  neatness  and  simplicity,  and  is  furnished  with  seats  for  about  750 
persons.  Over  the  rostrum  hangs  a  full-length  portrait  of  Mr.  Peabody, 
by  Healey,  which  has  been  pronounced  by  connoisseurs  to  be  a  chef 
d'ceuvre  of  that  artist.  It  was  set  for  by  him  at  the  request  of  the  citi- 


164  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

zens  of  the  town,  but,  at  its  completion,  was  presented  to  them.  The 
library-room,  in  the  lower  story,  is  commodiously  arranged  for  the  deli 
very  of  books.  The  shelves  for  books  are  placed  around  the  walls  of 
the  room;  but,  by  the  addition  of  alcoves,  its  capacity  can  be  greatly 
increased. 

u  The  first  course  of  lectures  was  delivered  in  the  Lyceum  Hall,  during 
the  last  season,  to  large  and  attentive  audiences.  The  situation  of 
Danvers,1  within  an  hour's  ride,  by  railroad,  of  the  metropolis,  is  higlily 
favorable  for  availing  herself  of  the  best  talent  in  this  field  of  literary 
labor. 

"  The  attention  of  the  Lyceum  and  Library  Committee  was  early 
directed  to  the  formation  of  a  library.  The  selection  of  books,  preliminary 
to  an  extended  purchase,  was  found  to  be  a  work  of  no  small  difficulty; 
for,  while  they  appreciated  the  importance  of  laying  a  broad  foundation, 
they  also  felt  it  to  be  their  duty  to  render  the  library  not  only  "free  to 
the  inhabitants,"  but  truly  useful  to  all  the  citizens.  In  forming  lists, 
therefore,  under  the  general  heads  of  science,  history,  belles-lettres,  &c., 
they  gave  the  preference  rather  to  such  works  as  they  believed  would 
meet  the  wants  of  the  reading  community,  than  to  those  more  elaborate 
productions  which  arc  better  calculated  to  aid  the  extended  researches 
of  the  scholar;  trusting  that  the  library  •  would,  by  future  accessions, 
gradually  arrive  at  that  symmetry  and  completeness  so  desirable  to  be 
attained.  Pursuing  this  plan,  the  committee  were  relieved  from  much 
embarrassment,  and  were  enabled  to  prosecute  their  labor  with  so  much 
success,  that,  as  soon  as  the  library-room  was  ready  to  receive  them, 
about  1500  volumes  had  been  prepared  to  be  placed  upon  its  shelves. 

"  In  December,  1854,  a  donation  of  books  was  unexpectedly  received 
from  Mr.  Peabody, — affording  a  new  proof  of  his  generosity,  and  his 
continuing  interest  in  the  institution  that  bears  his  name.  These  books, 
in  all  about  2500  volumes,  were  selected  by  his  order,  in  London,  by  Mr. 
Henry  Stevens,  agent  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution.  They  comprise 
many  valuable  and  even  rare  works  j  among  which  maybe  mentioned 
the  '  Philosophical  Transactions  of  the  lloyal  Society/  and  a  complete 
set  of  the  'Gentleman's  Magazine/  Subsequent  additions  to  the 
library,  by  purchase  and  by  gift,  have  increased  the  number  of  volumes 

1  By  an  Act  of  the  Legislature,  passed  May  IS,  185'),  that  part  of  the  town  in 
which  the  Peabody  Institute  is  located,  was  incorporated  as  a  new  town,  by  the 
name  of  South  Danvers;  but  the  privileges  of  the  Institute  will  continue  to  be 
enjoyed  by  all  within  the  limits  of  the  former  town  of  Danvers. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  165 

to  above  5000 ;  of  the  latter,  about  200  volumes  were  received  from 
the  Mechanic  Institute, — an  association  that  had  existed  in  the  town 
since  1841,  and  had  itself  been  preceded  by  the  Lyceum  Society, 

"The  library  has  been  open  for  the  delivery  of  books  about  nine 
months,  with  the  most  gratifying  result.  During  library  hours,  which 
at  present  are  the  afternoon  and  evening  of  Wednesday  and  Saturday, 
the  room  has  been  thronged  with  eager  applicants;  and  their  choice  of 
works  is,  in  general,  highly  creditable  to  their  literary  taste.  It  appears 
from  the  ledger,  that  during  this  period,  commencing  October  18,  1854, 
1356  persons  have  availed  themselves  of  its  privileges;  and  that,  during 
four  months  of  this  time,  commencing  November  11,  the  number  of 
volumes  taken  was  11,866, — an  average  of  349  each  library  day.  For 
the  success  of  this  department  of  the  Institute,  much  credit  is  due  to 
the  efforts  of  Mr.  Eugene  B.  Hinkley,  the  present  librarian,  by  whom 
the  first  catalogue  was  compiled.'" — Cataloyue. 

Every  person  in  the  town  over  15  years  of  age,  is  entitled  to  the  free 
use  of  the  library.  It  is  open  on  Saturdays  and  Wednesdays  from  2  to 
8  P. 31.  In  1855,  5000  volumes  were  in  English,  75  French,  1'2  Ger 
man,  1  Spanish,  10  Latin,  10  Greek,  1  Hebrew. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1855,  Svo.  121  pages,  cost  8225  for  1000 
copies. 

The  books  are  all  covered  with  substantial  paper,  numbered  on  the 
outside,  and  are  called  for  by  the  numbers  on  cards. 

Works  on  biography,  natural  history,  the  better  class  of  fiction  and 
general  literature,  have  been  most  read.  During  1855,  24,957  volumes 
were  lent  to  1413  persons. 

Eight  periodicals  are  taken.  About  400  volumes  are  added  yearly. 
The  annual  cost  of  support  is  about  8600.  During  the  last  five  years, 
82800  have  been  expended  for  books  exclusive  of  donations. 


SPRINGFIELD. 

SPRINGFIELD  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     1GOO  vols. 

The  annual  fee  for  membership  is  50  cents,  In  the  large  and  expen 
sive  City  Hall,  erected  in  1855,  a  handsome  room  was  prepared  for  a 
library.  The  proprietors  of  the  Institute  collection  offered  it  to  the  city 


166  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

as  a  nucleus;  and,  on  the  petition  of  1200  voters,  the  city  government 
voted  $2000  for  the  establishment  of  a  free  library. 
A  catalogue,  78  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  in  1847. 


SWAMPSCOTT. 

SWAMPSCOTT  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     G25  vols. 

Founded  October  9,  1852,  by  a  donation  of  books  from  William  II. 
Lawrence,  of  Boston. 


TAUNTON. 

OLD  COLONY  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 

Incorporated  4th  of  May,  1853.  A  fine  building  has  been  erected 
for  the  library.  The  valuable  library  and  MSS.  of  the  late  Hon. 
Francis  Baylies,  forms  a  part  of  this  collection. 

TAUNTON  SOCIAL  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     3119  vols. 

Founded  in  1828.  Shares  are  $5,  and  annual  assessments  81.  Re 
ceipts,  1854,  8250;  expenditures  for  books,  870;  binding,  820; 
periodicals,  610;  incidentals,  8150.  The  library  is  open  8  hours  every 
day.  During  1854,  5182  volumes  were  lent  to  208  persons,  the  whole 
number  of  shareholders.  Novels,  histories,  and  travels,  have  been 
called  for  in  about  equal  proportion. 

2830  volumes  are  in  English,  1  German,  1  Hebrew.  A  catalogue 
was  printed  in  1841.  A  number  of  reviews  are  taken.  About  300 
volumes  are  added  annually.  During  the  last  five  years,  81000  were 
expended  for  books. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1855.)     417  vols. 

Incorporated  by  the  Legislature  March  10th,  and  was  organized  by 
the  choice  of  officers,  April  21st,  IS 54.  The  annual  fee  for  members 
is  81.  Receipts  during  1854,  81043  65  ;  expended  for  books,  8232  94; 
binding,  815;  periodicals,  875;  salaries,  871;  incidentals,  $225. 

All  the  books  are  in  English. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  167 

The  reading-room  is  open  everyday  and  evening,  except  Sunday,  and 
is  supplied  with  5  quarterlies,  7  monthly  magazines,  G  daily  and  5  weekly 
newspapers. 

The  library  was  first  opened  July  8th,  1854.  The  whole  number  of 
volumes  at  that  time  was  150.  From  the  commencement,  great  interest 
has  been  manifested  by  the  members  of  the  Association  in  the  library. 
It  is  open  on  Wednesday  evening,  and  Saturday  afternoon  and  evening, 
of  each  week.  From  July  8th,  1854,  to  April  22d,  1855,  4029  volumes 
were  taken  from  the  library;  being  an  average  of  about  100  per  week, 
during  the  whole  time. 

The  evening  schools  were  commenced  early  in  December,  1854,  and 
continued  in  operation  something  more  than  three  months.  Instruction 
was  given  in  reading,  writing,  spelling,  grammar,  geography,  arithmetic, 
and  algebra.  There  were  five  classes,  each  of  which  met  one  evening 
in  the  week;  about  150  members  of  the  Association  were  connected 
with  these  classes.  Messrs.  John  E.  Sanford,  George  A.  Sawyer,  Wil 
liam  L.  Gage,  A.  A.  Leach,  E.  II.  Bennett,  and  Dr.  William  Dickinson, 
gentlemen  well  qualified  to  teach,  generously  volunteered  their  services, 
which  were  gratefully  accepted  by  the  directors.  An  opportunity  was 
thus  afforded  to  apprentices  and  others,  whose  engagements  prevented 
their  attendance  at  the  public  schools,  to  give  attention  to  the  various 
branches  taught,  free  of  expense.  The  success  in  this  department  the 
past  year  is,  in  a  great  measure,  attributable  to  the  untiring  zeal  of 
those  who,  without  compensation,  engaged  in  teaching. 

A  course  of  interesting  lectures  was  delivered  the  past  winter,  under 
the  direction  of  the  Association,  the  proceeds  of  which  amounted  to 
895  12. 

TOPSEIELD, 

TOPSFIELD  ACADEMY.     (1855.)     800  vols. 

Founded  in  1854.  Students  and  citizens  have  the  use  of  the  library. 
It  is  open  once  a  week.  700  volumes  are  in  English,  25  French,  10 
German,  20  Latin,  15  Greek.  10  periodicals  are  taken. 


WESTFIELD. 

WESTFIELD  NORMAL  SCHOOL.     (1857.)     1687  vols. 
All  the  normal  pupils  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library  for  83  per 


168  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

annum.  The  books  are  partly  arranged  on  the  shelves  by  subjects.  The 
Reference  Library  is  open  every  day  that  school  is  in  session.  The 
Lending  Library  twice  a  week, — Tuesdays  and  Fridays.  The  volumes 
are  nearly  all  in  the  English  language. 


WEST  NEWTON, 

NEWTON  ATHEN^UM.     (1856.)     1843  vols. 

Founded  January,  1850.  Receipts  during  1854,  §202  10;  expendi 
tures  for  books,  $84  24;  'salaries,  850;  incidentals,  $24.  $10  consti 
tutes  a  life-member ;  annual  subscription,  $150.  Open  on  Mondays, 
from  4 \  to  9  P.M. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1856,  at  a  cost  of  $42  for  300  copies. 

About  88  volumes  are  added  annually.  Cost  of  support,  $150.  Ex 
pended  for  books  during  the  last  five  years,  $731.  Salary  of  librarian,  $50. 


WEST  ROXBURY. 

"  An  effort  is  making  in  West  Roxbury  to  establish  a  public  library. 
One  gentleman  is  said  to  have  contributed  $1000  for  the  purpose, 
while  he  is  ready  to  contribute  the  further  sum  of  $5000,  provided  that 
815,000  is  raised  by  other  individuals  within  the  current  year." — 
Norton's  Literary  Gazette,  1853. 


WILBRAHAM. 

WESLEYAN  ACADEMY. 

"  The  institution  is  furnished  with  a  reading-room,  supplied  with  poli 
tical,  literary,  and  religious  newspapers,  and  other  periodicals,  from  vari 
ous  parts  of  the  Union.  This,  with  the  institution,  society,  and  Sab 
bath-school  libraries,  to  all  of  which  the  students  have  access,  furnishes 
an  amount  of  miscellaneous  reading  as  extensive  as  the  wants  of  the 
student  demand. 

"  Connected  with  this  institution,  arc  four  flourishing  Societies  for 
mutual  improvement,  viz.,  The  YOUNG  MEN'S  DEBATING  CLUB  AND 


MASSACHUSETTS.  169 

LYCEUM,  the  UNION  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY,  the  ATHENA,  and  the 
PIERIAN  ASSOCIATION. 

"The  Trustees  recently  expended  about  twenty -five  thousand  dollars,  in 
the  erection  of  new  buildings,  and  in  repairs  on  those  formerly  occupied." 


WILLIAMSTOWK. 

WILLIAMS  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     7200  vols. 

The  College  library  was  founded  contemporaneously  with  the  College, 
in  1703.  The  yearly  average  increase  for  the  last  ten  years  has  been 
188  volumes.  Yearly  expenditure,  8190.  A  brick  building  was  erected 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  library,  by  Hon.  Amos  Lawrence,  of 
Boston,  in  1847,  at  a  cost  of  87000.  It  is  called  Lawrence  Hall.  A 
catalogue,  51  pages  Svo.,  was  printed  in  1845.  The  first  was  printed 
in  1794,  others  in  1812  and  1828.  The  library  is  open  one  hour 
every  Wednesday  and  Saturday,  during  term  time.  The  students  of 
the  two  lower  classes  pay  40  cents  each  per  term,  for  the  use  of  books ; 
those  of  the  two  upper  classes  pay  50  cents  each.  Books  are  lent  out 
to  clergymen  and  other  literary  gentlemen,  even  at  a  distance  from  the 
College,  at  the  discretion  of  the  librarian.  About  800  are  taken  out 
annually. 

"As  the  building  erected  for  the  library  of  this  College  is  one  of  the 
few,  in  the  planning  of  which  the  internal  conveniences  have  been  pri 
marily  consulted,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  give  in  this  place  a  somewhat 
minute  description  of  it. 

"  It  was  required  to  erect  a  building  for  a  library  of  6000  volumes, 
capable  of  accommodating  30,000,  and  of  being  extended  so  as  to  hold 
50,000,  or  more,  without  interfering  with  the  part  first  built.  The  edi 
fice  was  to  be  of  brick,  substantial  and  tasteful,  and  not  to  cost  more 
than  §7000.  These,  it  must  be  confessed,  are  somewhat  difficult  condi 
tions  to  meet. 

"  The  building  is  in  form  a  regular  octagon,  each  side  19  feet,  the 
whole  height  40  feet.  The  elevation  presents  a  principal  story  of  the 
Ionic  order,  with  arched  windows,  one  on  each  side,  and  plain  pilasters. 
There  is  a  rusticated  basement,  13  feet  in  height.  The  entrance  is  by  a 
single  door  in  one  face  of  the  octagon.  This  door  opens  upon  a  vestibule, 
from  which  rises  a  circular  staircase  conducting  to  the  library  story,  and 


170  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

intended;  when  the  increase  of  the  library  may  demand  it,  to  be  carried 
up  to  the  galleries.  Leaving,  for  the  present,  the  basement,  we  will 
notice  the  principal  story.  This  is  occupied  as  the  library.  It  is  lighted 
from  the  sides  and  the  top  ;  is  cheerful,  airy,  and  elegant.  In  the  centre 
is  a  circular  colonnade  of  eight  Ionic  pillars,  from  which  springs  a  dome, 
surmounted  by  a  lantern.  The  cases  for  the  books  are  to  be  placed 
against  the  walls,  and  radiating  from  the  columns  to  the  corners  of  the 
octagon,  thus  dividing  the  room  into  eight  alcoves  and  a  circular  area 
in  the  centre.  One  of  these  alcoves  contains  a  circular  staircase. 
The  shelves  at  first  built  are  only  7  feet  high,  and  will  contain  say 
10,000  volumes.  When  more  shelves  are  required,  a  light  iron  gallery 
is  to  be  laid  upon  the  top  of  the  cases,  and  another  set  of  shelves,  also 
7  feet  in  height,  is  to  be  placed  upon  the  first.  This  gallery  is  reached 
by  a  continuation  of  the  circular  staircase,  one  staircase  being  sufficient 
for  so  compact  a  library.  The  room  will  admit  three  such  tiers  of  shelves. 
Thus  the  apartment  will  hold  30,000  volumes;  all  of  which  maybe 
reached  without  the  use  of  movable  ladders.  The  librarian's  desk  is  in 
the  centre;  from  it  he  can  see,  by  simply  turning  round,  every  person 
and  every  book  in  the  room. 

"  The  basement  is  divided  into  rooms  corresponding  in  shape  to  the 
alcoves  of  the  library.  One  of  these  divisions  and  the  central  area  form 
together  a  lobby  communicating  with  the  several  rooms.  Another  of 
the  divisions  is  occupied  by  the  stairs.  Two  others  form  a  room  for  the 
meetings  of  the  trustees,  and  for  a  reading-room  of  periodicals.  The 
division  of  the  octagon  directly  behind  the  stairs,  serves  as  an  entrance 
to  the  cellar  and  as  a  lumber-room.  The  first  room  on  the  left  of  the 
lobby  is  the  ( packing-room/  into  which  all  boxes  of  books  are  to  be 
first  brought,  to  be  unpacked  and  examined.  All  books  to  be  bound,  or 
to  be  sent  away  for  any  purpose,  should  be  invoiced  and  packed  here. 
A  dumb-waiter  communicates  with  the  library  above.  Next  to  the 
packing-room,  and  opening  into  it,  is  the  librarian's  room;  next  to  that 
a  room  for  engravings,  manuscripts,  and  other  articles  which  require  to 
be  kept  apart  from  the  principal  collection,  and  guarded  with  special 


PHILOLOGIAN  LIBRARY,  WILLIAMS  COLLEGE. 

(1857.)     43GO  vols. 

Founded  in  1795,  by  members  of  the  College.     The  library  is  sup 
ported  and  governed  by  the  Society.     Expenditures  for  books  and  bind- 


MASSACHUSETTS.  171 

in'*1  in  1854,  8100.  Members  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library; 
terms  $5,  initiation,  and  83  yearly  thereafter.  The  books  are  arranged 
on  shelves  by  subjects.  The  library  is  open  for  one  hour  on  Wednesday 
and  Saturday.  About  200  volumes  are  taken  out  each  week.  About 
150  persons  borrowed  books  during  1854.  Nearly  all  the  volumes  are 
English,  with  a  few  Latin  and  Greek.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in 
1853:  size,  130  pages ;  number,  900  copies;  cost,  8217  50.  Another 
catalogue,  81  pages  Svo.,  was  printed  in  1856,  at  a  cost  of  8100  for  400 
copies.  During  1854,  the  books  were  read  as  follows :  fiction  and 
poetry,  one-fourth;  history  and  travels,  one-fourth;  biography,  one- 
eighth  ;  magazines  and  reference-books,  one-eighth ;  miscellaneous,  one- 
fourth.  From  50  to  100  volumes  are  added  yearly.  The  librarian 
receives  85,  and  two  assistants,  83  each. 


PHILOTECHNIAN  LIBRARY,  WILLIAMS  COLLEGE. 

(1857.)     4410  vols. 

Founded  November  llth,  1795,  by  the  students.  The  library  is  sup 
ported  by  fees,  taxes,  and  contributions.  Receipts  during  1854,  8390. 
Expenditures  for  books,  8125.  Incidentals,  8264.  During  1856,  the 
receipts  were  8300.  Expenditures  for  books,  860.  Binding,  825. 
Salaries,  811.  Incidentals,  880.  The  members  of  the  Society,  Alumni, 
and  Professors,  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library;  to  members,  83 
a  year.  The  books  are  arranged  on  the  shelves  by  general  subjects. 
The  library  is  open  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays,  one  hour  each  day. 
75  persons  borrowed  books  during  1854;  220  during  1856.  4137 
volumes  are  in  English,  47  French,  16  Latin,  20  Greek,  and  2  Tamil. 
A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1853,  120  pages;  cost  8113;  number,  500. 
Another  catalogue  was  printed  in  July,  1856,  80  pages  8vo.,  cost  894 
for  350  copies.  About  120  volumes  are  added  every  year.  The 
annual  cost  of  supporting  the  library  is  840.  Fiction,  history,  and 
reviews,  are  most  in  demand. 

The  Philotechnian  and  Philologian  Libraries  originally  formed  the 
Adelphi  Union  Library,  but  were  separated  in  1841,  and  ever  since  have 
rapidly  increased.  Of  those  who  have  been  connected  with  the  former 
Society,  6  have  become  Presidents  of  Colleges,  or  Theological  Semina 
ries,  21  Professors,  5  College  Trustees,  37  College  Tutors,  2  U.  S. 
Senators,  13  U.  S.  Representatives,  2  Governors,  2  Lieutenant-Gover- 


172  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

nors,  2  Secretaries  of  State,  6  Judges  of  Supreme  Court,  1  Judge  of 
U.  S.  District  Court,  2  Judges  of  Probate,  2  Judges  of  Court  of  Com 
mon  Pleas,  2  Chief  Justices,'  61  Honorables,  20  D.D/s,  5  LL.D.'s  and 
50  -M.D/s. 


WOBTJRN. 

FREE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     1700  vols. 

Founded  in  1856.  In  November,  1854,  Mr.  J.  B.  Winn  offered  to 
give,  for  the  establishment  of  a  public  library,  the  money  he  had  re 
ceived  as  a  member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention  of  1853,  provided 
the  town  would  appropriate  a  like  sum  for  the  same  purpose.  In  March, 
1855,  the  town  voted  to  accept  this  offer,  and  appropriated  $300  to  be 
added  to  Mr.  Winn's  donation.  A  social  party  was  held  in  the  Town 
Hall,  which  yielded  8250  for  the  benefit  of  the  library.  The  library  was 
opened  for  the  public,  July,  1856. 

The  library  is  open  Monday,  "Wednesday,  and  Saturday,  from  2  to  6 
P.M.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1856,  61  pages  Svo.,  cost  8268  50  for 
2500  copies. 


RELIGIOUS  CHARITABLE  LIBRARY.     (1857.) 

Founded  by  the  First  Congregational  Church,  any  member  of  which 
is  entitled  to  use  the  library.  It  is  open  every  Sabbath.  About  $50 
are  appropriated  annually  to  its  increase.  A  catalogue,  12  pages  Svo., 
was  printed  in  June,  1856;  cost  $22  75  for  500  copies. 


WORCESTER, 

AMERICAN  ANTIQUARIAN  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     2G7000  vols. 

The  American  Antiquarian  Society  was  incorporated  October  24th, 
1812.  Its  manuscripts,  thtmgh  of  much  interest  to  the  student  of  New 
England  history,  cannot  readily  be  enumerated.  Many  maps,  charts, 
engravings,  medals,  &c.,  belong  to  the  collection.  A  brick  building  was 
erected  in  1820,  at  a  cost  of  about  $10,000.  It  consists  of  a  central 
edifice  50  by  40  feet,  and  two  stories  high,  with  wings  each  28  by  20 
feet,  also  two  stories  high.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1837,  582  pages 


MASSACHUSETTS.  173 

royal  Svo.  The  regular  hours  for  keeping  the  library  open  are  from  9 
A.M.  to  1  P.M.,  and  from  2  to  5  P.M.;  Saturday  afternoons  cxcepted. 
The  library  is  free  to  the  public  for  use  on  the  premises.  But  books  are 
not  lent  out,  except  that,  by  a  special  act  of  the  Council  in  each  case, 
permission  may  be  had  to  take  books  from  the  town,  a  bond  being  given 
for  their  safe  return.  It  is  impossible  to  say  how  many  persons  consult 
the  library  annually.  The  number  is  very  large. 

The  Preface  to  the  catalogue  (1887)  contains  the  following  sketch  of 
the  history  of  this  library,  which,  from  its  public  interest,  we  insert  in 
full: 

u  The  library  of  the  American  Antiquarian  Society  owes  its  origin  to 
the  sound  judgment  and  sagacious  foresight,  not  less  than  to  the  public 
spirit  and  zeal  for  the  diffusion  of  knowledge,  which  marked  the  cha 
racter  of  Isaiah  Thomas,  the  venerable  founder  of  the  institution.  The 
important  contributions  made  by  Dr.  Thomas,  both  as  an  author  and  a 
printer,  to  the  cause  of  good  learning,  need  not  here  be  repeated ;  they 
already  form  a  part  of  our  public  history.  From  his  press,  much  of  the 
early  literature  of  the  country  was  supplied ;  and  to  his  pen  was  it  occa 
sionally  indebted  for  suggestions  and  illustrations,  in  the  form  of  notes, 
prefaces,  and  appendices,  giving  increased  value  to  the  publications 
which  issued  under  his  auspices.  His  '  History  of  Printing/  written 
after  his  retirement  from  business,  was  the  fruit  of  his  past  industry 
and  research,  and  is  a  standard  work  on  the  shelves  of  our  principal 
libraries. 

"  During  his  active  period  of  life,  while  engaged  in  the  publication 
of  books,  to  an  extent  which  kept  nearly  twenty  presses  in  constant 
operation,  and  at  the  same  time  in  conducting  a  magazine  and  newspaper 
of  wide  circulation,  Mr.  Thomas  necessarily  collected  many  books, 
pamphlets,  and  papers,  which  already  constituted  a  library  of  considera 
ble  magnitude.  To  this  he  subsequently  made  additions,  with  a  view 
to  the  preparation  of  his  History.  After  the  publication  of  that  work, 
he  justly  considered  the  library  which  he  had  been  gradually  gathering, 
as  a  treasure  of  too  much  value  to  society  to  be  hoarded  in  private  while 
he  lived,  and  perhaps  scattered  to  the  four  winds  at  his  decease.  He 
was  led,  by  this  consideration,  to  propose  an  association  for  collecting 
and  preserving  the  materials  of  history,  to  whose  charge  he  might 
intrust  his  literary  treasures,  for  the  use  of  the  present  and  future  gene 
rations,  and  with  the  fond  expectation  that  they  would  be  the  embryo  of 
a  collection  hereafter  to  rival  the  famous  libraries  of  Europe.  His 


174  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

design  was  submitted  to  his  friends,  with  whose  advice  and  assistance 
he  matured  a  plan  of  organization  for  the  American  Antiquarian  So 
ciety,  and  procured  an  act  of  incorporation  October  24th,  1812.  He 
was  elected  the  first  president,  and  continued  in  that  office  till  his  de 
cease,  April  4th,  1831,  at  the  age  of  82. 

"  Immediately  after  the  incorporation  of  the  Society,  Mr.  Thomas 
bestowed  upon  it  his  library,  then  composed  of  about  3000  bound 
volumes,  a  great  number  of  pamphlets,  and  a  series  of  newspapers  for 
more  complete  than  any  other  existing  in  America.  Soon  afterwards,  a 
donation  of  900  volumes  was  received  through  the  hands  of  Mrs.  Han 
nah  Crocker,  a  descendant  of  the  Mather  family  (in  part  a  gift  from 
herself,  and  partly  a  purchase  by  Mr.  Thomas),  being  the  remains  of  the 
library  formerly  belonging  to  Increase  and  Cotton  Mather,  the  most 
ancient  in  Massachusetts,  if  not  in  the  United  States.  A  valuable  addi 
tion  was  also  made  to  the  library  and  cabinet  by  the  legacy  of  Rev. 
Yvrilliam  Bentley,  D.D.,  of  Salem.  The  books  bequeathed  by  Dr.  Bent- 
ley,  amounted  to  several  hundred  volumes,  principally  German  editions 
and  in  the  German  tongue,  besides  a  collection  of  Oriental  manuscripts, 
including  a  splendid  illuminated  copy  of  the  Koran,  and  several  com 
mentaries  thereon. 

"Our  munificent  founder  continued  to  cherish  the  child  of  his  old  age 
with  truly  parental  assiduity.  Every  year  he  made  liberal  donations  of 
books  and  rare  curiosities,  some  of  which  were  procured  by  him  at  con 
siderable  expense.  The  whole  amount  of  his  donations  in  books  was 
between  7000  and  8000  bound  volumes,  a,  large  number  of  unbound 
tracts,  and  the  greater  proportion  of  all  the  newspapers  now  belonging 
to  the  Society.  He  was  at  the  charge  of  printing  the  first  volume  of 
Transactions,  published  in  1820.  In  the  same  year,  he  erected  the 
edifice  now  occupied  by  the  Society,  and  gave  it  for  their  exclusive  use. 
And  to  crown  his  benefactions,  and  place  the  existence  and  usefulness 
of  the  institution  beyond  the  reach  of  ordinary  vicissitude,  he  endowed 
it,  at  his  decease,  with  a  fund  which,  if  not  equal  to  all  its  wants,  is 
ample  compared  with  many  other  institutions,  and  will  probably  enable 
it  hereafter  to  do  good  service  in  the  republic  of  letters. 

"  There  arc  many  other  benefactors  of  the  Society  entitled  to  their 
gratitude,  among  whom  it  may  be  permitted  to  the  committee  charged 
with  the  publication  of  the  catalogue  to  name  the  Hon.  Thomas  L. 
Winthrop,  whose  solicitude  for  the  interests  of  the  institution  has  been 
unceasing,  and  who  has  enriched  the  library  with  many  volumes  of 


MASSACHUSETTS.  175 

great  price  and  rarity.  Mr.  Thomas  TVallcut,  of  Boston,  lias  been  the 
donor  of  a  large  collection  of  old  books  and  pamphlets,  especially  suited 
to  the  objects  and  taste  of  the  antiquary.  The  names  of  all  donors, 
even  of  a  single  volume  or  tract,  or  any  article  of  curiosity,  are  entered 
on  our  records,  and  will  be  transmitted,  on  the  list  of  our  patrons,  to 
those  who  may  come  after  us. 

a  Soon  after  the  incorporation  of  the  Society,  the  national  Government 
made  provision  for  supplying  us  with  copies  of  the  public  laws  and  docu 
ments.  The  Legislatures  of  several  of  the  States  have  generously  made 
a  similar  provision.  The  Government  of  Massachusetts  furnishes  two 
sets  of  all  the  publications  ordered  by  the  Legislature,  including  the 
statutes  and  judicial  reports.  These  documents  compose  a  valuable  por 
tion  of  our  library;  and  should  the  example  be  imitated  by  the  other 
States  of  the  Union,  a  collection  of  public  documents  would  soon  be 
formed,  whose  importance  to  the  statesman  and  the  historian  cannot  be 
too  highly  estimated. 

"Nearly  all  the  American  papers  printed  before  the  Revolution  are  in 
this  collection,  and  of  some  of  them  a  more  complete  series  is  here  to  be 
found  than  is  anywhere  else  in  existence. 

"  The  manuscripts  of  the  Society  are  of  considerable  value,  especially 
that  portion  of  them  which  relates  to  the  early  ecclesiastical  history  of 
New  England.  They  embrace  many  of  the  papers  of  the  Mathers — 
Richard,  Increase,  Cotton,  and  Samuel ;  those  of  John  Cotton,  minister 
of  the  first  church  in  Boston,  and  of  John  Cotton,  the  second,  minister 
of  Plymouth.  There  are  many  other  manuscripts,  which  have  already 
been  consulted  with  advantage  by  authors  arid  others,  who  have  had 
occasion  to  investigate  the  venerable  records  of  the  past.  The  lapse  oi 
years  will  add  to  their  importance ;  and  those  time-defaced  pages,  which 
are  now  merely  glanced  at  as  objects  of  curiosity,  will  hereafter  be  stu 
died  with  an  intense  and  eager  interest. 

"  The  cabinet  of  the  Society  is  not  yet  of  great  extent.  The  articles 
of  most  interest  are  those  illustrating  the  manners  of  our  fathers,  and 
the  weapons  of  war,  articles  of  apparel,  and  domestic  utensils  of  the 
aborigines  of  North  America.  Specimens  of  this  kind,  of  American 
origin,  are  more  to  be  desired  by  an  American  Society  of  Antiquaries, 
than  any  articles,  however  rare  or  antique,  brought  hither  from  the  ran 
sacked  domains  of  the  Old  World.  The  cabinet  contains  a  collection  of 
coins,  comparatively  small,  but  amounting  to  nearly  2000  pieces,  of 


176  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

which,  however,  many  are  duplicates.  Among  them  is  a  considerable 
number  of  coins  of  the  Roman  Empire,  and  a  few  said  to  be  of  still 
more  remote  antiquity.  It  is  believed  there  are  specimens  of  nearly  all 
the  pieces  of  money  ever  struck  in  the  present  United  States. 

"  The  library  and  cabinet  of  the  institution  are  deposited  in  a  build 
ing,  in  the  construction  and  occupation  of  which  great  precaution  has 
been  taken  for  the  security  of  the  treasures  accumulated  within  its  walls. 

"A  catalogue  of  the  library  has  long  been  a  desideratum,  not  only  to 
the  members  of  the  Society,  but  to  all  who  sought  access  to  their 
archives.  Without  such  an  index,  a  great  portion  of  our  volumes  were 
no  better  than  sealed  books  to  every  inquirer  who  had  not  time  or 
patience  to  seek,  among  the  undigested  mass,  for  such  dates  and  facts  as 
he  desired  to  ascertain.  The  catalogue  now  published  is  almost  wholly 
the  work  of  the  late  lamented  librarian,  Christopher  C.  Baldwin,  whose 
decease  the  Society  deplores  as  an  irreparable  loss.  It  was  prepared  by 
him  with  great  care  and  labor,  and  is  a  monument  of  his  untiring  in 
dustry.  It  has  been  completed  and  brought  up  to  the  present  date  by 
the  acting  librarian,  Maturin  L.  Fisher,  Esq.  Its  accuracy,  as  far  at 
least  as  regards  the  bound  books,  has  been  since  subjected  to  the  test  of 
a  careful  comparison  of  its  titles  with  the  correspondent  volumes  on  the 
shelves  of  the  library.  It  is  in  the  alphabetical  form,  which  has  been 
generally  adopted  by  librarians,  as  more  simple  in  its  arrangement  and 
more  convenient  for  reference,  than  a  systematic  index.  The  plan  pur 
sued  was  to  give  the  name  of  the  author  when  known,  and  where  the 
work  is  anonymous,  briefly  to  state  the  subject.  Each  letter  of  the 
alphabet  has  been  paged  by  itself,  to  facilitate  the  insertion  of  future 
additions  under  the  respective  letters,  and  thus  render  a  new  edition  of 
the  whole  catalogue  unnecessary,  at  least  for  several  years.  Our  list  of 
books,  it  will  be  observed,  contains  an  unusual  proportion  of  tracts,  for 
which  reason  it  is  swollen  to  a  size  somewhat  disproportionate  to  the 
solid  contents  of  the  library.  But  we  prize  this  large  collection  of 
pamphlets,  as  a  most  important  part  of  those  materials  for  history,  which 
it  is  the  great  object  of  the  Society  to  preserve  j  and  if  the  list  was  con 
fined  to  these  alone,  we  should  judge  it  of  sufficient  consequence  to  war 
rant  a  publication. 

"  A  written  catalogue  of  manuscripts,  very  minute  in  its  titles  and 
details,  is  now  in  a  course  of  preparation,  and  will  be  kept  in  the  library 
for  the  inspection  of  all  who  may  have  occasion  to  consult  it." 


MASSACHUSETTS.  177 

Mr.  S.  F.  Haven,  the  present  accomplished  and  learned  librarian, 
gives  the  following  additional  particulars  respecting  this  library : 

"  A  prominent  feature  in  the  collection  is  the  Mather  Library,  consist 
ing  of  about  1000  volumes,  and  containing  probably  the  greater  portion 
of  the  books  owned  by  Increase  and  Cotton  Mather,  as  well  as  those  of 
Richard,  the  father  of  Increase.  The  first  two  were  emphatically  the 
scholars  of  their  day,  in  New  England;  and  the  works  they  collected, 
fairly  represent  the  literature  and  learning  of  their  time,  whether  histo 
rical,  theological,  or  metaphysical,  or  relating  to  the  natural  sciences. 
This  is  perhaps  the  oldest  private  library  in  the  country  that  has  been 
transmitted  from  one  generation  to  another.  It  was  obtained  from  Mrs. 
Hannah  Mather  Crocker,  granddaughter  of  Cotton  Mather,  and  only 
remaining  representative  of  the  family  in  Boston — partly  by  gift  and 
partly  by  purchase.  It  is  called,  in  the  records,  '  The  remains  of  the 
ancient  library  of  the  Mathers/  and  was  considered  by  Isaiah  Thomas 
as  'the  oldest  library  in  New  England,  if  not  in  the  United  States/ 
"With  these  books  was  obtained  a-  large  collection  of  tracts  and  manu 
scripts  belonging  to  the  Mathers  :  the  latter  consisting  of  sermons, 
diaries,  correspondence,  and  commonplaces.  Many  of  the  tracts  are 
political,  and  relate  to  the  period  of  the  Revolution  and  the  Common 
wealth  in  England.  Taken  together,  this  Mather  collection1  is  unique, 
and  of  great  historical  value. 

"  The  pamphlets  form  another  prominent  and  somewhat  peculiar  fea 
ture.  They  undoubtedly  contain  a  greater  number  and  variety  of  fugi 
tive  publications,  such  as  illustrate  the  character  and  spirit  of  the  time, 
than  can  be  found  elsewhere  in  the  country.  Those  of  ancient  date  are 
numerous  and  curious. 

"  The  newspapers  begin  with  the  first  number  of  the  first  paper  printed 
in  the  United  States ;  and,  though  the  scries  is  not  perfect,  it  is,  taking 
the  whole  period  together,  the  most  perfect  that  has  been  preserved.  The 
collection  of  almanacs  is,  also,  the  most  complete  and  curious  that  can 
probably  be  found  in  the  country.  The  manuscripts  are  chiefly  such  as 
illustrate  New  England  history.  Many  are  theological ;  some  are  trea 
tises  and  commentaries  that  have  not  been  printed.  There  are  many 
letters  written  by  or  addressed  to  the  original  settlers  and  their  imme 
diate  descendants.  There  are  a  few  diaries,  and  an  untold  quantity  of 
manuscript  sermons.  Besides  those  of  an  older  period,  a  mass  of  mili 
tary  papers  relating  to  the  American  Revolution  belong  to  the  Society, 

12 


178  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

which,  at  the  request  of  the  State  Government,  have  been  deposited  in 
the  State  House  at  Boston. 

"  As  to  paintings  and  engravings,  besides  the  family  portraits  of  the 
Mathers,  five  in  number,  the  Society  possesses  an  original  portrait  of 
Winthrop  (received  from  the  late  William  Winthrop,  of  Cambridge), 
together  with  the  '  stone  pot,  tipped  and  covered  with  a  silver  lydd/ 
containing  the  genealogy  of  the  direct  line  in  which  that  heirloom,  the 
pot,  had  descended.  This  stone  pot  is  referred  to  in  Savage's  edition  of 
Winthrop's  Journal.  We  have  also  portraits  of  Endicott,  Higginson, 
John  Rogers,  the  martyr;  Governors  Burnett  and  Leverett;  Hannah 
Adams;  our  late  presidents,  Isaiah  Thomas  and  Thomas  L.  Winthrop; 
Mr.  Baldwin,  late  librarian;  Charles  Paxton,  by  Copley;  Judge  Chan 
dler,  &c. ;  and  a  very  considerable  collection  of  engraved  heads  in  frames, 
bequeathed  by  the  late  Dr.  Bentley,  of  Salem. 

"There  are  also  many  curious  and  rare  old  maps  and  charts." 

Receipts,  and  on  hand,  April,  1856,  $35,010  16;  October,  1856, 
835,256  26.  Expended,  April,  1856,  §911  71;  October,  1856, 
$585  73.  The  average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library 
for  six  years,  is  798  books,  and  1989  pamphlets.  Books  are  not  taken 
from  the  library. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  report  of  the  librarian,  S.  F. 
Haven,  Esq.,  1856  : 

"The  prominent  incident  of  the  last  six  months,  affecting  the  inte 
rests  of  our  library,  is  a  gift  from  Hon.  Stephen  Salisbury  of  a  fund  of 
five  thousand  dollars,  the  proceeds  of  which  are  restricted  in  their  use 
to  the  binding  of  books,  tracts,  manuscripts,  and  other  matter  requiring 
that  mode  of  preservation.1  The  full  importance  of  this  foundation,  may 
not,  at  first  thought,  be  entirely  obvious  :  it  is  only  when  its  possible 

1  -The  binding  of  books  is  an  humble  and  unattractive  work,  which,  in  all 
libraries,  is  liable  to  be  neglected.  My  conviction  of  the  importance  of  this  work 
induces  me  to  make  the  following  proposition  : 

'••  I  offer  to  the  American  Antiquarian  Society  five  thousand  dollar?,  to  be  safely 
and  productively  invested  as  a  separate  fund,  to  be  called  '  The  Bookbinding  Fund/ 
The  income  of  this  fund,  as  it  accrues,  is  to  be  appropriated  and  paid,  first  to 
maintain  the  principal  of  said  fund  at  the  full  value  of  five  thousand  dollars,  and 
the  balance  of  said  income  is  to  be  expended  in  binding  the  manuscripts,  books, 
and  pamphlets  of  the  American  Antiquarian  Society.  And,  if  it  shall  happen  in 
any  year  that  there  shall  be  a  surplus  of  said  balance  of  income  above  what  is 
required  for  bookbinding,  that  surplus  may  be  expended  for  the  purchase  of  books 
for  the  library,  and  for  no  other  purpose." — Extract  from  Letter  of  Stephen  Salisbury. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  179 

consequences  are  duly  estimated  that  all  its  advantages  appear.  I  am 
not  aware  that  a  similar  provision  has  been  made  for  any  other  institu 
tion.  The  means  for  such  purpose  are  always  drawn  with  reluctance 
from  general  funds;  and  the  temptation  to  apply  any  spare  accumulation 
of  income  to  the  purchase  of  new  books  is  seldom  resisted.  It  is  natu 
ral  that  this  should  be  the  case,  as  a  larger  number  of  volumes  of  recog 
nized  value  can  usually  be  obtained  in  that  way,  than  by  employing  an 
equal  sum  in  binding  loose  materials.  Hence,  in  most  libraries,  if  not 
in  all,  a  vast  majority  of  the  papers  and  pamphlets  that  have  been  col 
lected  are  packed  away  in  boxes  or  bundles ;  while  only  a  few,  deemed 
the  most  important,  are  selected  to  be  bound ;  the  remainder  are  post 
poned  to  that  indefinite  and  very  uncertain  time  to  come,  when  the  trea 
sury  shall  have  no  other  pressing  demands  upon  its  resources.  All  libra 
rians  will  testify  to  this  condition  of  things,  as  a  weight  on  their  official 
consciences  which  they  find  little  prospect  of  removing. 

"But  a  short  treatise  upon  a  new  subject,  of  which  but  few  copies 
are  printed,  although  the  subject  itself,  and  the  original  suggestions  re 
specting  it,  may  ultimately  swell  into  great  importance,  stands  very 
little  chance  of  reaching  posterity,  unless,  in  some  fortunate  companion 
ship,  it  has  been  raised  to  the  dignity  of  a  bound  volume.  It  is  grati 
fying  to  be  able  to  hold  out  to  the  busy  multitude  of  thinking  men  who 
are  not  authors,  in  the  ordinary  sense  of  the  word,  but  who  speak  and 
write  in  a  casual  wray  on  topics  of  public  interest,  an  assurance  that  the 
ideas  they  have  cherished,  and  labored  to  express,  shall  have  a  place 
among  the  permanent  materials  of  history,  if  they  will  intrust  them  to 
our  care;  and  it  may  be  anticipated,  that  the  knowledge  of  an  ability 
to  make  good  this  assurance  will  much  increase  the  number  and  variety 
of  publications  that  are  tendered  for  our  acceptance." 

COLLEGE  OF  THE  HOLY  CROSS.     (1852.)     4G60  vols. 

Founded  in  1843.  It  is  opened  every  day.  The  professors  of  the 
College,  and  such  of  the  students  as  have  special  leave  from  the  presi 
dent,  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  books.  Books  arc  occasionally  lent 
out  to  persons  at  a  distance  from  the  College.  There  are  ~i4'2  coins  and 
medals.  There  are  600  volumes  in  the  Society  libraries. 

The  librarian  makes  the  following  remarks  :  "  I  would  mention,  as 
rare  books  in  our  library,  a  Psalterium  Octo  Singnarum,  by  Augustine 
Giustiniani,  Bishop  of  Genoa;  published  in  1516.  It  contains  the 


180  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

Psalter  in  Hebrew,  Greek,  Arabic,  and  Chaldaic,  with  three  Latin  in 
terpretations  and  notes.  There  is,  in  one  of  the  notes,  a  short  life  of 
Columbus,  interesting,  as  being  by  a  contemporary.  It  was  presented 
to  the  library  by  the  Rev.  A.  Manahan,  of  Boston. 

"  A  Journal  of  the  Irish  House  of  Commons,  in  30  folio  volumes,  for 
which  we  are  indebted  to  the  generosity  of  Mr.  Donahoc,  of  the  Boston 
Pilot,  is  rare,  I  believe,  in  this  country.  We  have  also  some  folio  edi 
tions  of  the  Fathers  of  the  Church,  and  of  the  Greek  and  Latin  Classics, 
published  in  the  IGth  and  17th  centuries,  of  which,  I  think,  there  are 
but  few  copies  in  the  United  States.  A  Sallust,  in  Saxon  character, 
printed  in  1526,  at  Paris,  might  be  noticed  as  a  curiosity/' 


WORCESTER  COUXTY  MECHANICS'  ASSOCIATION. 

(1857.)     179G  vols. 

Founded  February  5th,  1842.  Incorporated  March  9th,  1850.  Re 
ceipts  in  1854,  $400.  Expended  for  books,  8200.  Binding,  845. 
Salaries,  8150.  Incidentals,  5.  Open  Saturday  evening.  366  persons 
borrowed  books  in  1854.  All  the  volumes  are  in  English.  A  catalogue 
was  printed  in  1854,  of  which  1500  were  printed.  Another  in  1857, 
of  83  pages  8vo.  Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since 
1851,  8175.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library. 
190.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  7860.  A 
building  was  commenced  for  the  Association  in  1855,  and  dedicated 
March  19th,  1857.  It  is  of  brick,  and  erected  in  the  most  permanent 
manner.  The  library-room  is  24  by  36  feet. 

WORCESTER  LYCEUM  AND  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION. 
(1855.)     1298  vols. 

Founded  November,  1829.  Incorporated  March  20,  1853.  Any 
inhabitant  of  Worcester  over  16  years  of  age  can  use  the  library,  by  the 
annual  payment  of  $1  by  gentlemen,  and  50  cents  by  ladies  and  minors. 
All  the  books  are  in  English.  Receipts  during  1855,  8677  52.  Expen 
ditures,  8410  28. 

WORCESTER  DISTRICT  MEDICAL  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     1800  vols. 
A  society  of  physicians  was  first  organized  in  Worcester,  in  1794. 


MASSACHUSETTS.  181 

under  the  name  of  the  Worcester  Medical  Society.  This  continued  in 
operation  ten  years,  till  1804,  when  it  was  dissolved,  and  the  same 
members  organized  under  the  present  title,  with  a  charter  from  the 
Massachusetts  Medical  Society,  which  is  authorized  by  law  to  establish 
district  societies  in  different  parts  of  the  State,  to  be  composed  of  the 
Fellows  of  the  State  Society,  residing  within  the  limits  of  their  respec 
tive  districts.  A  small  library  was  started  early  in  the  existence  of  the 
Society,  but  up  to  1840  it  did  not  contain  more  than  200  volumes.  At 
that  time,  a  bequest  was  received  from  the  Hon.  Daniel  Waldo,  of  §6000, 
to  be  retained  as  a  permanent  fund,  the  interest  only  of  which  should 
be  expended  for  books.  Another  bequest  for  the  same  purpose,  has 
since  been  received  from  Dr.  C.  W.  Wilder,  late  of  Lcominster,  of  $500. 
These  funds  were  suffered  to  increase,  and  there  is  now  $8000  invested, 
the  interest  of  which  is  annually  expended  for  books.  The  design  is  to 
make  it  a  special  medical  library,  including  the  collateral  sciences.  A 
room  is  granted,  free  of  charge,  for  the  library,  by  Dr.  John  Green. 
From  May,  1853,  to  May,  1856,  about  900  volumes  were  added.  The 
annual  cost  of  supporting  the  library  is  about  S480.  During  the  last 
five  years,  8-400  have  been  expended. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     3800  vols. 

Incorporated  March,  1853.  Opened  June,  1853.  All  inhabitants 
of  Worcester  over  14  years  of  age  can  use  the  library,  by  paying  81 
annually,  or  8-0  for  life-membership. 

Receipts  during  1854,  $1028.  Expenditures,  $1048  30.  During 
1^54, 11,000  volumes  were  lent  to  400  persons.  The  librarian  receives 
•S200  salary.  In  1854,  there  were  1762  volumes.  8620  were  taken 
out  by  434  persons.  In  1855,  there  were  2126  volumes.  11,000  were 
taken  out  by  450  persons.  In  1856,  there  were  2610  volumes.  14,100 
were  taken  out  by  350  persons. 

In  1855,  the  library  of  the  Rhetorical  Society  was  transferred  to  the 
Young  Men's  Association,  and  the  Worcester  Lyceum  was  also  united 
with  it. 

In  1856,  Dr.  John  Green  placed  his  valuable  collection  of  6000 
volumes  in  charge  of  the  Association.  In  the  report  for  1857,  great 
complaint  is  made  of  the  number  of  volumes  missing,  and  supposed  to 
be  "  stolen."  It  is  stated  that  many  who  are  not  members,  make  use  of 
the  library  and  reading-room. 


182  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


MICHIGAN. 


ALBION. 

ALBIOX  FEMALE  COLLEGIATE  INSTITUTE  AND  WESLEYAN 
SEMINARY.     (185G.)     1000  voLs. 

Students  have  access  to  the  library  by  paying  25  cents  per  term.  The 
reading-room  is  furnished  with  periodicals  from  Philadelphia,  New  York, 
Boston,  and  Cincinnati,  and  also  with  the  leading  American  and  foreign 

/  O  <~j 

reviews. 

The  CLEVER  FELLOWS,  ECLECTICS,  YOUNG  LADIES'  ASSOCIATION, 
and  the  AlHENlJEDES  SOCIETY,  are  literary  circles,  formed  for  improve 
ment  in  the  art  of  composition.  Periodicals  arc  published  monthly  by 
each  of  these  societies,  under  the  names  of  the  American  Peloponnesus, 
the  Eclectic  Review,  the  Young  Ladies'  Casket,  and  the  Atlienccum. 

The  PARTHENON  and  the  PIIILOMATIIIAN  SOCIETY,  are  debating  socie 
ties  that  meet  weekly  for  the  purpose  of  improvement  in  general  infor 
mation,  in  forensic  debate,  in  parliamentary  usages,  and  in  extempora 
neous  speaking. 

WESLEYAN  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     1129  voLs. 

Founded  in  1842.  It  was  only  in  1S5G  that  a  room  was  devoted  to 
the  library.  The  present  librarian  states  :  "  Our  students  are  beginning 
to  appreciate  a  good  reference  library,  and  call  daily  for  books  we  have 
not.  How  much  we  need  books  here  in  the  West  relating  to  biography 
and  scientific  researches  !  Our  youth  literally  devour  the  literature  we 
have." 

The  fee  for  the  use  of  the  library  is  81  per  annum.  None  but  officers 
and  students  of  the  College  are  entitled  to  the  privilege.  The  library  is 
open  six  hours,  five  days  every  week. 

Eighteen  periodicals  are  taken. 

Fifty  volumes  are  added  yearly,  mainly  by  donations. 


MICHIGAN.  188 

ANN  ARBOR. 

UNIVERSITY  OF  MICHIGAN.     (1857.)     7000  vols. 

This  institution  was  established  in  1837,  and  in  the  following  year 
.Dr.  Asa  Gray,  now  of  Harvard,  was  elected  to  the  chair  of  botany  and 
zoology.  $5000  were  placed  at  his  disposal  for  the  purchase  of  books 
in  Europe,  as  the  commencement  of  the  University  library.  This 
secured  a  collection  of  nearly  4000  volumes,  comprising  many  rare 
works.  The  valuable  library  of  Dr.  Houghton,  the  State  Geologist,  was 
next  obtained.  In  1858,  there  was  an  addition  of  1000  volumes,  by 
means  of  a  subscription  from  the  citizens  of  Ann  Arbor.  The  Univer 
sity  has  always  been  in  the  constant  receipt  of  public  documents  and 
pamphlets.  Many  works  have  also  been  presented,  at  various  times,  by 
different  individuals.  There  are  now  about  7000  volumes  in  the  library, 
among  which  are  such  works  as  Audubon's  Birds  of  America,  Lord 
Kingsborough's  Antiquities  of  Mexico,  &c.  A  large  number  of  periodi 
cals,  both  American  and  foreign,  are  annually  received.  One  of  the 
main  buildings  of  the  University  has  been  appropriated  for  the  library, 
cabinet,  and  museum.  The  means  of  illustration  of  the  natural  sciences 
are  very  ample,  and  include, 

1.  A  collection  of  minerals,  embracing  over  6000  specimens,  mostly 
European.     This  collection  was  purchased  of  the  late  Baron  Lederer, 
and  is  therefore  called  the  "  Lederer  collection." 

2.  A  collection  of  the  mineral  species  of  Michigan,  embracing  all  the 
varieties  of  copper  and  associated  minerals  from  the  different  localities 
of  the  Lake  Superior  district.     This  collection  is  partly  the  fruit  of  the 
State  Geological  survey,  and  partly  the  result  of  the  subsequent  labors 
of  the  Professor  of  Geology. 

3.  A  complete  series  of  geological  and  palaeontological  specimens  from 
Michigan,  being  the  collections  made  by  the  State  Survey. 

4.  A  museum   containing  about  1000   specimens  of  birds,  besides 
quadrupeds,  reptiles,  fishes,  marine  shells,  and  a  nearly  complete  series 
of  land  and  fresh-water  tcstacea,  from  Michigan  and  surrounding  dis 
tricts.     There  is  also  a  fine  collection  of  marine,  terrestrial,  and  fluvia- 
tile  mollusca.     An  extensive  and  valuable  addition  to  the  museum  is 
expected  from  Lieutenant  ~\Y.  P.  Trowbridge,  recently  elected  to  the 
chair  of  mathematics  in  the  University,  awho,  while  successfully  pur 
suing  his  duties  as  tidal  observer  on  the  Pacific  coast,  in  connection  with 


134  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

the  United  States  Coast  Survey,  employed  his  leisure  moments  in  form 
ing  one  of  the  largest  collections  of  natural  history  ever  made  in  this 
country.7' — Smithsonian  Report,  1854. 

5.  An  herbarium,  illustrative  of  the  flora  of  the  State,  containing  1500 
species. 

The  last  catalogue  of  the  library  was  published  in  1846,  which  is  now 
out  of  print,  but  a  new  and  more  complete  one  is  in  course  of  prepara 
tion.  The  library  is  continually  receiving  additions  by  purchase,  dona 
tion,  and  exchange,  and  is  open  daily  for  consultation. — J.  L.  Tappan. 

DETROIT  OBSERVATORY. 

This  Observatory,  a  donation  of  the  citizens  of  Detroit,  is  situated  half 
a  mile  from  the  University  ground,  on  a  hill  150  feet  above  the  Huron 
River,  from  which  is  presented  one  of  the  most  charming  views  in  the 
country.  The  building  consists  of  a  main  part,  with  the  movable  dome,  21 
feet  in  diameter,  and  two  wings,  one  of  which  contains  the  rooms  for  the 
observer,  while  in  the  other,  the  splendid  Meridian-Circle  presented  by 
H.  N.  Walker,  of  Detroit,  is  mounted.  This  instrument,  which  is  one 
of  the  largest  and  best  of  its  kind,  was  imported  from  Berlin.  The 
focal  length  of  its  telescope  is  8  feet,  the  aperture  of  the  object  glass,  6 
French  inches.  It  is  furnished  with  two  circles,  a  little  more  than  three 
English  feet  in  diameter,  and  with  8  microscopes,  by  which  one  can 
read  the  divisions  of  the  circles  up  to  one-tenth  of  a  second.  The  same 
room  contains  a  siderial  clock,  made  by  Tiede,  in  Berlin,  and  two  colli- 
maturs,  north  and  south  from  the  Meridian-Circle,  for  the  determination 
of  the  error  of  collimation  and  of  the  flexure  of  the  telescope. 

In  the  dome  a  large  telescope,  with  an  object-glass  of  13  English 
inches  in  diameter,  is  mounted.  This  instrument,  which,  in  size,  is 
surpassed  only  by  the  telescope  in  Cambridge,  Massachusetts,  and  by 
that  in  Pulkova,  in  Russia,  was  made  by  Mr.  Fitz,  in  New  York.  Its 
object-glass,  the  first  of  a  large  size  made  in  this  country,  is  very  excel 
lent,  and  does  great  honor  to  the  skill  of  Mr.  Fit/. 


DETROIT. 

HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  OF  MICHIGAN. 

Reorganized  in  1857,  under  circumstances  so  auspicious  as  to  give 
assurance  that  it  will  be  permanently  successful  and  extensively  useful. 


MICHIGAN.  185 


MECHANICS'  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     1566  vols. 

Founded  in  1818.  Incorporated  May,  1820.  Library  commenced 
October,  1842.  The  initiation  fee  is  $5.  The  receipts  during  1854 
were  8339  33.  Expenditures  for  books,  $105  40.  Salaries,  116  98. 
Incidentals,  840.  In  1856,  expended  for  books,  8238  40.  Binding, 
850.  Periodicals,  815.  The  library  is  open  every  Saturday  evening. 
.During  1854,  1100  volumes  were  lent  to  150  persons  ;  during  1856, 
1500  to  150  persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1851,  8vo.  300 
copies  cost  835  20.  About  120  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During 
the  last  five  years  81001  93  have  been  expended  for  books.  All 
the  books  are  in  English,  except  one  in  German,  and  one  in  an  Ori 
ental  language.  In  August,  1856,  the  library  building  was  injured  by 
fire. 


MICHIGAN  STATE  AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETY.     (1855.)     253  vols. 

Founded  in  1850.  The  library  of  the  Society  is  merely  a  nucleus 
for  future  growth,  no  appropriations  ever  having  been  made  by  the 
Society.  It  is  slowly  but  steadily  increasing  in  its  number  of  volumes 
and  value.  The  library  is  open  every  day  for  the  use  of  members. 
(See  State  Agricultural  College,  Lansing.) 

YOUNG  MEN'S  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     3500  vols. 

Formed  in  1833.  Incorporated  in  1836.  The  annual  increase  has 
been  about  100  volumes ;  but  of  late  a  new  and  vigorous  impulse  has 
been  given  to  the  Society.  5000  volumes  were  taken  out  during  1854. 
A  brick  building  was  erected  by  the  Society,  in  1850,  95  feet  by  48. 
The  second  story  contains,  besides  two  offices,  a  large  hall  for  lectures, 
TO  feet  by  40.  The  third  story  is  divided  into  two  rooms :  one  for  a 
library,  and  the  other  for  a  committee-room,  &c.  This  edifice  cost  about 
88000.  The  lot  on  which  it  is  built  (valued  at  $5000)  was  given  to 
the  Society  by  the  Land  Board  of  the  then  district.  It  is  eligibly  situ 
ated  on  Jefferson  Avenue,  the  principal  commercial  street  of  the  city. 
Keceipts  during  1854,  $2121  66.  Expended  during  1854,  §2052  97. 
Members  are  elected  by  the  Board  of  Managers.  They  pay  82  each,  as 
initiation  fee,  and  an  annual  assessment  of  $2.  The  Society  is  not 
solely  a  library  association,  but  it  embraces  also  another  department, — 


186  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

that  of  lectures  and  debates.    A  catalogue  of  the  library  (43  pages  8vo.) 
was  printed  in  1842.     Another,  67  pages  8vo.  in  1857. 


FLINT. 

FLINT  SCIENTIFIC  INSTITUTE. 

Incorporated  February  3d,  1853.  The  objects  of  this  Society  are  to 
promote  the  study  and  investigation  of  the  several  branches  of  scientific 
knowledge ;  the  establishment  of  a  library  of  scientific  works  and  cabi 
net  of  natural  history ;  and,  by  the  Constitution,  its  funds  shall  be  ex 
clusively  devoted  to  the  procuring  of  such  books,  charts,  and  other 
matters,  as  shall  promote  those  objects. 

It  is  provided  that  the  following  Article  of  the  Constitution  shall  be 
irrepealable  and  unalterable. 

"  Art.  XII.  This  Institute  shall  never  be  dissolved  without  the  con 
sent  of  every  member.  In  case  of  dissolution,  the  property  of  the  Insti 
tute  shall  not  be  distributed  among  the  members;  but  donors  may  claim 
and  receive  their  donations ;  and  the  remainder  shall  be  given  to  some 
public  institution,  on  such  condition  as  may  be  agreed  on  :  the  faithful 
performance  of  which  condition  shall  be  secured  by  bonds,  with  suffi 
cient  penalties  for  the  non-fulfilment  thereof." 


KALAMAZOO. 

LADIES'  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     G33  vols. 

Founded  in  1852.  The  annual  subscription  for  ladies  is  50  cents  per 
annum,  for  gentlemen,  $1.  The  receipts  during  1854  were  8321  31. 
Of  this,  $10025  were  expended  for  books,  $5  38  for  binding,  and  $214  91 
for  incidentals.  During  the  last  five  years,  $1627  82  were  expended  for 
books.  The  library  is  open  every  Friday  afternoon.  During  1854, 
4000  volumes  were  lent  to  140  persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in 
December,  1853 ;  100  copies  on  a  half  sheet  cost  $5.  Another  cata 
logue,  of  14  pages  Svo.,  was  printed  in  1856,  at  a  cost  of  $22  63  for 
250  copies.  There  were  170  members  in  1855.  Average  annual 
amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  $87  33.  Average  annual  num 
ber  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  84.  Average  annual  number  of 
volumes  lent  to  readers,  about  5200. 


MICHIGAN.  187 

LAPSING. 

STATE  AGRICULTURAL  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     300  vols. 

Incorporated  February  12,  1855.  Tn  1857,  $40,000  were  appropri 
ated  for  building,  furniture,  library,  &c.,  by  the  Legislature.  A  build 
ing,  100  feet  by  50,  has  been  erected  for  the  College,  and  a  boarding- 
house  of  the  same  size.  The  tuition  is  free.  The  students  must  be 
residents  of  Michigan.  They  labor  three  hours  a  day.  The  library  of 
the  State  Agricultural  Society  has  been  presented  to  this  College. 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     7000  vols. 

Founded  in  1836.  From  1839  to  1848,  there  were  no  additions  by 
purchase.  In  1848,  about  395  volumes  were  purchased  for  $020,  and 
226  volumes  were  presented.  Tn  1849,  about  400  volumes  were  added 
to  the  collection.  The  library  is  kept  in  a  room  of  the  capitol.  A  cata 
logue  was  printed  April  1st,  1846.  Another  in  1857,  41  pages  8vo. 
The  library  is  open  every  day  from  9  A.M.  to  12  M.,  and  from  2  to  4 
P.M.  State  officers  and  members  of  the  Legislature  are  entitled  to  take 
out  the  books.  The  salary  of  the  State  librarian  is  $500. 

An  Act,  April  8,  1851,  provides  as  follows  :  "The  State  librarian,  in 
addition  to  the  duties  prescribed  by  law,  shall  keep  a  set  of  meteorolo 
gical  tables,  after  the  forms  adopted  by  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  and 
under  the  direction  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction ;  and 
the  same  shall  be  embraced  with  the  Annual  Eeport  of  the  Superinten 
dent,  together  with  the  report  of  the  librarian." 


STATE  PRISON.     (1856.)     GOO  vols. 

The  library  is  valued  at  8235.     The  expenditures  on  the  library  were, 
in  1853,  $87  31;  1854,  $112  69;  1855,  8121  84. 


188  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


MINNESOTA. 

ST.  ANTHONY, 

ST.  ANTHONY  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1851.)     200  vols. 

The  St.  Anthony  Library  Association  was  incorporated  November  1, 
1849.  During  the  winter  of  1849,  a  series  of  lectures  was  delivered 
before  the  Association.  Just  after  the  incorporation  of  the  Society,  a 
purchase  of  books  was  made,  as  a  nucleus  of  the  proposed  library. 

UNIVERSITY  OF  MINNESOTA. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  Regents  of  this  institution  was  held  May  31, 
1852.  Four  acres  of  land  for  the  site  of  the  building  were  given  by 
Franklin  Steele,  Esq. 

ST.  PAUL. 

MINNESOTA  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 

Incorporated  October  20th,  1849.  This  Society  has  been  exceed 
ingly  active  in  collecting  materials  for  the  illustration  of  the  history  and 
settlement  of  the  country,  and  have  published  valuable  transactions. 
One  of  its  members,  Rev.  S.  11.  Riggs,  was  the  author  of  the  Dacotah 
Dictionary,  published  by  the  Smithsonian  Institution  as  Volume  IV  of 
its  "  Contributions  to  Knowledge." 

It  has  already  collected  a  library  and  cabinet  of  considerable  value. 

TERRITORIAL  LIBRARY.     (185G.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  in  1849,  by  an  appropriation  of  $5000  by  Congress  for  the 
purpose.  Officers  of  the  Territory,  members  and  ex-members  of  the 
Legislature,  have  the  use  of  the  library.  It  is  open  every  day,  from  9 
A.M.  to  12  M.,  and  from  2  to  4  P.M.  During  1854,  about  400  books 
were  lent  to  100  persons.  5000  volumes  are  in  English,  5  French,  1 
German,  1  Spanish,  1  other  modern  language,  1  Latin,  2  Greek. 

A  list  of  the  books  was  printed  in  1850,  32  pages  8vo.  Nine  news 
papers  are  taken,  but  no  periodicals.  The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  8600. 


MISSISSIPPI.  189 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION. 

The  first  meeting  having  reference  to  the  organization  of  this  Asso 
ciation,  was  held  on  Monday  evening,  July  28, 1856.  The  Constitution 
was  adopted  September  22d. 

Active  and  associate  members  must  be  under  45  years  of  age,  and 
pay  82  per  annum.  Counselling  members  are  over  that  age,  and  pay 
the  same  amount.  Life-members,  820. 


MISSISSIPPI. 

GRENADA. 

TOWN  LIBRARY. 

An  effort  has  just  been  made  (January,  1857)  to  establish  a  town 
library  and  reading-room  association. 


JACKSON, 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1855.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  by  Act  of  Legislature,  passed  February  15th,  1838,  appro 
priating  $3000  for  the  purchase  of  suitable  books.  Previous  to  1842, 
there  was  an  annual  appropriation  of  81000  for  the  purchase  of  books ; 
since  then,  the  appropriation  has  been  $500,  one-fifth  of  which  is  for 
law  books.  The  library  is  on  the  third  floor  of  the  State  capitol.  "  A 
Catalogue  of  the  Library  of  the  State  of  Mississippi,  arranged  alphabeti 
cally,  under  different  heads,  with  the  number,  size,  and  cost  of  the 
volumes  of  each  work  specified,  to  which  are  prefixed  the  rules  and 
regulations  provided  for  its  government,"  27  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  at 
Jackson  in  1839;  the  same,  with  additions,  34  pages  Svo.,  1841;  same, 
1845,43  pages  8vo.;  same,  61  pages  8vo.,  1847;  same,  51  pages  Svo., 
1849. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  January,  1854,  58  pages  8vo.,  500  copies 
cost  850.  Another  in  January,  1857,  62  pages  Svo. 

The  price  of  each  book  is  given  in  every  catalogue,  and  forms  a  novel 


190  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

but  interesting  feature.  The  library  is  open  every  day  during  the 
session  of  the  Legislature;  Sundays  excepted,  from  9  A.M.  to  3  P.M.  All 
persons  are  allowed  to  use  the  library  when  open,  but  no  one  is  allowed 
to  take  out  books  but  the  trustees,  State  treasurer,  adjutant-general, 
judges  of  the  United  States  Circuit  Court,  and  members  of  the  Legisla 
ture  while  in  session.  Persons  who  have  filled  the  office  of  governor  of 
the  State,  chancellor,  judge  of  the  High  Court  of  Errors  and  Appeals, 
United  States  senator  from  the  State,  whilst  they  may  be  in  the  city  of 
Jackson,  are  allowed  to  borrow  books.  For  every  book  issued,  a  receipt 
or  note  of  twice  its  value,  or  twice  the  value  of  the  set  to  which  it  may 
belong,  must  be  given,  conditioned  on  its  safe  return,  and  the  payment 
of  all  forfeitures  and  penalties  for  detention  beyond  the  time  limited  by 
the  laws.  The  fines  for  detention  are  :  for  a  folio,  81  per  day;  quarto, 
50  cents  ;  an  octavo  or  duodecimo,  25  cents. 


OAKLAND. 

OAKLAND  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2G40  vols. 

"  The  origin  of  this  College  may  be  traced  to  a  meeting  of  the  Presby 
tery  of  Mississippi,  held  in  Baton  Rouge,  Louisiana,  in  April,  1829. 
There  was  not,  at  that  time,  a  single  college  prepared  to  give  a  regular 
collegiate  education  within  the  States  of  Louisiana,  Mississippi,  and  the 
Territory  of  Arkansas;  containing  a  population  of  more  than  200,000, 
and  a  tract  of  country  of  more  than  145,000  square  miles. 

"  In  the  winter  of  1831,  a  charter  was  granted  by  the  Legislature  of  the 
State,  conferring  the  name  of  'The  Institution  of  Learning  under  the 
care  of  the  Mississippi  Presbytery.'  On  the  4th  of  February,  1832, 
the  name  of  Oakland  College  was  assumed,  by  which  title  it  has  ever 
since  been  known.  In  1833,  the  first  commencement  was  held,  believed 
to  be  the  first  ever  celebrated  south  of  Tennessee.  The  College  has  had 
many  vicissitudes,  but  is  now  (1856)  out  of  debt;  all  its  buildings,  equal 
to  any  in  the  South,  are  in  good  condition.  During  the  22  years  which 
elapsed  from  their  first  commencements,  the  average  number  of  students 
graduated  each  year,  were:  at  Yale,  5Tfir;  at  Harvard,  6J;  at  Oak 
land,  GT9T. 

"  In  1841,  83000  were  appropriated  for  books,  but  the  library  has  been 
increased  principally  by  donations.  An  apartment  in  the  College  chapel 
(a  brick  building),  26  feet  by  22,  and  14  feet  high,  is  used  for  the 


MISSISSIPPI.  Ifil 

library.  The  library  is  open  once  a  week  for  an  hour,  and  frequently 
at  other  times.  Books  are  lent  to  all  who  apply  for  them :  few,  however, 
are  taken  out  except  by  the  officers  and  students  of  the  College. 

"  The  number  of  volumes  in  the  English  language  is  2484  ;  French, 
16;  German,  8;  Spanish,  4;  other  modern  languages,  3 ;  Latin,  90  ; 
Greek,  19 ;  Hebrew,  7 ;  total,  2640. 

"The  only  system  adopted  thus  far,  has  been  to  place  upon  the  shelves 
as  many  volumes  as  could  be  crowded  upon  them,  and  to  distribute  the 
remainder  in  boxes,  or  upon  the  floor.  Yvre  hope  for  better  things  ere 
long. 

"  At  present  (1857)  the  library  is  not  in  a  condition  to  encourage  fre 
quent  resort  to  it.  The  hope  is  entertained  that  before  long  it  will  be 
suitably  fitted  up,  shelved,  &c.  &c.,  and  a  catalogue  made  out.  The 
trustees  are  incurring  very  heavy  expenses  for  additional  college  build 
ings,  which  may,  for  a  while,  retard  the  improvement  of  the  library. 

"  There  are  the  following  collections  of  natural  history :  ornithology, 
800;  reptilia.  200;  mammalia,  15;  minerals,  2000;  fossils,  5000; 
mollusca  (marine  and  fresh-water),  6000.  Indian  antiquities,  500. 
Collection  illustrating  manners  and  customs  of  various  nations,  300. 
(Chiefly  given  to  Oakland  College  by  Rev.  Benjamin  Chase,  of  Natchez, 
and  called,  <  The  Chase  Cabinet/) 

uln  addition  to  the  2640  volumes  in  the  College  library,  there  are  2000 
in  the  libraries  of  the  literary  societies,  making  4G40  in  all,  in  the  libra 
ries  connected  with  the  College,  and  2400  in  the  private  libraries  of  the- 
faculty :  in  all,  7040  volumes  at  the  College.  A  much  larger  number 
has  been  erroneously  stated  in  former  years." 


OXFOKD, 

UNIVERSITY  OF  MISSISSIPPI.     (1857.) 

This  University  went  into  operation  in  November,  1848.  The  State 
makes  an  annual  appropriation  for  books  and  apparatus  of  83000.  The 
income  of  the  College  is  816,000.  A  large  sum  has  recently  been  ex 
pended  in  the  purchase  of  valuable  books  in  every  branch  of  science  and 
literature.  During  the  last  five  years  89000  were  expended  for  books. 

250  volumes  are  in  French,  5  other  modern  languages,  60  in  Latin, 
45  in  Greek,  4  in  Hebrew. 

15  periodicals  are  taken.     Salary  of  librarian,  §100. 


192  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


MISSOURI. 


CAPE  GIRARDEATJ. 

ST.  VINCENT'S  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     5000  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1843.  About  200  volumes  arc  added  yearly.  8500 
were  expended  during  the  last  five  years  for  books. 

"  As  our  library  is  private  and  for  the  use  of  the  College,  we  have 
never  furnished  any  report  of  it.  We  have  no  printed  catalogue.  The 
librarian  is  always  one  of  ourselves,  appointed  for  the  time  by  the  presi 
dent  of  the  College. 

"  The  library  is  arranged  by  the  subjects  of  the  works,  viz. :  Holy 
Scripture  and  commentators,  theology,  philosophy,  history,  &c. ;  these 
names  are  printed  in  large  characters,  and  placed  over  the  shelves  con 
taining  the  volumes. 

"  We  have  a  generally  well-assorted  collection  of  theology,  holy 
fathers,  history  (ancient  and  modern),  Latin,  French,  Greek,  Spanish, 
and  English  works."  —  Letter  from  J.  J.  McGarry,  Secretary  of 
Board. 

COLUMBIA, 

MISSOURI  UNIVERSITY.     (1856.)     2300  vols. 

The  University  of  the  State  of  Missouri  was  chartered  by  the  Legisla 
ture  during  the  session  of  1888-9,  and  went  into  full  operation  under 
its  present  organization  on  the  1st  of  January,  1844 ;  since  which  time 
it  has  been  in  successful  operation,  affording  to  students  the  educational 
advantages  ordinarily  enjoyed  in  similar  institutions. 

The  University  edifice,  a  spacious,  tasteful,  and  commodious  building, 
was  erected  at  an  expense  of  about  $85,000,  by  the  liberality  of  the 
citizens  of  the  County  of  Boone,  in  which  it  is  located. 

The  annual  revenue  of  the  institution,  exclusive  of  fees  for  tuition,  is 
the  income  of  a  State  fund  of  $100,000 ;  being  the  proceeds  of  the 
sales  of  lands  donated  by  Congress  to  the  State  for  university  purposes. 
The  principal  is  well  invented,  and  is  legally  inviolable. 


MISSOURI.  193 

The  receipts  during  1854,  were  $1874.  $1100  were  expended  for 
books.  The  faculty  and  students  have  the  free  use  of  the  library,  which 
is  open  two  hours  every  Friday.  During  1854,  261  volumes  were  lent 
to  57  persons.  Blackwood's  Magazine  and  the  four  British  Reviews  are 
taken.  The  ATHENIAN  SOCIETY  had,  in  1855,  200  volumes;  and  the 
UNION  LITERARY  SOCIETY,  325  volumes.  In  1856,  the  aggregate 
number  of  volumes  was  1000. 


FAYETTE. 

HOWARD  HIGH  SCHOOL. 

This  School  was  founded  in  1844,  and  had  a  library  of  500  volumes 
in  1851.  In  1854,  the  building  with  all  its  contents  was  entirely  con 
sumed.  A  new  edifice  has  been  erected,  and  a  commencement  made  of 
a  library.  The  School  is  in  a  very  prosperous  condition. 


FULTON. 

DEAF  AND  DUMB  ASYLUM. 

This  institution  has  a  small  library  and  cabinet.  14  periodicals  are 
furnished  by  publishers  to  the  reading-room. 

STATE  LUNATIC  ASYLUM. 
This  institution  has  a  library.     25  periodicals  are  received. 

WESTMINSTER  COLLEGE.     (185G.)     400  vols. 

"  Westminster  College  is  placed  by  its  charter  under  a  board  of  trus 
tees,  all  of  whom  are  appointed  by  the  Synod  of  the  (0.  S.)  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Missouri.  The  leading  acts  of  the  Synod,  therefore,  found 
ing  this  institution,  and  commending  it  to  the  Church,  may  be  instruc 
tive  and  interesting. 

"  At  the  meeting  of  Synod  in  Potosi,  1851,  the  following  preamble 
and  resolutions  were  passed  : 

"  l  Whereas,  the  interests  of  religion  and  the  wants  of  the  Church 

13 


194  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

imperiously  demand  that  there  should  be  established  at  some  eligible 
point  within  our  bounds,  a  literary  institution  of  high  order,  to  be  in  the 
interest  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  subject  to  its  control  and  favored 
with  its  patronage  and  supervision  : 

(t  c  And  whereas  the  indications  of  Providence  suggest  that  the  time 
has  come  to  set  about  the  work :  therefore, 

"  *1.  Resolved,  That  we  rise  up  and  build. 

"<2.  Resolved,  That  Preston  B.  Reed,  William  Provines,  John  G. 
Miller,  James  Young,  Edward  M.  Samuel,  S.  S.  Watson,  Hamilton  R. 
Gamble,  M.  P.  Cayce,  and  James  Sterritt,  be,  and  they  are  hereby  ap 
pointed,  commissioners,  and  empowered  to  select  and  recommend  a  suit 
able  site  or  sites,  and  report  to  the  next  meeting  of  Synod/ 

"  There  are  three  societies  in  the  institution  :  two  literary  and  one 
religious.  The  PHILOLOGIC  and  the  PHILALETHIAN  Literary  Societies, 
have  elegant  halls  in  the  College  building,  which  have  been  neatly  fitted 
up  and  furnished  during  the  year.  They  have  weekly  meetings,  and 
their  libraries  already  number  several  hundred  volumes.  The  SOCIETY 
OF  INQUIRY  has  a  set  of  missionary  maps,  and  is  in  correspondence  with 
similar  societies  in  the  colleges  throughout  our  land.  It  receives  several 
periodicals,  is  collecting  a  library,  has  monthly  meetings,  and  is  a  source 
of  great  benefit  to  the  students." 


HANNIBAL. 

HANNIBAL  LIBRARY  INSTITUTE.     (1855.)     425  vols. 

Chartered  by  the  Legislature  in  1845.  It  flourished  for  some  years, 
and  was  productive  of  much  benefit,  but  subsequently  declined.  An 
effort  has  lately  been  made  to  revive  it,  with  great  prospect  of  success. 
The  annual  fee  is  $1. 


JEFFERSON  CITY. 

HISTORICAL  AND  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY  OF  MISSOURI. 
(1851.)     300  vols. 

From  the  first  number  of  the  "Annals"  of  the  Society  (29  pages  8vo.; 

1848),  we  take  the  following  account  of  the  Society  and  its  collections : 

"  In  the  year  1844;  a  few  individuals  made  an  effort  to  establish  an 


MISSOURI.  195 

Historical  and  Philosophical  Society  for  the  State  of  Missouri,  similar 
to  institutions  successfully  established  in  other  States.  On  the  18th  of 
December,  in  that  year,  a  meeting  was  held  in  the  Senate  chamber,  in 
the  City  of  Jefferson,  at  which  measures  were  taken  to  organize  the 
Society;  addresses  were  delivered  explaining  its  object  and  utility,  a 
constitution  adopted  for  its  government,  fourteen  gentlemen  enrolled 
their  names  as  members,  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  apply  to  the 
General  Assembly  for  an  act  of  incorporation.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Goodrich 
presented  to  the  Society  a  volume  of  ancient  travels  in  America,  and  a 
fac-simile  engraving  of  hieroglyphics,  found  in  an  Indian  mound  in 
Illinois,  and  these  constituted  the  beginning  of  a  library  and  cabinet, 
which  will  probably  become  extensive  and  valuable.  The  constitution 
declared  the  objects  of  the  Society  to  be,  to  collect  and  preserve  all 
papers,  memorials,  and  documents  connected  with  the  early  history  of 
Missouri  j  and  all  statistics  in  any  way  pertaining  to  the  population, 
mineral,  navigable,  and  agricultural  resources  of  the  State,  and  to  make 
publication  thereof  from  time  to  time.  In  conformity  to  the  request  of 
the  Society,  an  act  of  incorporation  was  passed  and  approved  by  the 
governor  on  the  27th  day  of  February,  1845.  Since  that  time,  an  act 
has  been  passed  granting  to  the  Society  the  use  of  a  room  in  the  Capitol, 
well  adapted  to  its  purposes.  The  Society  is  located  at  the  City  of  Jef 
ferson,  but  branches  or  auxiliary  societies  may  be  established  in  any 
other  part  of  the  State. 

"  The  first  annual  meeting  of  the  Society  was  held  on  the  20th  of 
January,  1845. 

"A  room  has  been  fitted  up  for  the  reception  of  books,  pamphlets, 
papers,  manuscripts,  curiosities,  and  other  articles  j  and  the  foundation 
for  a  library,  cabinet,  and  museum,  has  been  laid ;  and  hopes  are  enter 
tained  that  the  liberality  and  public  spirit  of  the  citizens  of  Missouri 
will  cause  the  same  to  be  rapidly  increased  by  many  valuable  additions." 


STATE  LIBRARY  OF  MISSOURI.     (1851.)     4637  vols. 

Established  by  law  in  1829.  In  1831,  the  sum  of  $150  a  year  was 
appropriated  for  the  purchase  of  books.  In  1833,  this  was  raised  to 
S450.  On  the  15th  November,  1837,  the  library  was  nearly  entirely 
destroyed  by  fire,  and  very  little  aid  has  been  received  to  replace  it. 
The  Legislature  of  1855,  however,  appropriated  $3000  to  this  purpose ; 
and  ordered  an  annual  appropriation  of  8500  hereafter,  together  with 


196  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

whatever  money  is  received  by  the  Secretary  of  State  from  the  sale  of 
Missouri  Supreme  Court  Reports. 

The  library  is  open  during  the  sittings  of  the  Supreme  Court  and 
General  Assembly,  from  9  A.M.  to  5  P.M.  Members  of  the  Legislature 
and  attorneys  of  the  Supreme  Court  only,  are  allowed  to  take  books  from 
the  library.  The  clerk  of  the  Supreme  Court  is  ex-officio  chief  librarian, 
with  a  salary  of  $300  per  annum.  He  has  two  assistants. 


LEXINGTON. 

MASONIC  COLLEGE. 

Incorporated  in  1843.     "  The  institution  is  furnished  with  apparatus 
and  a  library  adequate  to  its  present  wants.'7 


ST.  LOUIS. 

ACADEMY  OF  SCIENCE.     (1857.)     300  vols. 

Incorporated  January  17,  1857.  The  objects  of  the  Academy  are 
stated  in  the  constitution  to  be  "  the  promotion  of  science.  It  embraces 
zoology,  botany,  geology,  mineralogy,  palaeontology,  ethnology  (especially 
that  of  the  aboriginal  tribes  of  North  America),  chemistry,  physics, 
mathematics,  meteorology,  and  comparative  anatomy  and  physiology. 

"It  shall,  furthermore,  be  the  object  of  this  Academy  to  collect  and 
treasure,  specimens  illustrative  of  the  various  departments  of  science 
above  enumerated ;  to  procure  a  library  of  works  relating  to  the  same, 
with  the  instruments  necessary  to  facilitate  their  study,  and  to  procure 
original  papers  on  them. 

"It  shall  also  be  the  object  of  this  Academy,  to  establish  correspon 
dence  with  scientific  men,  both  in  America  and  other  parts  of  the 
world/7 

In  August,  185G,  the  library,  consisting  of  120  volumes,  the  minc- 
ralogical  and  geological  collection,  cases,  and  apparatus  belonging  to  the 
Western  Academy  of  Natural  Science  of  St.  Louis,  was  transferred  to 
this  institution. 

A  volume  of  Transactions  was  published  in  1857,  92  pages,  with 
plates ;  containing,  also,  a  catalogue  of  about  300  volumes  in  the  library. 


MISSOURI.  107 


MERCANTILE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     13,510  vols. 

Founded  January,  1846,  by  the  following  merchants,  John  C.  Tevis, 
Peter  Powell,  A.  B.  Chambers,  J.  F.  Franklin,  R.  P.  Perry,  R.  K. 
Woods,  John  Halsall,  and  William  P.  Scott.  The  Association  is 
governed  by  a  board  of  twelve  directors,  elected  annually.  The  Asso 
ciation  is  formed  of  merchants  and  clerks.  The  former  pay  an  entrance 
fee  of  85,  and  85  annually.  Clerks  pay  82  entrance,  and  83  annually. 
Other  persons  can  use  the  library  for  85  a  year,  without  any  voice  in 
the  government.  Life-members  are  constituted  by  the  payment  of  8100. 
The  library  is  open  every  day  from  9  A.M.  to  10  P.M. 

"The  rooms,  in  which  the  library  was  long  kept,  being  found  too 
small  for  the  accommodation  of  its  fast-increasing  volumes  and  numer 
ous  readers  and  visitors,  some  of  its  friends  determined  to  make  an  effort 
for  its  more  permanent  and  suitable  accommodation.  To  this  end  they 
procured  the  enactment  of  a  law  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State,  for  the 
incorporation  of  a  Joint  Stock  Company,  for  the  purpose  of  building  a 
library  hall ;  first,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  library,  and  secondly, 
for  such  other  useful  purposes  as  they  might  elect. 

"After  some  effort  the  stock  was  taken  up,  one  of  our  enterprising  and 
most  esteemed  citizens,  Henry  D.  Bacon,  Esq.,  having  subscribed  twenty- 
one  thousand  dollars  to  this  object.  Others,  although  in  smaller  sums, 
made  up  the  whole  amount  of  stock,  and  the  building  has  been  erected, 
which,  while  it  furnishes  the  library  ample  accommodations,  is  at  the  same 
time  highly  ornamental  to  the  city,  and  a  monument  to  the  enterprise  and 
public  spirit  of  those  who  were  instrumental  in  its  erection.  This  fine 
and  substantial  edifice  is  one  hundred  and  five  feet  front  by  one  hun 
dred  and  twenty-seven  feet  deep,  by  a  height  of  ninety  feet,  and  cost 
about  8140,000.  The  lower  or  first  story  is  arranged  as  stores,  on  Fifth 
Street,  while  on  Locust  Street  are  suitably  fitted  up  the  rooms  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  The  second  floor  is  occupied  for 
the  library,  beautifully  fitted  up  and  elegantly  lighted  with  gas,  while 
excellent  works,  in  all  languages,  filling  the  cases,  seem  to  court  atten 
tion,  and  chairs  and  desks  everywhere  invite  both  young  and  old  to  the 
intellectual  banquet.  On  this  floor  also,  beside  many  small  rooms,  is 
the  small  hall  or  'lecture-room/  fitted  up  for  the  accommodation  of  an 
audience  of  700  hearers.  But  the  grand  feature  of  the  building  is 
the  great  hall  in  the  third  story,  which  will  easily  seat  two  thousand 
persons.  This  hall,  also,  is  splendidly  illuminated  with  gas,  and 


198  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

when  built  was  the  only  one  in  the  city  capable  of  seating  an  audience 
of  that  size.  The  design  ultimately  had  in  view  in  building  this  edi 
fice  was,  that  it  might  enure  to  the  advancement  and  extension  of  the 
library;  to  this  end  the  library  Association  have  the  right  to  purchase, 
or  otherwise  acquire  the  stock  in  the  hall,  and  the  income  from  rents  is 
to  be  a  source  of  annual  increase  of  the  books  in  addition  to  donations 
and  other  means  of  increase;  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  large  stock 
holders  will  accede  to  the  very  liberal  suggestions  of  Mr.  Bacon,  and 
donate  their  stock  to  the  library,  thus  giving  it  a  permanent  endowment 
for  all  time  to  come,  and  the  means  of  increasing  both  the  number  of 
volumes  and  the  facilities  for  reading  them." 

From  the  outset,  the  greatest  care  was  observed  in  the  selection  of 
books.  The  original  classification  was  proposed  by  Mr.  Alfred  Yinton, 
to  whose  devotion  to  its  interests  the  Association  owes  much  of  its  pros 
perity.  His  classification  was  : 

1.  Books  of  Reference. 

2.  Science,  Art,  and  Manufacture. 

3.  Voyages  and  Travels. 

4.  History  and  Biography. 

5.  Poetry,  Belles-Lettres,  Bibliography,  Oratory,  Drama,  Philosophy,  and  Fine 
Arts. 

6.  Fiction. 

The  librarian  asserts  that  there  is  a  less  amount  of  trash  in  it,  than 
in  any  similar  library  in  the  country.  The  library  was  opened  in  April, 
1846,  and  in  1847  there  were  1018  volumes,  a  membership  of  201,  and 
an  income  of  $2664. 

In  1851,  there  were  589  members;  in  1854,  1005;  in  1855,  1157; 
and  in  1856,  1303  members. 

1854.  1855.  1856. 

Total  receipts,  .         .         .     $12,20889     $13,24150     $19,09040 


Expenditures  for  books,  .  .  1309  00  410  98  298  92 

"                  binding,  .  11   15  272  35 

"                  periodicals,  .  345  18  409  38  343  78 

"                  salaries,  .  2100  00  2150  00  1075  00 

"                  incidentals,  .  8442  90  9998  79  17,272  70 


Total,        .         .         .      $12,208  89     $13,241   50     $19,090  40 

During  1854,  10,983  volumes  were  lent  to  870  persons.     During 
1855, 15,219  volumes  were  lent  to  1021  persons.     During  1856, 16,012 


MISSOURI.  199 

volumes  were  lent  to  1187  persons.  Of  the  volumes  in  the  library, 
11,666  are  in  English,  858  French,  218  German,  55  Spanish,  32  other 
modern  languages,  210  Latin,  30  Greek,  15  Hebrew,  and  5  Oriental. 
A  catalogue  was  printed  in  January,  1850,  8vo.  315  pages,  at  a  cost  of 
$477  80  for  1000  copies.  A  supplement,  of  107  pages  8vo.,  was  printed 
in  January,  1851,  at  a  cost  of  $229  40  for  1000  copies.  The  cost  of 
binding  is  not  included.  The  catalogue  is  classified  on  the  plan  of  Pro 
fessor  13.  Pierce's  catalogue  of  1830,  of  the  library  of  Harvard  Univer 
sity.  On  the  1st  January,  1856,  there  were  13,089  books,  2  MSS.,  7 
maps,  2  engravings,  17  paintings,  11  busts,  and  1  statue,  in  the  library; 
also  a  case  of  American  birds.  The  number  of  magazines  and  periodi 
cals  received  is  very  large,  embracing  17  quarterlies,  3  bi-monthlies,  40 
monthlies,  1  semi-monthly,  17  weeklies,  26  dailies;  total,  105.  On  the 
13th  January,  1857,  the  property  was  valued  at  $47,862  54. 

In  relation  to  lectures,  the  following  remarks  are  made  in  the  last 
report :  "  In  conclusion,  -we  would  remark,  that  it  appears  to  be  almost 
useless  to  attempt  to  get  successful  courses  of  lectures  before  our  Asso 
ciation,  and  there  is  but  one  plan  that  we  think  could  be  adopted  with 
success.  It  is  to  raise  a  lecture  fund  by  procuring  subscribers  to  a  list, 
for  a  series  of  twenty  or  twenty-five  lectures,  to  be  delivered  during  a 
season.  350  or  400  subscribers  would,  at  twenty-five  cents  each  lecture, 
create  a  fund  sufficient  to  insure  the  Association  from  any  loss,  and  the 
Lecture  Committee  would  then  have  some  data  to  be  governed  by,  so  as 
to  make  engagements  with  able  and  distinguished  lecturers,  whose  terms 
have  hitherto  precluded  the  idea  of  their  visiting  us.  We  believe,  with 
such  a  list  of  subscribers,  there  would  be  more  interest  taken  in  lectures, 
and  that  there  are  also  many  persons  who  would  be  willing  to  contribute 
$5  or  $6  for  the  purpose  of  assisting,  in  that  manner,  the  promotion  of 
useful  knowledge  and  literary  taste,  at  a  small  expense.  "We  doubt  if 
in  any  other  manner  the  present  rate  of  admission,  25  cents,  can  be 
maintained,  and  lectures  ever  pay  expenses." 

The  librarian  receives  a  salary  of  $1500  ;  the  assistant  librarian,  $600; 
janitor,  $480. 

The  average  annual  addition  of  volumes  is  1000.  The  annual  cost 
of  support  is  $3500.  From  1852  to  1856,  inclusive,  $5610  53  were 
expended  for  books. 

The  following  extract  from  the  Report  of  the  President  of  the  Asso 
ciation  (John  T.  Douglass,  Esq.),  for  1855,  presents  a  gratifying  view 
of  what  had  been  accomplished  up  to  that  time : 


200  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

"  With  this  Report  closes  the  official  history  of  the  first  ten  years  of 
your  existence  as  an  Association.  It  is  a  history  of  which  you  may  well 
be  proud.  But  a  single  decade,  yet  how  fruitful  in  great  results  accom 
plished,  and  the  partial  achievement  of  others  grander  still,  for  the  com 
pletion  of  which  there  is  fair  promise.  The  germ  of  this  hope  is  already 
in  the  bud;  it  is  for  you,  of  the  present  time,  to  say  whether  the  bud 
shall  wither  or  blossom  unto  fruit.  The  strongest  hopes  of  the  most 
sanguine  among  that  little  group  which,  ten  years  since,  resolved  that  it 
was  i  expedient  and  proper  that  a  Mercantile  Library  Association  be 
formed  in  this  city/  could  not  have  shadowed  forth  to  his  imagination 
the  exhibit  of  this  evening.  A  membership  of  nearly  1200;  the  noble 
library-room,  so  brilliantly  lighted,  so  comfortably  furnished;  and  the 
splendid  bookcases,  well  filled  with  good  books;  paintings  and  statuary, 
too,  are  yours ;  the  conceptions  of  genius,  from  many  hands  and  various 
countries,  are  around  you.  From  imperial  Rome  comes  the  bust  of  the 
great  discoverer  of  this  mighty  continent,  while,  by  its  side,  a  St.  Louis 
artist  places  the  likeness  of  one  who  has  done  your  own  State  good 
service;  and,  standing  in  the  centre  of  all  these,  is  the  life-size  image 
of  him  who  won  for  himself  the  proud  title  of  the  Great  Defender;  and 
so  it  is,  that,  at  the  expiration  of  the  first  ten  years,  your  institution, 
commencing  with  nothing,  is  the  owner  of  property  valued  at  845,000. 
Whence  came  it  ?  How  was  it  acquired  ?  There  was  no  rich  endow 
ment,  yielding  its  annual  income,  to  be  thus  expended ;  but  each  board 
of  directors  found  themselves,  at  the  commencement  of  their  official 
term,  with  an  empty  treasury,  and  entirely  dependent  upon  public  favor 
for  the  means  to  carry  out  their  plans,  and  it  is  solely  owing  to  the  large- 
spirited 'beneficence  of  our  citizens,  that  your  association  has  made  such 
progress — a  progress  without  parallel  in  the  history  of  any  similar  insti 
tution/' 

ST.  LOUIS  LAW  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     3G64  vols. 

Founded  in  1838,  by  members  of  the  St.  Louis  bar.  It  is  supported 
by  an  annual  contribution  of  $10  from  each  member,  and  the  admission 
fee  of  new  members  is  §20.  The  receipts  during  the  year  1854,  were 
8134632;  1855,  $153144. 

1854.  1855. 

Expenditures  for  books,    ....       $760  G2  $894  23 

binding,          ...  2  90  120  90 

"  salaries,          ...         150  00  174  15 

"  incidentals,    .         .         .         199  7G  249  78 

Total, $1113  28        $1439  06 


MISSOURI.  201 

Members  of  the  Association,  and  all  members  of  the  legal  profession 
residing  out  of  St.  Louis  County,  are  entitled  to  use  the  library.  New 
members  pay  $20  on  admission,  and  all  pay  $10  annually  as  dues.  The 
books  are  arranged  in  four  departments  :  1.  British  reports.  2.  Ame 
rican  reports.  3.  Treatises,  digests,  &c.  4.  Statute  law.  In  each 
department  the  books  are  arranged  alphabetically,  according  to  the  name 
of  the  author,  reporter,  or  State. 

The  library  is  open  every  day  during  daylight. 

The  average  annual  increase  of  books  is  340.  Annual  cost  of  sup 
port,  61395.  During  the  last  five  years,  $3815  have  been  paid  for 
books.  The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  8200. 

In  1857,  3581  volumes  were  in  English,  50  in  French,  28  in  Spanish, 
5  in  Latin. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  January,  1853;  71  pages  12  1110.,  at  a  cost 
of  $107  for  300  copies. 

"In  the  spring  of  1838,  proposals  for  the  formation  of  '  The  Law 
Library  Association  of  St.  Louis,'  were  circulated  among  the  members 
of  the  bar,  of  whom  twenty  embarked  in  the  enterprise ;  each  agreeing 
to  pay  in  the  beginning  $20,  and  every  three  months  thereafter  $5. 
This  afforded,  to  start  with,  a  fund  of  $400,  with  a  prospect  of  as  much 
more  within  a  year;  both  together  not  being  sufficient  to  buy  more  than 
250  volumes  of  books.  The  first  purchase  of  books  was  made  in  the 
fall  of  1838. 

"The  first  two  years  of  the  existence  of  the  Association  were  not 
marked  by  much  prosperity.  Its  full  success  depended  as  much  on  the 
addition  of  new,  as  on  the  adherence  of  the  original  members.  Unfor 
tunately,  however,  the  by-laws  contained  a  feature  which,  for  a  time, 
almost  closed  the  door  against  accession  of  members ;  which  was,  that 
every  person  elected  to  membership  should  pay,  as  an  admission  fee,  a 
sum  equal  to  the  whole  amount  which  had  been  assessed  upon  the 
original  members,  together  with  their  first  donation ;  so  that,  at  the  end 
of  one  year,  a  new  member  had  to  pay  $40 ;  at  the  end  of  the  second 
year  $60,  and  so  on.  This  regulation,  however,  was  changed  in  1840, 
when  the  admission  fee  was  fixed  at  $20,  with  an  addition  of  $5  each 
year.  The  fee  has  been  since  then  the  subject  of  several  changes,  until, 
in  December,  1850,  it  was  fixed  at  $20,  under  circumstances  which 
make  it  almost  impracticable  thereafter  to  change  it. 

"  Of  the  growth  of  the  library  from  time  to  time,  not  much  informa 
tion  can  be  given,  as  the  entire  records,  and  many  of  the  papers  of  the 


202  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

Association,  were  destroyed  by  fire,  in  January,  1851.  The  earliest  date 
at  which  we  have  any  knowledge  on  that  point,  is  November,  1842, 
when  the  number  of  volumes  was  640  :  the  result  of  four  years'  opera 
tions.  In  January,  1845,  a  catalogue  was  printed,  showing  the  number 
then  to  have  been  717;  in  February,  1840,  it  was  932;  in  November, 
1846,  it  was  1132;  in  May,  1847,  it  was  1285. 

ST.  LOUIS  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     16,000  vols. 

Founded  in  1829.  The  library  is  supported  by  appropriations  granted 
by  the  Faculty.  The  receipts  during  1854,  were  §405;  and  the  expen 
ditures  for  books,  $260 ;  binding,  $65;  periodicals,  868 ;  and  incidentals, 
$12.  During  1856,  $800  were  expended  for  books,  and  8100  for 
periodicals.  All  persons  are  permitted  to  consult  the  library  free  of 
charge.  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects. 

In  1855,  there  were  3500  French  and  3300  Latin  books  in  the  library. 
In  1857,  8000  volumes  were  in  English,  4000  French,  3500  Latin.  A 
new  building,  130  feet  by  60,  has  been  erected  for  the  library.  10  re 
views  and  10  papers  are  regularly  received.  The  library  increases  at 
about  the  rate  of  300  volumes  a  year.  The  PHILALETHIC  SOCIETY,  in 
1851,  had  630  volumes;  the  ORTHOLOGICAL,  200;  and  the  PHILEU- 
PHRADIGNE,  200  volumes.  In  1857,  the  aggregate  number  was  4000 
volumes. 

The  following  account  of  the  institution  was  prepared  by  J.  Hogan, 
Esq.,  in  1855. 

"  The  library  of  the  University  is  one  of  its  features,  too  important 
to  be  omitted  even  in  this  brief  description ;  and  I  am  free  to  say  I  was 
not  prepared  to  expect  its  magnitude  or  extent,  and  I  doubt  if  many  of 
our  citizens  have  any  adequate  idea  of  its  variety.  At  present  it  con 
tains  over  15,000  volumes,  embracing  almost  every  branch  of  literature 
and  science,  in  ancient  and  modern  languages.  Here  have  been  gathered 
together  many  rare  and  curious  works,  from  almost  every  country,  some 
of  them  coeval  with  the  art  of  printing. 

"  Among  many  curious  and  interesting  works,  I  noticed  a  theological 
dictionary,  entitled  '  Summa  Angelica/  by  Angelus  Clavasis,  printed  at 
Alost,  July  4th,  1490 ;  also  another  work  dated  in  March,  1499.  Here 
are  the  Sermons  and  Homilies  of  Augustin,  printed  in  1521;  also, 
Cicero's  Offices,  printed  in  1539;  'Epitome  of  Antiquity/  printed  in 
1553,  and  most  beautifully  illustrated  with  medallions.  There  is  also  a 


MISSOURI.  203 

copy  of  the  Sibyline  Oracles,  printed  in  Greek  and  Latin,  in  1599 ; 
several  editions  of  the  Bible,  with  beautiful  marginal  and  other  illustra 
tions,  in  various  colored  inks,  printed  in  1556  and  down  to  1628. 

"  Among  the  many  rare  and  interesting  works  found  in  this  library, 
there  is  one  which,  from  the  beauty  of  its  execution,  the  strength  and 
perfection  of  its  varied  coloring  and  illustrations,  is  well  worthy  the 
attention  of  the  curious.  It  is  a  Geography  of  the  Earth,  illustrated 
with  maps  and  plates,  of  men,  animals,  birds,  and  scenes,  in  all  the 
countries  described  :  all  done  in  various  colored  inks,  true  to  nature  and 
accurately  portrayed.  This  work  was  published  by  Bleauw,  at  Amster 
dam,  for  subscribers,  in  eleven  large  folio  volumes,  in  1662.  The  type 
is  clear,  the  paper  fine,  yet  very  strong ;  the  maps,  even  of  America, 
very  accurate  and  correct,  especially  of  those  portions  where  the  Jesuit 
Fathers  had  their  most  extensive  missions ;  the  names  of  places,  rivers, 
capes,  and  bays,  as  now  in  our  more  accurate  knowledge  placed  upon  the 
best  maps,  are  all  found  on  these ;  while  the  coloring  seems  as  fresh  and 
bright  as  if  done  last  year,  instead  of  nearly  two  hundred  years  ago.  It 
is  said  that  the  edition  of  this  work  was  absolutely  limited  to  the  sub 
scription  list,  and  when  the  full  number  of  copies  had  been  printed,  the 
whole  of  the  plates  were  destroyed — no  extra  edition  was  printed,  and 
hence  the  great  scarcity  of  this  beautiful  work. 

"  There  are  in  this  library  over  30  volumes  folio  of  American  State 
Papers,  and  some  300  volumes  octavo  of  debates,  reports,  &c.  &c.,  with 
many  other  excellent  and  useful  works  published  by  the  Government, 
and  distributed  to  this  and  other  analogous  institutions. 

"  Here  are  also  to  be  found  a  series  of  valuable  works  :  The  Archives 
of  the  British  Government,  published  in  27  royal  octavo  and  84  folio 
volumes.  These  Archives,  containing  all  that  is  curious  in  English  his 
tory  or  action,  were  gathered  and  reprinted  in  this  form,  for  more  certain 
preservation,  by  an  ordinance  of  the  Government,  who  appointed  a  learned 
commission  for  this  express  purpose.  The  ordinance,  with  the  names 
of  the  commissioners  appointed  to  collect,  arrange,  and  publish  these 
papers,  is  printed  in  each  volume.  At  the  head^  of  this  list  I  find  l  His 
Grace,  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury;'  and  last,  'Charles  Purton  Cooper, 
Secretary/ 

"  Among  these  Archives  are  presented  a  fac-simile  of  the  famous 
Doomsday  Book,  2  volumes,  printed  in  1758 ;  also  a  beautiful  fac-simile 
of  Magna  Charta,  as  originally  engrossed  on  parchment.  In  these 
volumes  are  preserved  the  old  Black  Letter,  and  all  the  abbreviations 


204  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

used  are  continued  as  in  the  originals,  with  the  old  English  spelling,  &c. 
&c. ;  of  all  of  which,  however,  translations  are  added. 

"  In  each  of  these  111  volumes,  there  is  printed  as  follows:  'Record 
Commission,  1831.  This  book  is  to  be  perpetually  preserved  in  the 
Library  of  St.  Louis  University.  C.  P.  Cooper,  Sec.  Com.  Pub.  Hec. 
April,  1837.'" 

ST.  LOUIS  VOCALIST  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1053  vols. 

Founded  in  1847.  The  books  comprising  the  library,  are  classified 
as  follows :  historical,  49  volumes ;  geography  and  travels,  92 ;  philo 
sophy  and  scientific,  73;  German  and  foreign  classics,  700;  dramas,  56; 
political  and  miscellaneous,  20;  journals,  &c.,  23.  The  library  is  open 
on  Wednesday  and  Saturday  evenings.  During  1856,  2380  volumes 
were  lent  to  134  persons.  40  volumes  are  in  English;  1013  in  German ; 
none  in  any  other  language. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     485  vols. 

Founded  in  1853.  The  library  was  not  commenced  till  1854.  All 
the  books,  at  present,  are  of  a  religious  character,  and  were  presented 
to  the  Association.  19  reviews  and  magazines,  and  23  newspapers  are 
taken. 

"We  have  a  pleasant  and  convenient  suite  of  rooms  in  a  central  part 
of  the  city,  where  visitors  are  always  cordially  received.  Our  library, 
as  yet,  is  but  small,  but  we  design  making  additions  from  time  to  time, 
as  circumstances  permit.  In  connection  with,  and  under  the  auspices 
of  our  Association,  we  have  a  city  missionary  employed,  who,  during 
the  first  year,  has  been  actively  employed  in  spreading  the  Gospel.  We 
have  also  established  Mission  Sunday-schools,  which  are  at  present  in  a 
thriving  condition.  A  Sunday  evening  prayer-meeting,  held  by  some 
of  the  members,  in  a  destitute  portion  of  the  city,  we  think  will  do  much 
good. 

"Our  Association  has  been  in  existence  about  three  years  and  a  half. 
During  that  time,  it  has  undergone  material  changes,  which  have  mani 
festly  been  for  the  better,  and  we  consider  that  we  are  on  a  firmer  basis 
than  ever  before." — Quar.  Rep.  1857. 


NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  205 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

CONCOED. 

METHODIST  GENERAL  BIBLICAL  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     3000  vols. 

This  institution  commenced  its  operations  in  April,  1847;  since  which 
time  the  number  and  character  of  its  students  have  improved  each  year. 
Eight  annual  Conferences  are  pledged  to  its  interests,  viz.,  all  of  those 
in  New  England,  and  two  in  New  York.  The  charter  of  the  institution 
provides  that  the  trustees  may  hold  property  to  an  amount  not  exceeding 
$100,000. 

A  very  valuable  addition  of  300  volumes  has  recently  been  made,  by 
the  will  of  Rev.  Bishop  Hedding,  D.D.  A  missionary  library  has  also 
been  recently  commenced,  principally  through  the  generosity  of  Rev. 
William  Butler,  of  the  New  England  Conference.  It  now  consists  of 
about  400  volumes. 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY.     (1850.)     1500  vols. 

This  Society  owes  its  origin,  and  much  of  its  early  prosperity,  to  the 
suggestions  and  active  exertions  of  Mr.  John  Farmer,  and  Mr.  Jacob 
B.  Moore.  It  was  founded  March  13,  1823,  the  two  hundredth  year 
after  the  first  settlement  of  the  State,  and  incorporated  the  13th  of  June 
following.  Its  objects  are  like  those  of  the  other  historical  societies  in 
the  country.  They  are  thus  stated  in  the  first  article  of  the  Constitution, 
namely :  a  To  discover,  procure,  and  preserve  whatever  may  relate  to 
the  natural,  civil,  literary,  and  ecclesiastical  history  of  the  United  States 
in  general,  and  of  this  State  in  particular."  The  Society  has  published 
five  volumes  of  valuable  collections.  The  library  of  the  Society  con 
tained,  in  1838,  "about  1500  volumes,  a  considerable  collection  of  pam 
phlets  and  newspapers,  a  small  collection  of  minerals,  some  valuable 
manuscripts,  ancient  coins,  and  Indian  relics."  The  Hon.  "William 
Plumer,  its  first  president,  gave  to  the  Society  several  hundred  volumes 
of  American  State  Papers,  arranged  with  a  copious  manuscript  index  by 
himself.  The  Hon.  William  Bartlett  gave  his  private  library,  a  part  of 
the  library  of  the  late  Nathaniel  Peabody,  and  a  portfolio  of  autograph 


206  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

MS.  letters,  amounting  to  about  200  in  all.  Deposited  in  the  library 
"are  a  considerable  number  of  papers  and  documents,  formerly  belong 
ing  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Belknap,  and  used  by  him  in  the  compilation  of  the 
second  and  third  volumes  of  the  History  of  New  Hampshire,"  trans 
mitted  to  the  Society  by  John  Belknap,  Esq.,  son  of  the  reverend  his 
torian. 

An  article  in  the  fifth  volume  of  the  Society's  collections,  written  by 
Hon.  William  Bartlett,  entitled  "  Remarks  and  Documents  relating  to 
the  Preservation  and  Keeping  of  the  Public  Archives,"  deserves  to  be 
particularly  mentioned,  and  commended  to  the  careful  perusal  of  libra 
rians,  secretaries  of  state,  and  all  others  to  whose  care  are  intrusted  the 
original  records  of  our  history. — [See  Hist.  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  in 
American  Quarterly  Register,  February,  1838,  pp.  229-241.] 

PUBLIC  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     900  vols. 

Any  resident  can  enjoy  the  privileges  of  this  library,  by  giving  secu 
rity  or  approved  references,  and  by  paying  25  cents  per  annum.  A 
catalogue  of  48  pages  8vo.  was  published  in  March,  1857.  In  1856, 
the  city  appropriated  81500  for  the  library. 


STATE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     4000  vols. 

On  the  16th" of  June,  1818,  an  act  was  passed,  authorizing  the  Secre 
tary  of  State  to  collect  and  arrange  all  the  books  belonging  to  the  State. 
On  the  23d  of  July,  1823,  a  resolution  was  adopted,  appropriating  $100 
annually  for  the  purchase  of  books.  The  library  occupies  a  room  in  the 
north  wing  of  the  State  House,  which  is  23  feet  by  43.  The  books  are 
arranged  alphabetically.  The  last  catalogue  (57  pages  8vo.)  was  printed 
in  1847;  another  in  1857,  of  48  pages  Svo.  The  library  is  open  during 
each  day  when  the  Legislature  is  in  session.  The  members  and  clerks 
of  the  Senate  and  House  during  the  sessions  of  the  Legislature,  and  at 
all  times  the  Governor  and  Council,  Judges  of  the  Superior  Court, 
Secretary,  and  Treasurer,  may  take  out  books,  to  be  returned  in  one 
month.  Except  during  a  session,  any  person  may  take  out  books  by 
depositing  double  the  value  thereof,  as  security  for  the  return  of  the 
book  in  good  order.  Few  books,  however,  are  lent  out  in  this  way — 
perhaps  fifty  a  year.  It  is  impossible  to  tell  how  many  consult  the 
library  in  the  room.  During  the  session  of  the  Legislature,  it  is  gene- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE.  207 

rally  resorted  to  by  tlie  members.     The  Secretary  of  State  is  ex  offido 
librarian. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION. 

This  Association  had  collected  a  small  library;  but  in  January,  1857, 
it  was  decided  to  discontinue  it,  and  the  books  were  distributed  among 
the  members. 


DUBLIN. 

JUVENILE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     1213  vols. 

"The  library  was  started  in  1822,  by  Dr.  Leonard,  for  young  children 
especially.  Soon  it  came  to  be  a  common  invitation,  from  one  child  to 
another,  'to  go  up  and  get  one  of  Dr.  Leonard's  books/  In  1825,  the 
people  of  Dr.  Leonard's  parish,  with  Dr.  David  Carter  at  their  head, 
formed  a  society  ( to  help  Dr.  Leonard  buy  books  for  children  f  and 
soon  after  formed  themselves  into  a  society,  and  received  an  act  of  incor 
poration. 

"At  that  time,  Dr.  Leonard  had  collected  308  volumes.  When  he 
left  the  charge  of  the  first  parish,  in  1852,  the  catalogue  contained  a 
list  of  2001  volumes.  Some  three  years  after,  a  careful  collection  and 
revision  of  the  library  brought  together  only  955  books  that  it  was 
deemed  advisable  to  retain.  Many  had  been  lost;  and  some  were  so 
worn  out,  that  it  was  thought  best  to  dispose  of  them. 

"A  vast  amount  of  good  has  resulted  from  this  humble  institution. 
Through  the  wise  management  of  Dr.  Leonard,  our  people  are  known 
throughout  the  State  as  an  intelligent,  reading  people ;  particularly  so. 
Nothing  else,  perhaps,  has  contributed  nearly  as  much  to  this  end,  as 
the  establishment  and  management  of  the  '  Dublin  Juvenile  Library 
Society.'  " 

During  1856,  2100  volumes  were  lent  to  200  persons.  During  the 
last  five  years,  $150  have  been  expended  for  books.  About  200  volumes 
are  added  annually. 

UNION  LIBRARY.    (1850.)    438  vols. 

Founded  in  1793.  Proprietors  pay  $1  50  per  share,  and  an  annual 
assessment  of  25  cents.  37  £  cents  a  year  are  paid  by  those  who  borrow 
books. 


208  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


EXETER. 

GOLDEN  BRANCH  SOCIETY.     (PHILIPS  EXETER  ACADEMY.) 
(1857.)     1539  vols. 

Founded  in  1841.  The  annual  clues  of  members  who  are  students 
in  the  Academy  are  81  50.  1465  volumes  are  in  English,  10  French, 
89  Latin,  and  25  Greek. 

TOWN  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     1716  vols. 

Founded  in  1852,  by  a  vote  of  the  town,  and  is  supported  by  annual 
appropriations  by  the  town,  and  by  donations.  The  receipts  during 
1854  were  8326  49;  during  1856,  $450.  During  1856,  8313  were 
expended  for  books;  812  for  binding;  875  for  salaries;  $50  for  inci 
dentals.  All  residents  in  the  town  over  fourteen  years  of  age,  are 
entitled  to  use  the  library,  and  also  the  students  in  the  Philips  Exeter 
Academy.  It  is  open  on  Wednesday,  from  3  to  5  o'clock  P.M.,  and  on 
Saturday,  from  7  to  9  P.M.  A  catalogue  of  20  pages  18mo.  was  printed 
in  July,  1855.  1000  copies  cost  825.  A  catalogue  was  also  published 
in  October,  1856,  64  pages  12ino. ;  cost  8130  for  1500  copies.  One 
cent  per  day  is  the  penalty  to  be  paid  for  keeping  a  book  more  than  two 
weeks.  The  librarian  receives  a  salary  of  850  per  annum.  400  volumes 
are  added  yearly.  Annual  cost  of  support,  8500.  During  the  last  five 
years  81800  were  expended  for  books.  During  1856,  12,000  volumes 
were  taken  out  by  904  persons.  All  the  books  are  in  English.  The 
public  interest  in  the  library  is  shown  by  the  following  extract  from  the 
Report  for  1855: 

"  The  eagerness  with  which  books  are  called  for,  in  the  hours  when 
the  library  is  open,  prevents  many  females  from  mingling  in  the  crowd, 
and  complaint  is  made  by  them  that  they  cannot  obtain  books,  as  they 
would,  if  better  facility  was  afforded.  We  recommend,  therefore,  that 
an  hour  on  some  day  in  the  week  be  appointed  for  the  delivery  of  books 
to  such  females  as  choose  not  to  call  at  the  usual  times  of  opening  the 
library. 

"We  regret  to  feel  it  proper  to  state  that,  on  some  occasions,  it  was 
deemed  expedient  by  the  librarian  to  have  a  police  officer  present  to 
enforce  order  during  the  delivery  of  books." 


NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  209 

GILMANTON. 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.     (1856.)     3421  vols. 

This  Seminary  had  its  origin  in  Gilrnanton  Academy,  which  was  in 
corporated  June  14,  1794.  It  is  ordained  that  "the  President  and 
every  Professor  in  this  Seminary,  shall  be  a  Master  of  Arts,  an  ordained 
minister  of  the  Gospel,  of  the  Congregational  or  Presbyterian  order,  and 
sustain  the  character  of  a  sober,  honest,  learned,  and  pious  man.  He 
shall,  moreover,  be  a  man  of  sound  and  orthodox  doctrines,  drawn  from  the 
Scriptures,  and  expressed  in  the  Cambridge  and  Saybrook  platforms,  and 
in  the  Westminster  Assembly's  Catechism,  and  more  concisely  delineated 
in  the  Constitution  of  this  Seminary.  And,  in  order  to  prevent  any  per 
version  of  the  sentiments  here  maintained,  the  Creed  or  Declaration, 
taken  and  subscribed  by  the  president  and  each  professor,  at  his  inaugu 
ration,  shall  be  repeated  and  subscribed  anew,  in  the  presence  of  the 
trustees,  at  the  expiration  of  every  succeeding  five  years ;  and  no  man 
shall  be  continued  president  or  professor,  who  shall  not  continue  to 
approve  himself  a  man  of  sound  and  orthodox  principles  in  theology, 
agreeably  to  the  aforesaid  creed."  The  reading-room  is  well  supplied. 
A  SOCIETY  or  INQUIRY,  respecting  Missions,  a  RHETORICAL  SOCIETY, 
and  a  SACRED  MUSICAL  SOCIETY,  have  been  formed,  and  are  collecting 
libraries.  Some  collections  have  been  made  for  a  museum. 


GEEAT  FALLS. 

MANUFACTURERS'  AND  VILLAGE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)      3510  vols. 

Founded  in  1841,  by  the  Great  Falls  Manufacturing  Company,  which 
makes  an  annual  donation  of  $100  to  the  library.  The  balance  is  raised 
by  taxes  and  fees  for  the  use  of  books.  The  stockholders  choose  annu 
ally  five  directors,  who  have  the  management  of  the  library.  The 
receipts  in  1854  were  $245  28;  expenditures  for  books,  $204  07;  bind 
ing,  $9  50;  incidentals,  $15  63.  Annual  cost  of  support,  $58.  During 
the  last  five  years,  $1000  were  expended  for  books.  Proprietors  and 
subscribers  pay  $1  per  annum,  for  the  use  of  the  library ;  females,  in 
the  employment  of  the  Manufacturing  Company,  50  cents ;  clergymen 
and  public  school  teachers,  free.  The  library  is  open  every  Saturday 
evening.  During  the  year  1854,  5000  books  were  lent  to  154  persons; 

14 


210  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

during  1856,  4810  volumes  to  160  persons.  All  the  books  are  in 
English.  Works  of  fiction  are  most  read.  A  catalogue  of  14  pages 
Svo.  was  issued  in  1847,  and  yearly  supplements  are  printed.  In  1856, 
a  catalogue  of  104  pages  Svo.  was  printed,  at  a  cost  of  8104  for  500 
copies.  The  North  American  Review  is  the  only  periodical  taken. 


GrROTOtf, 

PUBLIC  LIBRARY.     (1855.)     800  vols. 

Founded  at  the  suggestion  and  aided  by  the  munificence  of  the  late 
Hon.  Abbott  Lawrence. 

Open  every  Saturday  from  9  to  12  A.M.  and  1  to  3  P.M. 
A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1855,  26  pages  Svo. 


HANOVER. 

DARTMOUTH  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     14,423  vols. 

The  College  was  founded  in  1769.  There  are  three  libraries  accessible 
to  the  students  beside  the  Medical  Library  and  the  library  of  the  Northern 
Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences.  An  annual  appropriation  is  made  for 
the  increase  of  the  College  library.  The  number  of  books  in  the  dif 
ferent  libraries  connected  with  the  College,  is  as  follows : 

1855.  1856.  1S57. 

College  Library  (exclusive  of  pamphlets),  about .         .  13.350  14,050  14,423 

Social  Friends' Library,         .         .          .        '.          .          .  7,213  7,250  7,933 

United  Fraternity's  Library, 7,200  7,300  7,818 

Society  of  Inquiry's  Library,         .....  500  500  500 

Philotechnic  Society's  Library  (Chandler  School).         .  300  300  540 

Medical  Library, 1,200  1,200  1,200 

Northern  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences,     .         .         .  1,300  1,300  1,300 

Total, 31,003     31,900     33,714 

The  College  has  a  number  of  portraits  in  oil,  among  which  is  one  of 
the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  a  copy  of  the  original  by  Sir  Joshua  Reynolds, 
and  a  donation  of  the  present  Earl ;  a  portrait  of  Daniel  Webster,  of 
Jeremiah  Smith,  Jeremiah  Mason,  Francis  Hopkinson;  a  full-length 


NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  211 

portrait  of  Elcazcr  Wheelock,  the  first  president  of  the  College  ;  of  John 
Phillips,  of  Exeter,  also  full  length;  of  Samuel  Appleton,  Charles 
Marsh,  &c.  The  library  contains  some  rare  and  valuable  works. 

In  addition  to  the  usual  apparatus  for  illustrating  the  several  branches 
of  physical  science,  the  College  is  furnished  with  the  best  instruments 
used  in  practical  surveying  and  engineering. 

Through  the  munificence  of  the  late  George  C.  Shattuck,  LL.D.,  an 
elegant  building  has  been  erected  for  an  astronomical  observatory,  and 
furnished  with  the  requisite  instruments  and  books. 

The  Hall  cabinet,  presented  by  the  late  Prof.  Frederick  Hall,  LL.D., 
of  Washington,  I).  C.,  contains  a  large  collection  of  specimens  of  rocks, 
minerals,  and  fossils,  American  and  foreign. 


ATHENAEUM  OF  THE  UNITED  FRATERNITY  (DARTMOUTH 
COLLEGE).     (1857.)     T818  vols. 

Instituted  in  1786.  Incorporated  July  6,  1827.  •  Receipts  during 
1854,  8938  46;  expenditures  for  binding,  $30;  periodicals,  830;  salary 
of  librarian,  870;  assistants,  $50;  executive  committee,  840;  inci 
dentals,  850. 

All  the  members  of  the  College  faculty,  graduated  members  of  the 
Society,  and  the  Society  of  Social  Friends,  honorary  members,  and 
under-graduates,  are  entitled  to  use  the  library,  which  is  open  an  hour 
every  day.  The  initiation  fee  is  85.  7000  volumes  were  lent  during 
1854,  to  350  persons.  6800  volumes  are  in  the  English  language,  270 
French,  20  Spanish,  30  other  modern  languages,  50  Latin,  30  Greek. 

The  last  catalogue  was  printed  in  1852,  168  pages ;  500  copies  cost 
8185.  Supplements  were  issued  in  1853,  of  24  pages;  and,  in  1854, 
of  12  pages. 

Of  the  7200  volumes  in  the  library,  500  were  purchased,  all  the 
rest  being  donations.  Twelve  periodicals  are  taken.  225  volumes  are 
added  yearly.  Cost  of  support,  8150  per  annum.  During  the  last  five 
years,  8500  have  been  expended  for  books. 


SOCIAL  FRIENDS'  LIBRARY  (DARTMOUTH  COLLEGE). 

(1857.)     7933  vols. 

Founded  in  1783.  Chartered  in  1826.  Receipts  during  1856,  8960; 
expended  for  books,  8105;  binding,  850;  periodicals,  840;  salaries, 
8120 ;  incidentals,  $700. 


212  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

Students,  by  payment  of  taxes,  may  take  out  books.  Freshmen  and 
sophomores,  two  books  each;  juniors,  three;  seniors,  graduates,  and 
honorary  members,  four;  faculty,  ad  libitum.. 

The  library  is  open  daily  from  1  to  2  P.M.  The  number  of  volumes 
taken  out  was  40,000,  to  225  persons. 

G760  volumes  are  in  English,  200  French,  120  German,  50  Spanish, 
30  other  modern  languages,  200  Latin,  100  Greek,  25  Hebrew,  15 
Oriental.  11  reviews,  &cv  are  taken. 

A  catalogue  of  136  pages  8vo.  was  printed  in  1841 ;  another  of  150 
pncres,  in  1857,  at  a  cost  of  S300  for  COO  copies.  250  volumes  are 
added  yearly.  Annual  cost  of  support,  8250.  During  the  last  five 
years,  $950  were  expended  for  books. 


NORTHERN  ACADEMY  OF  ARTS  AND  SCIENCES. 
(1857.)     1300  vols. 

This  Society  was  formed  June  24,  1841,  and  is  composed  of  the  pro 
fessors  of  Dartmouth  College  and  a  few  other  gentlemen  in  the  vicinity. 
It  has  800  unbound  volumes  of  pamphlets,  &c.,  partially  arranged;  also 
700  unbound  volumes  of  newspapers.  This  collection  also  contains  some 
valuable  private  papers,  among  which  are  a  meteorological  journal  kept 
by  Mr.  John  Farmer,  of  Concord,  New  Hampshire,  from  1813  to 
1830;  Governor  Bartlett's  correspondence  from  1774  to  1794;  also  a 
MS.  journal  of  the  weather,  kept  by  Eleazer  Russell,  Esq.,  of  Ports 
mouth,  New  Hampshire.  Efforts  were  early  made  to  procure  for  the 
library  complete  sets  of  the  first  newspapers  printed  in  that  part  of  the 
country.  Spooner's  Journal,  published  at  Hanover,  by  Judah  C.  Spooner 
and  Timothy  Greene,  in  1771,  and  from  February,  1781,  at  Westmin 
ster  and  "Windsor,  Vermont,  is  nearly  complete.  This  paper  is  extremely 
valuable,  as  it  was  published  at  the  time  of  the  American  Revolution, 
and  was  the  first  periodical  issued  in  that  part  of  the  country,  and  con 
sequently  contains  much  of  its  early  history.  Complete  sets  of  the  Ver 
mont  Chronicle,  the  Boston  Recorder,  and  the  Dartmouth  Gazette,  are 
also  contained  in  the  library. — Sec  American  Quarterly  Rc<jistery  No- 


vemler,  1842. 


MANCHESTER. 

MANCHESTER  CITY  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     4794  vols. 
Instituted  February  19,  1844,  as  the  Manchester  Athenaeum,  by  an 


NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  213 

association  of  the  citizens  of  Manchester,  and  transferred  by  them  to 
the  City  as  the  basis  of  a  free  public  library,  on  certain  conditions  and 
limitations,  and  the  name  changed,  September  6,  1854. 

It  is  supported  by  the  City,  and  governed  by  a  board  of  nine  trustees, 
seven  of  whom  were  designated  by  the  Athenaeum,  holding  office  seven 
years,  the  term  of  office  of  one  expiring  each  year. 

The  number  of  volumes  in  1854,  was  about  4307.  The  library  was 
totally  destroyed  by  fire,  with  all  its  records,  February  5,  1850;  it  then 
contained  5446  volumes.  It  has  since  been  re-established,  and  now 
contains  about  4794  volumes. 

It  is  impossible  to  state  the  amount  expended  for  books  from  1851 
to  1854,  probably  about  $150  a  year.  Since  September,  1854,  81000 
per  year. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library  since  1854, 
about  800. 

Number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers  in  1855, 17,640;  in  1856, 17,794. 
Accounts  are  not  made  up  for  1857,  but  it  will  amount  to  20,000  or  more. 

The  receipts  from  May,  1854,  to  February,  1855,  were  $1339  37 ; 
and  expenditures  for  books,  $399  25;  binding,  $48  79;  periodicals, 
$58  19;  salaries,  $156  36;  incidentals,  $559  39. 

All  residents  of  Manchester,  and  such  others  as  are  permitted  specially 
by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  and  also  the  shareholders  of  the  Manchester 
Athenaeum,  are  entitled  to  use  the  library  free  of  charge.  The  books 
are  classified  by  subjects.  The  library  is  open  every  day  from  9  A.  M. 
to  9  P.M.  for  reference,  and  from  2  to  9  P.M.  for  circulation.  There  is 
1  French,  1  Anglo-Saxon,  1  Gaelic,  and  1  Irish  book,  in  the  library, 
besides  5310  English  works. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1853,  of  112  pages  8vo.,  300  copies  cost 
$164  25;  and  a  supplement  in  1855,  of  37  pages  8vo.,  300  copies  cost 
$24. 

25  reviews  and  magazines  and  11  newspapers,  are  taken. 

The  librarian  receives  a  salary  of  $300  per  annum. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1855.)     100  vols. 

Organized  March  17th,  1854.  The  receipts  for  the  Association, 
during  1854,  were  $635  50  ;  expenditures,  $579  29 ;  but  little,  if  any, 
of  this,  however,  has  been  for  the  library.  The  annual  fee  for  young 
men  is  $1 ;  for  ladies,  50  cents. 


214  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

This  Association  had  164  members,  in  1854.  It  has  pleasant  rooms, 
beautifully  fitted  up.  10  quarterly  reviews,  9  monthly  magazines,  18 
•weekly  journals,  and  4  dailies  are  regularly  received.  Lectures  are  given 
every  winter.  The  financial  result  of  the  first  course  was  as  follows  : 
Whole  amount  of  receipts,  $200  11.  Amount  paid  to  lecturers,  $107. 
Incidental  expenditures,  $126  72 ;  total,  $293  72. 


MERIDEN. 

KIMBALL  UNION  ACADEMY.     (1855.)     2000  Vols. 

Founded  in  1815.  Receipts  in  1854,  9300,  which  were  all  expended 
for  books.  The  books  are  arranged  by  size ;  and  the  library  is  open 
once  a  week,  for  the  use  of  the  teachers  and  students  of  the  Academy. 
In  addition  to  the  Academy  library  of  2000  volumes,  there  is  a  well- 
selected  library  of  1000  volumes  connected  with  a  literary  society  in  the 
school.  There  is  also  a  valuable  mineraloeical  cabinet. 


PHILADELPHIAN  SOCIETY.     (1855.)     1000  vols. 

This  Society  is  composed  of  pupils  belonging  to  the  Kimball  Union 
Academy,  and  its  library,  having  been  just  commenced,  is  small.  A 
catalogue  of  16  pages  8vo.  was  printed  in  1854. 


NEW  HAMPTON. 

LITERARY  ADELPHI.     (1855.)     1000  vols. 

Founded  in  1827.  Incorporated  in  1829.  A  supplemental  act  was 
passed,  in  1853,  granting  the  power  to  the  Association  to  hold  property 
to  the  amount  of  $5000.  It  was  formed  in  connection  with  the  New 
Hampton  Academical  and  Theological  Institution,  which  was  removed 
to  Fairfax,  Vermont,  in  1852.  The  Society,  by  a  unanimous  vote, 
decided  to  remain,  however,  and  give  their  support  to  the  new  school, 
the  LITERARY  AND  BIBLICAL  INSTITUTION,  which  sprang  up  to  fill  the 
place  of  the  one  which  had  removed. 

The  Society  have  a  beautiful  and  elegantly  fitted  room  in  "Randall 
Hall,"  where  their  library  and  cabinet,  both  constantly  increasing,  are 
daily  open  to  the  members.  "No  person  is  allowed  to  take  out  more 


NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  215 

than  four  hundred  pages  at  any  one  time;  unless  contained  in  one  book." 
1004  volumes  were  lent,  during  1854,  to  335  persons.  Receipts  during 
1854,  $345;  expenditures  for  books,  $36  34;  binding,  $25  73;  perio 
dicals,  §25;  incidentals,  $248.  13  newspapers  and  magazines  are 
taken. 

SOCIETY  OF  THEOLOGICAL  RESEARCH.     (1856.)     800  vols. 

Founded  January  3d,  1855.  Open  every  Wednesday  and  Saturday, 
from  2  to  4  P.M.  This  library  is  connected  with  the  Biblical  School  of 
the  Free-will  Baptist  denomination.  During  1856,  8200  were  expended 
for  books. 


NEW  IPSWICH. 

APPLETON  ACADEMY.     (1857.)     800  vols. 

Incorporated  June  18,  1789.  Receipts  during  1854,  $200.  The 
institution  has  just  erected  a  new  building  for  the  reception  of  the  library 
and  cabinet.  The  latter  consists  of  several  thousand  specimens  in  mine 
ralogy,  conchology,  &c.,  and  was  presented  by  Dr.  A.  A.  Gould,  of 
Boston.  This  Academy  was  originally  called  the  New  Ipswich,  but 
was  changed  to  its  present  title  in  consideration  of  the  repeated  liberal 
donations  of  the  Appleton  family ;  particularly  Samuel  Appleton,  from 
whom  it  has  recently  received  nearly  $30,000. 


PORTSMOUTH. 

ATHENAEUM.     (1857.)     8252  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1817.  Yearly  increase,  200  volumes.  Annual  cost 
of  support,  $200.  During  the  last  five  years,  $494  were  expended  for 
books.  The  building  now  occupied  by  the  Athenaeum  was  purchased 
for  $7500 ;  it  is  of  brick,  with  slated  roof,  three  stories  high ;  the  first 
story  is  used  as  a  reading  and  newspaper  room ;  the  second  is  the  library, 
and  the  third  a  museum  and  cabinet.  The  books  are  arranged  on  the 
shelves  according  to  subjects.  A  shelf-catalogue  is  prepared,  contain 
ing  the  titles  of  the  books  as  they  stand  upon  the  shelves;  by  this  the 
library  is  annually  examined.  A  "  Catalogue  of  Books  in  the  Portsmouth 


216  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

Athenaeum,  to  which  are  added  the  By-laws  of  the  Institution,  and  a  List 
of  its  Proprietors,"  108  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  at  Portsmouth,  in  May, 
1833  ;  at  that  time  the  library  contained  between  4000  and  5000  volumes. 
A  "  Catalogue  of  Books  added  to  the  Library  of  Portsmouth  Athenaeum, 
from  May,  1833,  to  January,  1839,"  was  published  at  Portsmouth,  in 
1839,  31  pages  8vo.;  at  that  time  the  library  contained  5300  volumes. 
This  catalogue  is  alphabetical ;  the  titles  are  recorded  under  the  names 
of  authors,  with  cross-references  from  subjects  to  authors — the  subjects 
and  authors  being  arranged  in  one  alphabet.  This  is  a  very  convenient 
way  in  a  small  library.  Another  "  Catalogue  of  Books  in  the  Portsmouth 
Athenreum,  to  which  are  added  the  By-laws  of  the  Institution,  and  a  List 
of  its  Proprietors,"  192  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  January  1,  1849,  at 
Portsmouth.  This  catalogue  is  upon  the  same  plan  as  the  preceding. 
From  a  note  (p.  12)  we  take  the  following  facts  respecting  the  history 
of  the  institution  :  "In  1829,  John  Fisher,  Esq.,  of  London,  gave  his 
library,  in  this  town,  amounting  to  nearly  300  valuable  volumes,  to  the 
Athenaeum.  In  February,  1830,  James  Edward  Sheafe  bequeathed 
81000  to  the  Athenaeum,  which  sum  was  invested  in  the  purchase  of 
books  for  the  library.  In  October,  1843,  Horace  Appleton  Haven 
bequeathed  82000  to  the  Athenrcum,  one  moiety  for  the  purchase  of 
books,  and  the  other  for  the  preservation  of  the  library.  These  sums 
have  been  invested  accordingly." 

In  the  departments  of  English  and  American  history,  it  is  quite  full. 
It  has  also  a  fine  collection  of  voyages  and  travels,  and  of  works  on  natural 
history,  besides  many  valuable  works  on  architecture  and  ship-building. 
It  has,  in  its  collection,  the  original  letters  addressed  to  General  Sullivan, 
during  the  Revolutionary  War;  and,  upon  the  walls  of  the  reading-room, 
hang  original  portraits  of  Sir  William  Pepperel,  Sir  Charles  Knowles, 
Sir  Richard  Spry,  and  Commodore  Warren,  all  well  known  for  their 
connection  with  the  early  history  of  the  State.  The  Athenceum  is 
owned  in  a  hundred  shares,  at  $100  each,  the  institution  having  the 
right  of  pre-emption,  at  half  the  value  of  the  shares ;  thus,  by  the  sale 
of  shares,  it  has  an  income.  Members  are  required  to  be  proprietors  of 
shares;  but  persons  not  shareholders,  on  the  payment  of  86  per  annum, 
may  make  use  of  the  library  and  reading-room,  but  are  not  allowed  to 
remove  books  therefrom.  The  institution  is  open  every  day,  from  sun 
rise  till  10  P.M.,  and  is  much  frequented  by  the  citizens  of  Portsmouth, 


NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  217 


MERCANTILE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1293  vols. 

Founded  March,  1852.  Incorporated  July  27,  1855.  A  catalogue 
of  47  pages  12mo.  was  printed  in  1856.  The  average  annual  increase 
is  about  250  volumes.  During  the  last  five  years,  8450  were  expended 
for  books. 

The  library  is  open  an  hour  every  Friday  and  Saturday  evening. 

During  1856,  430  books  were  lent  to  73  persons. 

Seven  reviews  and  thirty-two  papers  are  taken. 


SOUTH  PARISH  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     746  vols. 

Founded  by  the  trustees  of  the  South  Church  Charity  Fund,  in  1820. 
It  is  supported  by  appropriations  from  the  Church  fund  for  religious 
purposes,  by  parish  contributions,  and  by  individual  donations.  The 
receipts  during  1854,  were  $35 ;  and  expenditures  for  books,  $18  ;  bind 
ing,  $1 ;  periodicals,  $4  ;  salaries,  $12.  During  the  last  five  years,  $60 
were  expended  for  books.  Members  of  the  Society  are  entitled  to  use 
the  library  free  of  charge.  It  is  open  every  "Wednesday  evening.  The 
books  are  arranged  according  to  size  and  convenience.  181  volumes 
were  lent  during  1854,  to  49  persons. 

An  alphabetical  catalogue,  of  20  pages  12mo.,  was  printed  in  1840, 
at  a  cost  of  $13  for  300  copies. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1856.)     540  vols. 

Founded  in  December,  1852.  The  library  is  supported  by  donations, 
and  by  such  appropriations  as  the  Association  makes  from  time  to  time. 
It  is  in  charge  of  a  library  committee  of  four  persons,  including  the 
librarian,  elected  annually,  whose  duty  it  is  to  purchase  all  books  ordered 
by  the  Association. 

A  catalogue  was  published  in  1856,  24  pages  12mo. ;  400  copies  cost 
$18.  Expenditures  during  1854,  for  books,  $40;  periodicals,  $1  50; 
incidentals,  $10.  Total,  $51  50.  During  1856,  $60  were  expended  for 
books. 

The  books  are  lent  to  members  every  Wednesday  evening.  Four 
monthly  and  nine  weekly  periodicals  are  taken.  The  number  of  mem 
bers  is,  at  present,  about  70.  It  holds  a  prayer-meeting  on  Sabbath 
afternoons,  at  the  close  of  the  services  of  the  several  churches.  These 


218  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

meetings  have  been  of  interest  to  those  attending  them.  The  several 
churches  of  the  city  maintain  Sabbath-schools,  well  occupying  the  field, 
and  leaving  no  room  for  labor  in  this  sphere. 


SALMON  FALLS. 

LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (185G.)     983  vols. 

Founded  in  1846,  by  an  association  of  citizens.  The  receipts  for 
1854  were  $134  43  ;  expenditures  for  books,  870  12 ;  binding,  $5  58  ; 
salaries,  $18;  incidentals,  $7  89.  Receipts,  $51  32;  expenditures  for 
books,  $55 ;  binding,  34 ;  salaries,  $6 ;  incidentals,  $7  50. 

Members  pay  an  initiation  fee  of  50  cents,  and  a  tax  of  50  cents  per 
annum.  Subscribers  pay  $1  per  annum. 

The  library  is  open  one  evening  a  week,  and  the  books  are  arranged 
according  to  size.  3249  volumes  were  lent  during  1854,  charged  to 
154  persons;  3210  in  1855,  to  120  persons. 

A  catalogue  of  16  pages  16nio.,  500  copies,  was  printed  at  a  cost  of 
89  50. 


UNION. 

UNION  VILLAGE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     202  vols. 

Founded  in  1854.  Receipts  during  1856,  $125;  expenditures  for 
books,  893  53.  The  price  of  shares  is  83.  Open  every  Saturday  for 
delivery  of  books,  but  accessible  at  all  times  to  the  public. 

Salary  of  the  librarian,  $10. 


WAKEFIELD. 

WAKEFIELD  AND  BROOKFIELI)  UNION  LIBRARY. 

(1857.)     550  vols. 

Founded  February  6,  1797,  by  a  number  of  the  citizens  of  Wake- 
field.  David  Copp,  Esq.,  was  first  moderator  of  the  Society.  Rev. 
Asa  Piper,  librarian. 


NEW   JERSEY.  219 

Receipts  during  1854,  §7;  expenditures  for  binding,  $2;  periodicals, 
$5.  About  $40  have  been  expended  for  books  during  the  last  five  years. 

The  books  are  placed  in  cases  without  arrangement,  and  are  accessible 
at  all  times  to  the  stockholders,  who  pay  an  annual  tax  of  not  less  than 
25  cents  a  share.  About  60  volumes  have  been  lost  during  the  last  60 
years.  One  review  is  taken, — The  North  American. 


NEW  JERSEY. 

BURLINGTON. 

BURLINGTON  COLLEGE.     (1853.)     1300  vols. 

Founded  A.D.  1846.  No  catalogue  has  been  printed.  The  library 
is  open  daily  from  3  to  4  P.M.  Books  are  freely  lent,  mostly  to  students, 
to  be  returned  in  a  week. 

GREENWICH. 

f 

GREENWICH  LIBRARY. 

This  library  was  instituted  about  the  year  1806,  by  the  Presbyterians 
and  Quakers.  It  is  now  flourishing,  and  promises  to  be  permanent. 

MORRISTOWN. 

MORRIS  INSTITUTE  AND  APPRENTICES'  LIBRARY. 
(1855.)     1500  vols. 

Founded  in  1812.  The  Apprentices'  Library  was  instituted  June  16, 
1848.  The  capital  stock  is  S1500,  divided  into  shares  of  $3  each. 
Each  shareholder  and  subscriber  is  subject  to  a  yearly  assessment  of  $1. 
Apprentices  pay  25  cents  a  year.  The  reading-room  is  free  to  all. 
During  1854,  the  receipts  were  $378  50 ;  of  which,  $5  were  expended 
for  books,  $1  75  for  binding,  $34  25  for  periodicals,  $100  for  salaries. 


220  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

The  library  is  open  from  7  to  9,  five  evenings  in  the  week.    540  volumes 
were  lent  out  during  1855,  to  64  persons. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1850,  14  pages  12mo. 


NEWARK. 

NEWARK  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     7000  vols. 

"On  the  23d  of  October,  1846,  a  committee,  appointed  at  a  previous 
meeting  to  prepare  a  plan  for  a  public  library,  having  been  called  upon 
to  report,  presented  the  plan  from  which  the  Newark  Library  Associa 
tion  originated.  The  foundation  of  the  Association  was  to  be  a  joint- 
stock,  the  shares  825  each;  and  the  committee  recommended,  that 
subscriptions  should  be  obtained  for  at  least  600  shares,  but  that  the 
Association  should  commence  operations  so  soon  as  400  shares  were 
subscribed. 

"  On  the  25th  of  November,  the  people  were  called  together  again,  and 
told  that,  notwithstanding  the  most  patient  and  persevering  labor  on  the 
part  of  those  authorized  to  collect  subscriptions,  only  360  shares  of  stock 
had  been  subscribed  for;  and  that,  within  a  week,  the  project  of  a 
public  library  must  be  abandoned,  unless  there  were  individuals  willing 
to  come  forward  and  subscribe  for  the  remaining  shares.  The  appeal  of 
the  committee  was  sustained  by  a  number  of  eloquent  speeches  j  and 
near  the  close  of  the  meeting,  it  was  announced  that  the  subscriptions 
had  reached  424  shares.  The  success  of  the  enterprise  was  now  beyond 
a  doubt.  The  committee  for  obtaining  subscriptions  was  enlarged,  and 
by  the  16th  of  December,  the  600  shares  were  all  taken. 

"  The  first  meeting  of  the  first  Board  of  Directors  was  held  on  the  7th 
of  January,  1847.  With  as  little  delay  as  possible,  an  eligible  site  was 
procured,  and  the  foundation  of  an  edifice,  adapted  to  the  wants  of  the 
Association,  was  laid.  The  main  edifice,  having  a  front  on  Market  Street 
of  51  feet,  and  being  51  feet  deep,  is  three  stories  high.  The  lower 
story  and  basements  are  occupied  as  stores.  The  second  story  is  appro 
priated  to  the  library  and  reading-rooms ;  and  the  third  is  used  by  the 
New  Jersey  Historical  Society,  as  a  depository  for  their  valuable  collec 
tions,  and  by  the  Board  of  Education  of  the  city.  There  is  a  rear 
building,  connected  with  the  main  edifice,  51  feet  wide  by  65  feet  deep, 
on  the  lower  floor  of  which  is  the  hall  of  the  Association,  exceedingly 
well  arranged  for  concerts  or  lectures.  In  the  second  story  are  several 


NEW   JERSEY.  221 

offices  and  a  large  hall,  originally  intended  for  the  New  Jersey  Art 
Union,  and  now  occupied  by  the  New  Jersey  Natural  History  Society 
and  the  Newark  Young  Men's  Christian  Association. 

"  The  cost  of  the  real  estate,  which  is  considerably  below  its  value  at 
the  present  time,  was  $23,283  40.  During  the  year  1848,  the  building 
was  completed,  and  1900  volumes  were  placed  upon  the  shelves  of  the 
library.  But  the  success  of  the  enterprise  required  a  larger  sum  of 
money  than  had  been  subscribed,  and  a  loan  of  $8000  was  accordingly 
obtained  by  mortgaging  the  real  estate. 

"During  the  third  year,  1400  volumes  were  added  to  the  library;  and 
the  following  year  the  whole  number  was  increased  to  3807. 

C(  In  consequence  of  the  withdrawal  of  a  portion  of  the  revenue  for 
requisite  repairs  and  improvements  to  the  building,  the  number  of  vo 
lumes  added  during  the  fifth  year,  was  only  173.  For  similar  reasons, 
only  193  volumes  were  added  during  the  sixth  year.  At  the  close  of 
the  seventh  year,  the  total  number  reached  4543,  being  an  increase  of 
370  volumes.  During  the  eighth  year,  this  number  was  raised  to  5028  ; 
and  during  the  ninth  year,  to  5408. 

"  Throughout  all  this  period,  the  Association  sustained  itself  in  a 
creditable  manner,  and  continued  to  exert  a  great  and  healthful  in 
fluence.  By  reason,  however,  of  the  heavy  debt  under  which  it  labored, 
the  means  of  extending  its  usefulness  were  slowly  acquired. 

"  On  entering  the  tenth  year  of  its  existence,  the  Board  of  Directors, 
several  of  whom  were  among  its  most  zealous  founders,  determined  to 
make  a  strong  effort  to  remove  its  embarrassment;  and  accordingly 
adopted  a  resolution  to  increase  the  capital  stock  sufficiently  to  pay  off 
the  debt  of  88000.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  solicit  subscriptions; 
and  by  the  middle  of  the  year,  368  shares,  amounting  to  89200,  were 
sold  and  paid  for.  The  Association,  thus  relieved  from  a  heavy  debt, 
has  been  recently  enabled  to  make  many  valuable  improvements  in  its 
rooms,  to  add  to  the  number  of  its  periodicals,  and  to  increase  its  library 
to  nearly  7000  volumes ;  and  it  is  anticipated  that  its  additional  re 
sources  will  hereafter  admit  of  the  purchase  of  from  500  to  1000  volumes 
annually." — Report. 

The  receipts  during  1854,  were  82834  63 ;  of  which,  $473  81  were 
expended  for  books.  The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  $900. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1856,  the  number  of  full  subscribers  was  213, 
minor  subscribers,  287.  Of  the  300  among  whom  the  shares  are  dis 
tributed,  only  87  drew  books  during  the  year. 


PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


The    capital    now  consists   of  725  shares  of  $25    each, 
amounting  to,  ....... 

And  the  mortgage  debt  to,      ...... 

Making  together,          ....... 

Which  sum  is  represented  by — 

Real  estate  (cost),    ..... 


$18,125 

8.000 

$20,125 


Library  (cost),  .... 
Bills  receivable,  .  .  '  . 

Furniture  (cost),  .... 
Rents  due  January  1st,  not  collected, 
Cash  on  hand,  .... 


$23,283  40 
4,570  50 
88  50 
826  22 
300  00 
201   31 


Showing  an  excess  of  assets,    .... 

The  receipts  during  the  year  1855  were  as  follows  : 
From  rents,        ........ 

Annual  dues,     ........ 

Subscriptions,     ........ 

Fines,        ......... 

Other  sources,    ......          . 

Balance  on  hand  January  1st,  1855,    . 


29,835  99 
$3,210  99 


$1,906  00 

113  75 

338  78 

13  13 

4  75 

508  18 

Making  a  total  of, $2,939  54 

And  the  disbursements  were — 

For  books, .  $461   93 

Furniture,     .......... 

Salaries,        .......... 

Interest,        .......... 


8  00 

900  00 

480  00 

Insurance,    .          •          •          •          •          •          •          •          •          •          .  120  00 

Gas, 160  07 

Fuel,  repairs,  and  incidentals,         .          .          .          .          .          .  541   03 


Amounting  to,  . 

Leaving  in   the    treasury  $261   81; 


$2,078  28 

and  there  are  rents  uncollected 
amounting  to  over  8800 — more  than  sufficient  to  meet  all  outstanding 
claims  against  the  Association. 

The  library  building,  with  the  collections  of  the  Library  Association 
and  the  Historical  Society,  now  contains  the  finest  and  rarest  collections 
of  the  State,  and  in  proportion  to  its  size,  will  compare  favorably  with 
any  collection  in  the  country.  It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  they  are 
not  contained  in  a  fire-proof  building,  lest  the  collections  and  labors  of 
years  be  destroyed  in  an  hour's  time. 


NEW   JERSEY.  223 

Adults  are  charged  $2  per  annum;  minors,  61.  The  library  is  open 
every  day  from  10  A.M.  to  10  P.M.  During  1854,24,000  volumes  were 
taken  out  by  636  persons.  About  nineteen-twcnticths  of  the  books  read 
were  fiction  and  poetry.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1850,  with  a  sup 
plement  in  1852.  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  About  16 
periodicals  are  taken,  foreign  and  American.  The  yearly  increase  of 
the  library  is  from  500  to  1000  volumes.  During  the  last  five  years 
(1857)  $2919  72  were  expended  for  books. 


NEW  JERSEY  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     2194  vols. 

Founded  in  1845.  Annual  dues,  82.  The  library  is  principally  com 
posed  of  historical  and  biographical  works,  documents,  &c.,  and  is  used 
for  reference  entirely.  In  1857,  2093  volumes  were  in  English,  68 
French,  23  other  modern  languages,  and  10  Latin.  The  books  may  be 
classified  as  148  volumes  of  newspapers,  1021  history  and  biography, 
1025  documents,  laws,  &c.  The  Society  has  an  oil  portrait  of  General 
Peter  Schuyler;  also  one  of  Aaron  Burr. 

The  Society  has  published  four  volumes,  viz.  :  Whitehead's  East 
Jersey,  under  the  Proprietary  Government;  Duer's  Life  of  William 
Alexander,  Earl  of  Stirling;  Field's  Provincial  Courts  of  New  Jersey; 
and  the  Papers  of  Lewis  Morris,  Governor  of  the  Province  from  1738 
to  1746;  also  7  volumes  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  Society,  with  papers 
read  before  the  Society,  and  correspondence.  The  average  increase  of 
the  library  for  five  years,  is  130  volumes  and  246  pamphlets,  and  during 
that  time,  $195  41  were  expended  for  books.  The  report,  in  1857, 
states  that,  of  325  members,  52  are  for  life,  and  pay  nothing;  154  have 
neglected  or  declined  payment  for  five  years  past,  leaving  only  120  pay 
ing  members.  The  unpaid  dues  amount  to  nearly  $2000. 


NEW  BRUNSWICK, 

RUTGERS  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     12,000  vols. 

"  Rutgers  College,  in  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey,  is  emphatically 
the  child  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  North  America. 
Its  Trustees  were  originally  incorporated  by  Governor  William  Franklin, 
of  the  Province  of  New  Jersey,  on  the  20th  of  March,  1770,  in  the 


224  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

tenth  year  of  the  reign  of  King  George  III,  as  the  'Trustees  of  Queen's 
College,  in  New  Jersey/  at  the  request  of  certain  persons  'of  the  Re 
formed  Protestant  religion,  according  to  the  Constitution  of  the  Reformed 
Churches  in  the  United  Provinces,  and  using  the  discipline  of  the  said 
churches,  as  approved  and  instituted  by  the  National  Synod  of  Dort,  in 
the  years  1618  and  1619.'  The  charter  of  the  College  declared  its 
object  to  be,  'to  promote  learning  for  the  benefit  of  the  community, 
and  advancement  of  the  Protestant  religion  of  all  denominations;  and 
more  especially  to  remove,  as  much  as  possible,  the  necessity  our  said 
loving  subjects  have  hitherto  been  under,  of  sending  their  youth 
intended  for  the  ministry,  to  a  foreign  country  for  education,  and  of 
being  subordinate  to  a  foreign  ecclesiastical  jurisdiction/  and  it  accord 
ingly  ordained  'that  there  be  a  college,  called  Queen's  College,  erected 
in  our  said  Province  of  New  Jersey,  for  the  education  of  youth  in  the 
learned  languages,  liberal  and  useful  arts  and  sciences,  and  especially 
in  divinity;  preparing  them  for  the  ministry,  and  other  good  offices.' 

"The  Trustees  of  Queen's  College  held  their  first  meeting  in  the 
year  1771,  at  Hackensack,  in  New  Jersey.  It  was  debated  whether 
the  institution  should  be  established  there  or  in  New  Brunswick,  and 
the  latter  place  was  chosen.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Jacob  R.  Hardenbergh,  of 
Rosendale,  afterwards  pastor  of  the  church  at  New  Brunswick,  and  a 
distinguished  scholar  and  divine,  was  elected  President,  and  John  Tay 
lor,  the  Revolutionary  patriot,  Professor  of  Languages.  The  College 
went  into  operation  at  once;  and  before  the  breaking  out  of  the  war, 
several  students  were  graduated.  Among  these  was  Simeon  De  Witt, 
who  soon  became  the  distinguished  Surveyor-General  of  the  United 
States,  and  afterwards  of  the  State  of  New  York.  His  original  diploma 
as  Bachelor  of  Arts,  dated  October,  1776,  signed  by  President  Harden 
bergh  and  several  of  the  Trustees,  and  bearing  the  seal  of  the  College, 
with  its  motto,  'Sol  Justitise  et  occidentem  illustra/  is  still  preserved 
among  the  archives.  In  a  note,  by  the  son  of  General  De  Witt,  it  is 
stated  that  Professor  Taylor  'also  drilled  the  students  as  a  military  com 
pany,  and  they  were  quite  expert  in  the  use  of  arms.  The  irruption  of 
the  British  troops  broke  up  the  College,  and  my  father  had  but  time  to 
take  his  knapsack  and  musket  and  retreat  to  Haekensack.  He  lost  his 
clothes  and  books,  which  were  in  the  College.'  Professor  Taylor  sub 
sequently  became  colonel  of  the  New  Jersey  State  Regiment.  But  that 
did  not  prevent  his  discharging,  also,  his  duties  to  the  College;  and  in 
a  letter  of  his  to  Governor  Livingston,  of  25th  September,  1779  (N.  J. 


NEW   JERSEY.  225 

Rev.  Cor.  p.  177),  lie  speaks  with  great  interest  of  'the  necessity  of  my 
attending  the  examination  of  the  students  of  Queen's  College/  and  that 
as  the  trustees  insist  upon  (my  fulfilling  my  engagements,  I  hope  I  shall 
be  discharged  from  the  regiment  as  soon  as  possible/ 

"In  spite  of  the  difficulties  and  interruptions  resulting  from  the  Re 
volutionary  War,  Queen's  College  continued  in  operation.  President 
Hardenbergh  having  died  in  his  office  in  1790,  Dr.  Livingston  was 
appointed  to  succeed  him,  but  he  declined,  at  that  time,  to  accept. 
The  next  year  the  Rev.  Dr.  Theodoric  Romeyn,  of  Schenectady,  was 
elected,  but  he  also  declined  the  office.  The  Rev.  Dr.  William  Linn, 
of  the  Collegiate  Church  of  New  York,  was  then  appointed,  and  acted 
as  President  pro  ttmpore,  as  also  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ira  Condict;  and  degrees 
were  conferred  upon  graduating  students  and  alumni  until  the  year 
1795. 

"The  exercises  of  the  College  wrere  then  suspended,  and  a  union  with 
the  College  at  Princeton  was  contemplated  by  some.  This  idea,  how 
ever,  was  soon  abandoned;  for  it  was  felt  that  a  union  would  be  nothing 
less  than  a  merging  of  Queen's  into  Nassau  Hall.  The  trustees  pre 
ferred  to  hold  their  charter,  and  wait  patiently  for  a  favorable  time  to 
revive  the  institution. 

"  In  1807,  they  accordingly  sent  a  memorial  to  the  General  Synod  of 
the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  in  which  they  proposed  to  form  a  union 
of  the  College  with  the  Theological  Professorate  then  held  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Livingston,  under  the  appointment  of  Synod.  They  engaged  to 
make  the  College  not  by  any  means  sectarian,  yet  to  some  extent  sub 
servient  to  one  of  the  great  ends  for  which  its  charter  had  been  obtained, 
namely,  that  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  (  might  be  properly  supplied 
with  an  able,  learned,  and  well-qualified  ministry/  It  was  agreed  that 
funds  should  be  raised  by  the  Trustees  for  the  support  of  the  Theo 
logical  Professor,  and  that  they  would  call  the  one  appointed  by  the 
Synod. 

"  Under  this  arrangement,  the  sum  of  820,000  was  raised ;  and  in 
1809,  the  foundations  of  the  present  College  edifice  were  laid.  The 
Rev.  Dr.  Livingston  was  also  appointed  president,  and  the  next  year 
he  removed  from  the  city  of  New  York,  and  established  his  residence  in 
New  Brunswick. 

"  In  1825,  it  was  judged  expedient  to  change  the  name  of  the  College. 
In  honor  of  Colonel  Henry  Rutgers,  of  New  York,  a  distinguished 
Revolutionary  patriot,  and  a  considerable  contributor  to  its  funds,  the 

15 


226  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

corporation  determined  that  the  College  should  thenceforth  bear  his 
name.  Accordingly,  at  the  request  of  the  Trustees,  the  Legislature  of 
New  Jersey,  on  the  30th  day  of  November,  1825,  passed  an  act  declar 
ing  that  the  name  of  Queen's  College  'be,  and  the  same  hereby  is 
changed  to  that  of  Rutgers  College/ 

"  The  libraries  of  the  College  and  literary  societies  embrace,  in  the 
aggregate,  about  12,000  volumes.  Each  student  may  have  access  to  the 
College  library  by  paying  the  annual  fees,  amounting  to  $1. 

"  The  libraries  of  the  literary  societies  are  accessible  to  the  members 
of  the  societies,  upon  compliance  with  such  laws  as  the  societies  respec 
tively  enact.'7 


NEWTON. 

NEWTON  COLLEGIATE  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     500  vols. 

"  Our  Institute  is  an  incorporated  academy.  The  act  of  incorporation 
was  passed  February  12th,  1852,  but  the  library  is  now  just  organized. 

"  There  was  a  Town  Lyceum  here,  some  years  since,  that  collected  a 
library  of  some  two  or  three  hundred  volumes,  but  it  had  fallen  into 
disuse,  and  was  fast  going  to  ruin.  Since  my  connection  with  this  Insti 
tute,  I  have  obtained  possession  of  it,  and,  by  donations  and  purchase, 
have  increased  the  number  to  500  volumes,  and  it  is  now  open  for  the 
use  of  the  members  of  the  Institute  and  the  citizens  of  the  town  gene 
rally.  I  am  about  calling  a  public  meeting  of  the  citizens,  to  adopt  a 
regular  system  for  its  permanence  and  increase." — J.  $.  Smith. 


PRINCETON, 

COLLEGE  OP  NEW  JERSEY.     (1855.)     10,144  vols. 

The  College  was  founded  in  1746.  The  library  was  commenced  in 
1755,  but  was  entirely  consumed  by  fire  in  1801.  It  now  contains 
10,144  volumes,  of  which,  6474  are  in  English,  1443  French,  399 
German,  27  Spanish,  155  other  modern  languages,  1180  Latin,  353 
Greek,  62  Hebrew,  51  Oriental.  During  1854, 1095  volumes  were  lent 
to  230  persons.  The  books  are  classified  by  subjects.  The  students 
pay  $2  a  year  for  the  use  of  the  library.  It  is  open  an  hour  every 
Monday  and  Tuesday. 


NEW   JERSEY.  227 

During  1854,  the  receipts  were  $463;  of  which,  $309  76  were  ex 
pended  for  books,  and  861  72  for  periodicals.  There  is  a  collection  of 
maps  and  also  of  medals  and  coins,  besides  over  8000  sulphurets, — fac 
similes  of  ancient  Roman  and  other  coins. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1760,  in  12mo. 


CLIOSOPHIC  SOCIETY  (COLLEGE  OF  NEW  JERSEY). 

(1855.)     4322  vols. 

Founded,  1765.  "As  this  Society  is  of  a  secret  nature,  no  informa 
tion  can  be  furnished."  It  has  a  handsome  building  erected  exclu 
sively  for  its  purposes  by  its  members. 


AMERICAN  WHIG  SOCIETY  (COLLEGE  OF  NEW  JERSEY). 

(1853.)     4500  vols. 

This  Society  has  erected  a  fine  building  for  its  own  use. 


THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.     (1855.)     14,000  vols. 

Founded  in  1812.  The  students  pay  $1  a  year  for  the  use  of  the 
library.  It  is  open  twice  in  the  week,  an  hour  each  time.  The  books 
are,  for  the  most  part,  arranged  by  subject.  During  1854,  about  130 
persons  took  books  out.  About  1000  volumes  are  added  annually.  The 
works  are  mostly  theological,  including  all  the  Polyglots  and  most  of  the 
Fathers,  besides  a  very  valuable  collection  of  about  1000  volumes  of 
bound  pamphlets,  collected  mostly  by  one  individual.  It  is  a  very  choice 
and  valuable  library. 

No  certain  sum  is  devoted  annually  to  the  purchase  of  books.  The 
average  annual  expenditure  would  not  exceed  $200.  On  one  occasion, 
a  private  library  was  purchased  for  about  $1000. 

A  beautiful  Gothic  building,  80  feet  by  50,  of  brown  stone,  has  been 
erected  by  the  liberality  of  a  single  individual.  The  floors  are  of  marble. 
The  roof  is  slated.  The  whole,  except  the  vestibule,  is  in  one  room, 
with  a  gallery.  There  are  alcoves  on  the  two  sides  of  the  room. 

TRENTON, 

STATE  LIBRARY  OF  NEW  JERSEY.     (1854.)     7787  vols. 
Founded  in  1804.     During  1854,  $190  were  expended  for  books; 


228  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

$70  for  binding;  $42  for  periodicals.  The  salary  of  the  librarian,  $200, 
is  paid  by  the  Legislature.  The  library  is  mainly  for  reference.  During 
1854,  1890  volumes  were  lent  to  about  378  persons. 

It  has  one  volume,  of  about  600  pages,  of  letters  in  manuscript,  most 
of  them  from  men  who  served  their  country  in  the  Revolution;  a  num 
ber  of  General  Washington's. 

There  is  an  annual  appropriation  of  $250  for  the  purchase  of  books. 
The  library  occupies  an  apartment  in  the  State  House.  Three  cata 
logues  have  been  printed  :  the  first  in  1838,  36  pages  8vo. ;  the  second 
in  1847,  37  pages  8vo. ;  the  last  in  1853. 

The  library  is  open  daily,  from  9  A.M.  to  6  P.M.,  during  the  sessions 
of  the  Legislature  and  the  State  Courts,  and  also  of  the  United  States 
Courts,  which  sit  at  Trenton.  The  persons  entitled  to  the  use  of  the 
books  are,  officers  of  the  Executive  department,  members  of  the  Legis 
lature,  and  members  of  the  New  Jersey  bar. 


WEST  HOBOKEN. 

WEST  HOBOKEN  LYCEUM  AND  LIBEAEY  ASSOCIATION. 
(1855.)     811  vols. 

Founded  April  5,  1852,  by  members  of  the  First  Ecclesiastical  So 
ciety,  of  West  Hobokcn.  Gentlemen  pay  $1  initiation,  and  82  annual 
fee;  ladies,  81  a  year.  The  receipts  during  1854  were  $61  51;  expen 
ditures  for  books,  $13  72;  periodicals,  $1  87;  incidentals,  $31  59. 
The  library  is  open  two  hours  every  Tuesday  and  Friday  evening. 
During  1854,  582  volumes  were  lent  to  26  persons;  of  which  novels 
formed  the  largest  number.  Four  periodicals  are  taken. 


NEW    YORK.  229 


NEW  YORK. 

ALBANY. 

ALBANY  ACADEMY. 

Incorporated  March  4, 1813,  at  the  instance  of  the  corporation  of  the 
city,  and  appropriate  grants  were  made  for  its  endowment.  The  build 
ing  was  commenced  in  1815,  and  completed  in  1817.  In  relation  to  this 
Academy,  Professor  Henry,  Secretary  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution, 
made  the  following  remarks  before  the  American  Association  for  the 
Advancement  of  Science,  which  held  its  sessions  in  its  walls,  in  August, 
1851  : 

"The  Albany  Academy,"  he  said,  "is  my  Alma  Mater 

The  Albany  Academy  was,  and  I  presume  still  is,  one  of  the  first,  if 
not  the  very  first  institution  of  its  kind  in  the  United  States.  Its  sys 
tem  of  education  is  more  extensive  and  more  thorough  than  many  col 
leges  in  our  country.  It  early  opposed  the  pernicious  maxim  in  educa 
tion,  that  a  child  should  be  taught  nothing  but  what  it  can  perfectly 
understand,  and  that  the  sole  object  of  instruction  is  to  teach  the  pupil 
to  think.  The  Albany  Academy  adopted  the  more  philosophical  maxim, 
that  the  child  should  first  be  taught  to  do;  that  art  should  precede 
science. " 

ALBANY  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     10,000  vols. 

It  was  formed  by  a  union  of  the  "  Society  for  the  Promotion  of  Use 
ful  Arts,"  and  the  "  Albany  Lyceum  of  Natural  History,"  on  5th  May, 
1824,  and  incorporated  27th  January,  1829.  The  yearly  dues  are  $2 
each,  and  initiation  fee,  $5.  llcccipts  during  1854,  8313. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1855,  354  pages  Svo.,  at  a  cost  of  $347 
for  300  copies.  The  books  are  arranged  alphabetically.  There  is  also  a 
museum  of  natural  history,  coins,  &c.  Three  volumes  of  transactions 
have  been  published  by  the  Institute. 

ALBANY  MEDICAL  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2474  vols. 
Founded  in  1845.     A  library  has  been  accumulated  from  funds  set 


230  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

apart  for  the  purchase  of  books,  and  by  the  donations  of  the  friends  of  the 
institution.  A  portion  of  this  library  is  appropriated  to  the  use  of  stu 
dents  during  the  lecture  term.  No  fee  is  charged  for  the  use  of  books, 
to  those  who  have  matriculated. 

The  library  is  open  one  hour  every  week.  "  The  books  are  arranged 
by  size  and  accident."  $800  were  expended  for  books  during  the  last 
five  years.  The  students  also  have  a  library. 


NEW  YORK  STATE  AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

(1857.)     2097  vols. 

Founded  in  1832.  Receipts  during  1856,  $184;  expenditures  for 
books,  $60;  binding,  $60;  periodicals,  $15  50;  incidentals,  $48  50. 

About  $300  have  been  expended  for  books  during  the  last  five  years. 
About  250  volumes  are  added  yearly.  The  library  is  free  to  members 
of  the  Society  and  strangers.  The  books  are  intended  to  be  arranged 
by  subjects.  The  library  is  open  all  week  days  (except  holidays)  from 
8  A.M.  to  6  P.M.  Fifteen  volumes  were  lent  in  1854,  to  four  persons. 
1763  volumes  are  in  English,  210  French,  25  German,  1  Spanish;  other 
modern  languages,  9. 

The  last  catalogue  was  printed  in  1850;  cost,  $3  50. 

The  collection  of  books  is  an  excellent  one,  containing  many  old, 
rare,  and  valuable  agricultural  works;  and  the  modern  ones,  as  they 
are  published,  are  secured.  The  library  is  much  used,  and  is  of  great 
advantage  to  members  of  the  Society  and  others. 

The  following  periodicals  arc  taken.  The  list  is  given  here,  as  it 
embraces  most  of  the  agricultural  journals  of  the  country,  and  will  be 
useful  to  others  desiring  to  procure  them. 

FOREIGN. 

Gardener's  Chronicle,  Weekly,    London. 
Mark  Lane  Express, 

North  British  Agriculturist,  Edinburgh. 

Farmer's  Magazine,  Monthly,   London. 

Journal  Chemico-Agricultural  Society,  "          Belfast. 

Journal  Royal  Agricultural  Society,  Quarterly,  London. 
Journal  Highland  and  Agricultural 

Society.  Edinburgh. 

Journal  Agriculture  Pratique,  Weekly,    Paris. 
Journal  La  Science  Pomologique, 


NEW   YORK. 


231 


Journal  Mensuel  des  Travaux,  &c.       Monthly,  Paris. 
Bulletin  de  la  Societe,  Imperial 

Zoologique, 
Staats  uncl  landwirthschaftliche  Aca- 


damie  Elclena, 


Quarterly,  Berlin. 


UNITED   STATES   AND    CANADA. 


Country  Gentleman,  Weekly, 

Rural  New  Yorker,  " 

Roman  Citizen, 

Sabbath  Recorder,  « 

Life  Illustrated,  « 

Saratoga  News, 

Saratoga  Republican, 

West  Chester  Gazette,  " 

Maine  Farmer, 

Farmer  and  Visitor,  " 

Homestead,  " 

Boston  Cultivator,  " 

Massachusetts  Ploughman, 

Colonization  Herald, 

Germantown  Telegraph,  " 

Ohio  Farmer, 

California  Farmer,  " 

Prairie  Farmer, 

Ohio  Cultivator,  Semi-monthly, 

Northern  Farmer, 

Genesee  Farmer,  Monthly, 

American  Agriculturist, 

Working  Farmer, 

Plough,  Loom,  and  Anvil, 

Stock  Journal,  " 

Northern  Farmer, 

New  Jersey  Farmer,  " 

Veterinary  Journal, 

Hovey's  Magazine  of  Horticulture, 

New  England  Farmer, 

Farm  Journal, 

Horticulturist, 

Western  Agriculturist, 

American  Farmer,  ' 

Southern  Planter, 

Virginia  Farmer, 

Carolina  Cultivator, 

Avator, 


Albany. 
Rochester. 
Rome,  N.  Y. 
New  York. 

u 

Saratoga  Springs. 

Morrisania,  N.  Y. 
Augusta,  Me. 
Manchester,  N.  H. 
Hartford,  Conn. 
Boston,  Mass. 

u 

Philadelphia,  Pa. 
Germantown,  Pa. 
Cleveland,  0. 
San  Francisco. 
Chicago,  111. 
Columbus,  0. 
Clinton,  Oneida,  N.  Y. 
Rochester. 
New  York. 


Middlebury,  Vt. 
Woodstock,  Vt. 
Freehold,  N.  J. 
Boston. 


Philadelphia,  Pa. 

<c 

Pittsburg,  Pa. 
Baltimore,  Md. 
Richmond,  Va. 
Harrisonburgh,  Va. 
Raliegh,  N.  C. 


232  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

South  Carolina  Agriculturist,  Monthly,  Columbia,  S.  C. 

Southern  Cultivator,  "          Augusta,  Ga. 

Indiana  Farmer,  "  Richmond,  Ind. 

Ohio  Valley  Farmer,  "          Cincinnati,  0. 

The  Cincinnati^,  "  " 

Michigan  Farmer,  "          Detroit,  Mich. 
American  Farmer,  Kalamazoo,  Mich. 

Western  Farm  Journal,  "          Pewee  Valley,  Ky. 
Valley  Farmer,  St.  Louis  and  Louisville. 

American  Cotton  Planter,  &c.,  Montgomery,  Ala. 

Illinois  Farmer,  Springfield,  111. 

Wisconsin  Farmer,  "  Madison,  Wis. 

Iowa  Farmer,  Mt.  Pleasant,  Iowa. 

Northwestern  Farmer,  "          Dubuque,  Iowa. 

Cedar  Valley  Farmer,  "          Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa. 
Tennessee  Farmer  and  Mechanic,  Nashville,  Tenn. 

Agricultural  Journal,  Montreal,  Canada. 

Agriculturist,  Toronto,  Canada. 

Lyceum  Natural  History,  Quarterly,  New  York. 

American  Journal  of  Education,  Hartford,  Ct. 


NEW  YORK  STATE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     50,000  vols. 

Founded  in  1818,  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State.  Receipts  during 
1854,  $10,205;  expenditures  for  books,  82537;  binding,  8792 ;  sala 
ries,  83450;  incidentals,  8848.  Receipts  during  1856;  87355  96;  ex 
penditures  for  books,  82537  30;  binding,  8G96  19;  salaries,  83450; 
incidentals,  8600.  The  whole  amount  appropriated  by  the  State  for  the 
library,  from  1818  to  1850,  was  862,995  97. 

The  books  are  partly  arranged  by  subjects,  generally  alphabetical. 
Historical  and  genealogical  works  are  most  called  for.  The  greater  part 
of  the  library  consists  of  works  on  law  and  history.  About  4000  volumes 
are  added  yearly.  During  the  last  five  years,  814,000  have  been  ex 
pended  for  books.  Annual  cost  of  support,  88000. 

During  the  year  1855,  the  arrangement  of  the  library  in  the  new 
building  was  completed.  The  additions  during  that  year  amounted  to 
3000  volumes. 

The  Trustees  of  the  State  Library  are  required  by  law  to  report  an 
nually,  to  the  Legislature,  the  additions  to  the  library,  and,  at  the  end 
of  every  five  years,  a  full  catalogue  of  its  contents.  The  catalogue  of 
1850  was  comprised  in  one  octavo  volume  of  1100  pages.  The  cata 
logue  of  1855  occupies  three  volumes.  The  first,  contains  the  printed 


NEW    YORK.  233 

books  in  the  general  library.  The  second,  the  law  books  and  State 
papers ;  and  the  third,  the  manuscripts,  maps,  engravings,  coins,  &c. 
This  last  catalogue  cost  $5000  for  1500  copies. 

In  1850,  there  were  23,274  volumes;  in  1855,  43,634;  of  which, 
30,011,  including  144  volumes  of  MSS.,  are  in  the  General  "Library, 
and  13,623  in  the  Law  Library.  This  shows  an  increase  of  20,360 
volumes  in  five  years. 

There  is  a  large  collection  of  manuscripts  connected  with  the  history 
of  the  State,  most  of  which  have  been  received  from  the  office  of  the 
Secretary  of  State,  from  which  they  were  transferred  to  the  State  Library, 
in  pursuance  of  a  joint  resolution  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly.  A  sepa 
rate  catalogue  of  these,  forming  55  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  in  1849, 
being  No.  148  of  the  Assembly  documents.  Some  of  these  manuscripts 
are  of  great  interest  and  value.  Among  them  are  the  original  charter, 
or  grant,  of  Charles  II,  to  his  brother,  the  Duke  of  York,  of  this  State, 
in  1664  ;  several  royal  commissions,  of  which  the  oldest  is  that  of  Wil 
liam  and  Mary,  in  1689,  constituting  Henry  Sloughter,  captain-general 
of  the  province  of  New  York ;  oaths  of  allegiance  and  office,  extending 
from  1698  to  1810;  certificates  of  entry  for  land  and  land  patents;  rolls 
of  laws  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  the  Province,  &c. 

Respecting  the  general  character  of  the  collection,  the  Select  Com 
mittee  of  the  Assembly  on  the  library  say,  in  their  Report  dated  Feb 
ruary  3,  1849  :  "We  feel  constrained  to  say  that  we  have  been  surprised 
and  gratified  to  find  such  completeness  in  some  of  the  departments,  and 
the  whole  to  be  of  such  great  value.  An  examination  will  convince  all 
that  it  has  become  a  worthy  object  of  State  pride.  Already  the  law 
department  is  considered  the  most  perfect  of  any  similar  collection  in 
the  States.  It  is  believed,  also,  that  nowhere  can  be  found  so  many 
useful  works  on  America  and  American  affairs.  The  most  unwearied 
pains  have  been  taken ;  Europe  and  this  country  have  been  ransacked 
to  procure  everything  valuable  in  this  department.  The  value  of  these 
books  cannot  be  estimated  in  money,  for  money  could  not  replace  very 
many  of  them.  There  are,  also,  valuable  scientific,  statistical,  docu 
mentary,  and  miscellaneous  works,  otherwise  inaccessible  to  Americans 
generally. " 

This  library  has,  at  different  times,  received  large  and  valuable  acces 
sions  by  means  of  exchanges. 

The  additions,  since  1850,  in  the  department  of  American  history,  to 
which  the  trustees  have  given  special  attention,  have  been  very  con- 


234  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

siderable.  The  papers  of  George  Clinton,  the  first  Governor  of  this 
State,  who  acted  a  conspicuous  part  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  have 
been  purchased  by  legislative  authority,  and  arranged  in  twenty-three 
substantially  bound  folio  volumes,  which  are  now  in  the  library.  Those 
of  Sir  William  Johnson,  extending  from  1738  to  1774,  liberally  con 
tributed  by  General  John  Cooper,  of  Albany,  have  also  been  appro 
priately  arranged,  and  bound  in  twenty-two  folio  volumes.  These  both 
contain  much  valuable  information  in  reference  to  the  early  history  of 
the  State,  and  various  matters  connected  with  the  Revolutionary  War. 

The  catalogue  is  arranged  under  the  names  of  the  authors,  States,  or 
societies,  publishing  the  books.  Anonymous  works  are  inserted  under 
the  first  substantive  or  important  word  in  the  title,  unless  the  name  of 
the  author  is  generally  known.  Surnames  of  foreign  authors,  com 
mencing  with  prefixes,  as  La,  De,  &c.,  have  been  inserted  according  to 
uniform  rules. 

The  index  to  the  catalogue  has  been  arranged  on  the  principle  of  a 

dictionary,  in  preference  to  scientific  classification,  as  being  probably 

*  best  adapted  to  the  wants  of  the  largest  number  of  readers.     By  the  aid 

of  its  cross-reference,  each  work  may  be  found  either  under  the  popular 

or  scientific  name  of  the  subject. 

Subjects,  such  as  the  acts  of  States  and  corporations,  anonymous 
biographies,  &c.  &c.,  are  not  necessarily  repeated  in  the  index;  which 
makes  it  advisable,  sometimes,  to  have  recourse  both  to  the  catalogue 
and  the  index. 

The  marks,  fol.  8°,  12°,  &c.,  in  the  catalogue,  refer  not  to  the  abso 
lute  folding  of  the  sheets,  but  to  the  average  size  of  the  volumes. 

The  library  is  open,  during  the  session  of  the  Legislature  and  the 
courts,  from  9  A.M.  to  4  P.M.,  Sundays  excepted.  On  Christmas,  New 
Year's,  and  other  holidays,  it  is  open  one  hour,  from  9  to  10  A.M. 

It  is  accessible,  for  reading  and  consultation,  to  every  citizen.  The 
following  statutes  and  regulations  of  the  trustees  relate  to  the  use  of  the 
library : 

"  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  trustees  to  provide,  in  their  regulations, 
that  any  member  of  the  Senate  or  Assembly,  during  the  session  of  the 
Legislature,  or  during  the  sitting  of  the  Court  for  the  Correction  of 
Errors,  or  of  the  Senate  only,  shall  be  permitted,  under  proper  restric 
tions,  forfeitures,  and  penalties,  to  take  to  his  boarding-house,  or  private 
room,  any  book  belonging  to  the  library,  except  such  books  as  the  trus 
tees  shall  determine  are  necessary  always  to  be  kept  in  the  library  as 


NEW   YORK.  235 

books  of  reference ;  but  no  member  of  the  Legislature  shall  be  permitted 
to  take  or  detain  from  the  library  more  than  two  volumes  at  any  one 
time. — Revised  Statutes,  vol.  i,  pt.  i,  chap.  ix,  tit.  8,  sect.  6. 

"  Before  the  President  of  the  Senate,  or  the  Speaker  of  the  Assembly, 
shall  grant  to  any  member  a  certificate  of  the  time  of  his  attendance,  he 
shall  be  satisfied  that  such  member  has  returned  all  books  taken  out  of 
the  library  by  him,  and  has  settled  all  accounts  for  fines  for  injuring  such 
books  or  otherwise. 

"  The  trustees  hereby  declare,  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  Re 
vised  Statutes,  that  the  Law  Library,  in  its  most  extensive  sense,  compre 
hends  such  books  of  reference  as  should  always  be  kept  in  it;  but, 
during  the  session  of  the  Legislature,  of  the  Senate,  of  the  Court  for 
the  Correction  of  Errors,  and  of  any  court  held  in  the  Capitol,  law 
books  may  be  taken  from  the  library  to  any  room  in  the  Capitol,  to  be 
returned  on  the  same  day.  The  librarian  shall  previously  charge  each 
person,  so  taking,  with  the  book  or  books,  and  a  fine  of  fifty  cents  shall 
be  imposed  for  each  day's  detention  beyond  the  above  time.  The  regu 
lations  above  ordained,  as  to  loss,  injury,  or  damage  of  books,  shall  apply 
in  the  present  case. 

"  No  books  belonging  to  the  Law  Library,  are  to  be  taken  to  the  Mis 
cellaneous  Library  to  be  read ;  nor  are  books,  maps,  charts,  or  prints, 
belonging  to  the  Miscellaneous  Library,  to  be  taken  to  the  Law  Library 
to  be  read  or  examined." — Ibid.  sec.  7. 

The  number  of  persons  consulting  the  library  is  said  to  be  very  large, 
but  it  cannot  be  accurately  stated. 

ST.  MARY'S  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     450  vols. 

Organized  March  4,  1849.  "The  objects  of  this  Association  are: 
First :  To  establish  in  this  city,  on  a  permanent  basis,  a  library  for  the 
dissemination  of  Catholic  and  useful  knowledge.  Second :  To  forward 
the  moral  and  intellectual  advancement  of  its  members;  and  third:  To 
create  among  its  members  a  spirit  of  harmony  and  good  feeling,  that  will 
be  conducive  alike  to  their  interest  and  pleasure. 

"  Any  person  over  eighteen  years  of  age  wishing  to  join  this  Asso 
ciation,  will  be  required  to  pay  the  sum  of  $1,  as  initiation  fee,  and  3  shil 
lings  per  quarter,  in  advance ;  and  any  person  under  eighteen,  will  be 
required  to  pay  50  cents  as  initiation  fee,  and  3  shillings  per  quarter  in 
advance." 


236  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

Receipts  during  1854  were  $180  91;  expenditures  for  books,  $90; 
binding,  $9;  periodicals,  $31  50;  incidentals,  $50  41.  The  library  is 
open  Tuesday,  Wednesday,  and  Friday  evenings,  from  7  to  10  P.M. 
During  1854,  310  volumes  were  lent  to  60  persons.  All  the  books  are 
in  English.  13  papers  are  taken.  About  50  volumes  are  added  yearly. 
Annual  cost  of  support,  $200.  During  the  last  five  years  about  $350 
were  expended  for  books.  The  library  rooms  are  attached  to  St.  Mary's 
Church.  The  members  of  the  Association  are  all  young  mechanics, 
clerks,  and  apprentices.  Lectures  are  given  every  winter. 


STATE  NORMAL  SCHOOL.     (1857.)     1000  vols. 

In  the  Report  for  1846,  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  State 
Normal  School  of  New  York,  established  at  Albany,  in  1844,  it  is  stated 
that  "  a  donation  for  an  educational  library  has  been  made  to  the  Normal 
School,  by  the  executors  of  the  Hon.  James  Wadsworth,  out  of  certain 
funds  left  by  that  distinguished  friend  of  education,  to  be  disbursed  in 
such  manner  as  would  best  promote  the  interests  of  the  schools  of  the 
people/7  This  valuable  donation  has  been  received,  and  composes  the 
principal  part  of  the  "  Miscellaneous  Library." 

YOUNG  MEN'S  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     80GO  vols. 

Founded  on  the  13th  of  December,  A.D.  1833.  "  The  plan  origi 
nally  contemplated,  and  which  has  been  hitherto  carried  into  successful 
operation,  was  to  furnish,  at  the  cheap  rate  of  62  per  annum,  admission 
to  a  news  and  periodical  room,  in  which  all  the  leading  journals  and 
periodicals  of  the  State  and  nation,  and  such  foreign  ones  as  were  deemed 
proper,  should  be  taken;  the  privilege  of  taking  books  from  a  library,  to 
which  additions  are  constantly  being  made  of  new  and  valuable  publica 
tions;  attendance  upon  popular  lectures  on  literary  and  scientific  sub 
jects  at  least  once  a  week,  during  the  winter  months,  and  opportunities 
for  debate  during  the  same  period.  Such  extended  means  of  informa 
tion,  of  so  varied  and  practical  a  character,  it  is  confidently  asserted, 
were  never  before  offered  at  so  cheap  a  rate." 

The  Association  was  incorporated  by  Act  of  Legislature,  passed  March 
12,1835. 

The  following  is  a  summary  statement  of  the  affairs  of  the  Associa 
tion,  taken  from  the  Annual  Reports  of  its  presidents,  from  the  time  of 


NEW    YORK. 


237 


TEAR. 

No. 
news 
papers 
taken. 

Perio 
dicals 
taken. 

Vols.  in 
Library. 

Number 
of  Life- 
Members. 

Honorary 
Members. 

Regular 
Members. 

Total 
number  of 
Members. 

Feb.  1834 

92 

23 

Sll 

8 

134 

502 

044 

"      1835 

87 

20 

917 

9 

41 

328 

378 

"      1830 

84 

10 

1169 

17 

123 

502 

642 

"      1837 

SO 

30 

1369 

23 

91 

494 

608 

"      1838 

80 

25 

1711 

21 

100 

005 

726 

«      1839 

91 

29 

2205 

24 

108 

709     )       901 

"      1840 

85 

30 

2244 

28 

123 

885 

1036 

"      1841 

81 

25 

2618 

35 

113 

905 

1053 

"      1842 

88 

31 

3067 

37 

113 

934 

1084 

«      1843 

78 

20 

3208 

38 

107 

781 

906 

July.  184  3 

72 

17 

3236 

No  report  on  file. 

"     '1844 

7G 

20 

3294 

No  report  on  file. 

Feb.  1845 

68 

18 

3323 

39 

177             627 

844 

"      184G 

70 

19 

3010 

38 

150            745 

933 

"      1847 

70 

20 

4015 

41 

154           1009 

1204 

"      184  8 

74 

20 

4401 

41 

130     i        877 

1048 

"      1849 

74 

25 

4989 

44 

102 

908 

1056 

Ci      1850 

78 

25 

5289 

46 

97 

1070 

1213 

«      1851 

79 

21 

5949 

49 

100 

1088 

1237' 

"      1855 

7365 

"      1857 

8060 

A  catalogue  of  the  library,  classified,  with  an  alphabetical  index,  was 
published  in  January,  1848.  It  contains  103  pages  8vo.  An  earlier 
catalogue  was  printed  in  1843.  The  last  catalogue  was  printed  in 
1853. 

In  the  report  for  1855,  the  following  recommendations  are  made,  rela 
tive  to  classification  of  the  books : 

"In  our  estimation,  the  system  of  alphabetically  arranging  the  books 
under  their  respective  titles  has  great  advantages.  As  the  library  is 
now  assorted,  Fiction,  Poetry,  History,  Biography,  &c.,  have  allotted 
places,  and  these  favorite  haunts  arc  sought  by  numbers ;  while  Science, 
Philosophy,  and  Ethics,  have  few  to  do  them  reverence;  and  many  ex 
cellent  and  delightful  works  are  entirely  ignored  by  readers,  because 
they  are  in  an  unpopular  and  almost  uncared  for  classification.  Let 
the  books  be  arranged  alphabetically,  and  every  member  who  knows 
the  title  of  the  book  he  wants,  will  know  where  to  find  it  unassisted; 
and,  in  his  research,  may  meet  with  a  volume,  the  possession  of  which, 

1  The  several  reports  of  the  presidents  having  been  presented  at  the  annual  meet 
ing  held  on  the  evening  preceding  the  election  for  officers,  the  foregoing  table  does 
not  show  the  actual  number  of  members  on  the  day  of  election.  The  number  of 
members  who  had  renewed  their  tickets  at  the  close  of  the  election,  held  February 
6,  1856,  was  1439,  of  whom  1261  voted' at  the  election. 


238  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

by  the  Association,  he  was  not  aware  of,  and  for  which  he  may  have 
often  sought. 

"This  suggestion,  if  followed,  will  entail  considerable  labor  on  the 
committee;  but  its  benefits  will  be  adequate  thereto." 

The  receipts  during  1854,  were  86086  90 ;  expenditures  for  books, 
8300;  binding,  896  98;  periodicals,  8100;  salaries,  8741  83.  About 
300  volumes  are  added  yearly.  From  1852-57,  81850  were  expended 
for  books.  The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  8500;  that  of  the  janitor,  8300. 
During  1854,  12,600  volumes  were  lent  to  600  persons.  During  1856, 
14,000  volumes  were  lent  to  654  persons. 


AUBURN, 

AUBURN  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.     (185G.)     5250  vols. 

Founded  in  1821,  by  the  Presbyterian  Church.  "The  Seminary 
library  is  very  inadequate  to  the  wants  of  the  institution,  not  having 
been  enlarged  by  any  important  additions  for  fifteen  years  or  more.  The 
trustees  and  commissioners  have  resolved  to  raise  830,000  for  this  pur 
pose  as  soon  as  possible." 

820  a  year  is  paid  the  librarian,  which  is  given  to  one  of  the  students 
who  acts  as  assistant  librarian. 

BROOKLYN, 

BROOKLYN  ATHENzEUM  AND  READING-ROOM. 

(1857.)     3759  vols. 

Incorporated  January  31,  1852.  The  building  of  this  association  is 
located  on  the  corner  of  Atlantic  and  Clinton  Streets.  Its  cost  was  not 
far  from  850,000.  In  addition  to  a  few  rooms  which  may  be  rented,  it 
contains  a  library-room,  21  feet  by  70;  a  reading-room,  25  feet  by  42; 
a  conversation-room,  21  feet  by  36;  and  a  lecture-room,  90  feet  by  30, 
which  will  seat  over  1800  persons. 

Number  of  volumes,  1854,  2600;  1855,  3000;  1856,  3551;  1857, 
3709.  Number  of  volumes  drawn,  1855,  8642  by  840  persons;  1856, 
9813;  1857,  10,000. 

About  one-half  of  the  books  called  for  arc  works  of  amusement  and 
fiction.  Next  to  these  are  history  and  general  literature,  biography,  and 
travels,  and,  least  of  all,  philosophical  and  scientific  works. 


NEW    YORK.  289 

The  receipts  for  the  year  1856,  were  $8746,  and  expenditures,  $8624. 
The  entrance  fee  is  $1,  and  annual  dues  $3.  About  $300  are  expended 
every  year  for  books,  and  375  volumes  added.  The  books  are  arranged 
alphabetically.  The  library  is  open  daily  from  8  A.M.  till  10  P.M. 
About  45  periodicals  are  taken. 

A  catalogue  of  64  pages  8vo.  was  printed  in  1853,  cost  $150  for 
1000  copies.  3331  volumes  are  in  English,  63  French,  77  German. 

This  institution  has  a  picture-gallery,  containing,  among  others,  an 
historical  painting  by  Barker,  of  London,  10  feet  by  14  feet,  "  William 
Rufus,  hunting." 

CITY  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     3000  vols. 

Founded  and  incorporated  in  1839.  The  books  (400)  of  the  Hamil 
ton  Association  have  been  purchased.  The  whole  now  occupy  a 
part  of  the  Free  Library  room  of  the  Brooklyn  Institute,  but  are  not 
merged  in  the  library  of  the  Institute.  A  right  in  the  library  costs  $25 ; 
annual  assessment,  $3.  Persons  not  owning  "rights/'  may  enjoy  the 
privileges  of  the  library  on  paying  $5  per  annum.  An  alphabetical 
catalogue,  80  pages  8vo.,  was  published  in  1841.  The  act  of  incorpo 
ration  and  by-laws  are  prefixed  to  the  catalogue.  The  library  is  under 
the  care  of  the  Institute,  and  no  separate  librarian  is  employed. 


STRONG  PLACE  BAPTIST  CHURCH  LIBRARY.     (1858.)     500  vols. 

Founded  in  1852,  by  E.  B.  Litchfield,  Esq.  The  object  of  this 
library  is  to  collect  all  the  books  of  a  denominational  character,  written 
or  edited  by  Baptists,  and  none  others  are  procured. 

Most  of  the  books  now  in  the  library  were  purchased  by  Rev.  Dr. 
Taylor,  in  London,  in  1854,  and  some  of  them  are  very  rare. 

This  is  considered  already  the  best  collection  of  Baptist  books  in 
America,  and  additions  are  constantly  being  made. 

UNITED  STATES  NAVAL  LYCEUM.     (1856.)     4500  vols. 

Founded  in  1853.  Chartered  in  1835.  Formed  by  officers  of  the 
navy  and  marine  corps.  Supported  and  governed  by  subscriptions. 
Initiation,  $5 ;  annual  dues,  $1.  All  members  are  entitled  to  the  use 
of  the  library,  which  is  open  every  day  from  9  A.M.  to  6  P.M. 

A  number  of  magazines  are  taken.  About  300  volumes  are  added 
yearly. 


240  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1856,  500  copies  cost  875. 

The  assistant  librarian  receives  a  salary  of  8500  per  annum. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (185G.)     1150  vols. 

From  the  net  proceeds  of  the  lectures  in  1854-'5,  there  was  appro 
priated  the  sum  of  8500,  with  which  the  Library  Committee,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Board,  have  purchased  600  volumes,  mainly  of  standard 
works,  and  all  of  permanent  value.  These,  in  addition  to  those  already 
in  its  possession,  constitute  the  library ;  embracing  religious,  biographical, 
historical,  scientific,  narrative,  and  belles-lettres,  with  a  careful  selection 
of  standard  and  approved  fiction.  Many  valuable,  and  a  few  rare  books 
of  reference,  are  included  in  the  number;  to  which  will  soon  be  added 
bound  volumes  of  standard  periodicals  and  magazines,  among  which  are 
thirty  volumes,  complete,  of  the  Missionary  Herald.  Perfect  files  of 
the  New  York  Daily  Times,  Tribune,  and  Post,  from  1852,  are  now  in 
process  of  binding,  together  with  those  of  the  Christian  Advocate  and 
Journal,  from  its  commencement  to  the  present  time. 

Many  young  men  habitually  resort  to  the  rooms  to  consult  commenta 
ries  and  other  helps  in  the  study  of  the  Bible,  preparatory  to  their  at 
tendance  upon  Bible  classes  or  teachers'  meetings  ;  and  thus,  already, 
the  library  is  subserving  one  of  the  ends  for  which  it  was  designed. 

The  reading-room,  which  is  free  to  all  young  men,  now  offers  a  rich 
repast  to  literary  taste  and  appetite. 

Receipts  from  1854-'5G,  83606  87;  expenditures,  83177  51. 

The  annual  dues  are  82.  The  following  provisions  of  the  constitu 
tion  are  peculiar  to  this  Association  : 

"  The  officers  of  the  Association  are,  a  president,  one  vice-president 
from  each  denomination  represented  in  the  Association,  a  corresponding 
secretary,  recording  secretary,  treasurer,  and  librarian ;  who,  together 
with  twelve  managers,  of  whom  each  denomination  shall  be  entitled  to 
an  equal  number,  constitute  a  Board  of  Managers. 

"  All  of  the  above-named  officers  shall  hold  office  for  one  year;  and 
at  the  election  in  1850,  twelve  managers  shall  be  chosen,  the  first 
nominee  of  each  denomination  elected  holding  office  for  two  years,  and 
the  second  for  one  year,  and  thereafter  six  managers  shall  be  elected 
annually,  one  from  each  denomination,  whose  term  of  office  shall  be  two 
years." 


NEW    YORK.  241 


YOUTH'S  FREE  LIBRARY  OF  THE  BROOKLYN  INSTITUTE. 
(1857.)     5000  vols. 

The  Institute  was  founded  August,  1823.  Chartered  September, 
1824,  by  the  name  of  the  Apprentices'  Library  Association  of  Brooklyn; 
charter  renewed  April  13,  1843,  and  name  changed  to  the  Brooklyn 
Institute.  The  Free  Library  dates  from  1828.  The  present  rate  of 
increase  is  200  volumes  a  year.  The  average  annual  expenditure  for 
books  is  $200  a  year.  Many  books  are  annually  worn  out  by  constant 
use.  There  is,  at  present,  no  permanent  fund  for  the  increase  of  the 
library.  A  part  of  the  rent  of  the  Institute  rooms  is  devoted  to  that 
purpose.  The  sum  of  $5000  is  about  to  be  invested  as  a  permanent 
fund  for  the  library.  A  building  of  granite  and  brick  was  erected  for  a 
lyceum,  at  an  expense  of  $30,000.  It  was  sold  under  mortgage,  bought 
by  an  individual,  and  presented  to  the  trustees  expressly  for  a  library. 
It  is  80  feet  long,  50  feet  wide,  and  three  stories  high.  About  30,000 
books  are  taken  out  each  year.  The  librarians  are  volunteers,  and  fre 
quently  change. 

"  Minors  of  twelve  years  of  age  and  upwards  may  have  free  access 
to  the  Youths'  Free  Library,  Brooklyn  Institute. 

"  A  guarantee  is  required  for  the  safe  return  of  all  books  loaned. 

"  Each  reader  is  required  to  purchase  a  catalogue,  at  twenty-five  cents. 
The  numbers  of  the  books  wanted,  must  be  legibly  marked  on  the  card 
supplied  for  that  purpose  previous  to  coming  to  the  library. 

"  The  library  is  open  for  girls  every  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  from 
2  to  4  o'clock  P.M.  ;  for  boys,  every  Monday,  Tuesday,  Friday,  and 
Saturday  evenings,  from  5  to  7  o'clock/' 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1857,  12mo.  118  pages;  2000  copies 
cost,  including  binding,  $220. 


BUFFALO. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     9331  vols. 

Founded  in  1836.  The  initiation  fee  is  $1,  and  annual  dues  $3. 
The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  The  library  is  open  daily,  from  8 
A.M.  to  9  P.M.  During  1854,  22,995  volumes  were  drawn  by  1100 
persons.  The  books  most  called  for  were  "Ida  May,"  "Lamplighter/7 
"Ruth  Hall,"  "  Autobiography  of  an  Actress,"  "  Quecchy,"  and 

16 


242  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

"  Lofty  and  Lowly. "  6454  volumes  are  in  English,  36  French,  3  Ger 
man,  19  Spanish,  1  Dutch,  70  Latin,  1  Oriental. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1848, 146  pages  8vo.;  cost  8202  for  1000 
copies. 

There  is  a  geological,  mineralogical,  and  palaoontological  collection  be 
longing  to  the  Association,  of  value. 

The  yearly  increase  of  volumes  is  775.  During  the  last  five  years, 
§6000  have  been  expended  for  books.  24  newspapers  and  16  periodi 
cals  are  taken  by  the  Association.  The  annual  expense  of  this  depart 
ment  is  about  $250.  The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  $1000;  of  the  assist 
ant  librarian,  $150. 

The  following  statistics  are  taken  from  the  annual  reports. 

The  number  and  kind  of  volumes  drawn  from  the  library  have  been 
as  follows : 

1841. 1842. 1843. 1844. 1845. 1846. 1847. 1849. 1853. 1854. 1855. 1856. 

Fiction,  ....  (per  cent.),  .  40  33  36  32  33  34  35  37  56  57  62^  62 
History  and  Biography,  "  .  30  37  32  34  36  35  36  39  27  24£  22£  23 
Standard  literature,  "  .  20  20  21  22  20  21  19  16  14  14  10 £  11 
Science,  ....  "  .  10  10  11  12  11  10  10  8  3  4J-  3f  4 


NEW   YORK. 


243 


GO  co  cc  cr,  -/:  -J.   'f.  -f.  x-  >:  ^   :/-   >-  -J-.  oc  ..o  GO  GO  GO  GO  GO 

£a§S!iaIcotsi->O50a>""*o8W"if'Wi3»-'C  o  GO  -5 


For  the  year  ending 


"o  -i  en  co  -i  co  to  co  to  ^  i->  *-     M     h-     "   (-•  cTi-<    Amount  paid  for  books  and 

~   i;  _.  4-  o    jo  M-  10  CO  ~1  Cn  10  -T  >K  CD  4-  CO  .       tt-  Oi  O    I  r^-        ,  - 

t^8DO>f.SosO*»-^«OtBOOOO08OO         O  O  O    I 


C'  0  CO  0  0  0  C 


Amount    paid    for    News- 

?apers,   Periodicals,   and 
'ostage. 


Volumes  added. 


Number  of  Periodicals  and 
Newspapers  taken. 


ggSE?S"-TSMM5S-T^w»K»eoe.<»fe    Members  elected  and  paid. 

_>}_  4-  4-  *_  ^3  C.'i  t-i  10  rf-  C2  CO  r~   ~_~-1  C  _^-  GO.Cn  CO  tO  O    I 

oooi-'toh-oji-'M'.   '.   '.    ".    '.    !    M!    !    i    co!    I  Honorary  Members. 
gcoH.MM^'.    '.    '.    «-*'    !    M!    !    -itol    i    ^  ^     Life-Members  elected. 


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.H  -  r  -  \  Xj  i-i  eo  eo  E  S  -^  S  en  *-J(  -^1  O  O  to  co  O  O  O       -1OLI11   ptlj  lilj^  Jiciliucia. 

0_0  CO  GO  hi-  -^J^  0._GO_CM_p  GO  GO  M  h-*  -I  rf.  &n_Cj_l4-_p    I 

.  K-.1S  I  Rate  of  Initiation. 


WWCOMWCOWWCOOSCOCOCO 


w  w  w  e.  cno*  o>H  |  1{ate  of  Dues- 


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'cc  ---I  o  to  4-  c~.  'u-  c  t  c  c".  ro  r  ^  o  o  M  4^-  rf-^o  'co  < 

i    gg-Sgfr|rj5§§g8S§S§§§§: 


fe  to  4-^  c~-  o  cv  o  o  to  d'  -r.  ^  -i  ci  o  en  -i  4-  to  — '  co 

h^  4-  W  CO  GO  4-  IO  -1  -•!  O  Ci  -1  H-  GO  IO  IO  en  ^  ^J  O  (t- 
u- i  --I  ^>  tO  CO  O  I— '  I—*  O  C*  tO  4^  GO  ~-T  O  CT  ^1  CZr  O  ^T  O 

__to_-<  i:  I"  c:  o  co  to  10  c;  -<  r!-_l'.^l-P_0  C-1_P_P_??'.P 


O5o  CO*—  '^^ 

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lO-^OTCOCnO*—  i^lOCO 
^  M  0  I-  10  tO  00         0  !-• 

if.  o  w  «o  co  to  »£•      -ito^coJEo  —  ooc^n<c 

_M_0_^1  CO  4-  CC  i-J  _     -1   ^  -1  0  P    0  0  «0_P_0_:_ 

CO  CO  tO  IO  tO  I—1 

O»OMtOO«COCn*"OsCnCO       MtO  »-> 

Cn  .*--  H-i  O'    •  •    "  ^-.  4-  CT1  O  —  '  O  1—  '  O  —  1  Cl         O  fcll  C^ 

l-Orf-y(-GOOOOOCOM-IC5rf-COCOCOCOGOO 

C5en^J-lO*-CO-1h-'&OCOtO^1-ltOC400*"l-'>- 

If.  W  ^  -1  00  0'   ~.  wi  10  '-»  CO  CO  C<  tf-  CO  it-  l*«  ~1  C2  CO 


-;:pH-=ip 
Si:S:LS'H:^3S^>55=,§3vi^§S^^ 

--?"iPir'  PS.  's'i1 


Debt  of  the  Association. 


Number  of  Volumes  drawn 
from  the  Library. 


Receipts  for  Initiations  and 
Dues. 


Cash  Donations,  including 
Life-Members. 


Net  Receipts  from  Lectures. 
Amount  left  in  Treasury. 


Amount  of  Library  Fund. 


244  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  UNION.     (1856.)     1200  vols. 

Organized  in  1852.  During  the  year  ending  March  2d,  1857,  90 
volumes  were  added  to  the  library.  1894  volumes  were  drawn  out  by 
members;  of  which  4  per  cent,  were  scientific,  15  per  cent,  religious, 
23  per  cent,  historical  and  biographical,  and  58  per  cent,  miscellaneous 
literature.  13  periodicals  and  32  papers  are  taken.  The  number  of 
members  is  844;  201  having  been  added  during  the  year. 

Receipts  during  1856,  $2248  82;  expended  during  1856,  $1952  71. 
The  course  of  lectures,  in  1856-57,  netted  $226  37  to  the  Association. 
During  the  year,  the  Association  distributed  36  English,  114  German 
Bibles ;  161  English,  217  German  Testaments ;  German  and  English, 
69;  French,  9;  total,  609.  English  tracts,  18,600;  German,  16,000; 
whole  number  of  pages,  139,600. 

This  association  is  one  of  the  first  in  the  United  States,  in  numbers, 
efficiency,  and  usefulness. 


CARMEL, 

RAYMOND  COLLEGIATE  INSTITUTE.     (1857.] 
Has  a  good  library  and  reading-room. 


CAZENOVIA. 

ONEIDA  CONFERENCE  SEMINARY.     (185G.)     3000  vols. 

Founded  in  1824.  The  library  was  commenced  in  1830.  The  Semi 
nary  library  consists  of  volumes  well  selected,  in  the  several  depart 
ments  of  Science  and  Art,  Philology,  Belles-lettres,  History,  Encyclopae 
dias,  and  Journals;  of  course,  to  a  limited  degree  in  each.  25  cents  per 
term  is  charged  for  use  of  the  books. 

Receipts  during  1854,  $540;  expenditures  for  books,  $500;  binding, 
$27;  periodicals,  $6;  incidentals,  $7.  The  library  is  open  on  Saturday, 
from  11  to  12  A.M.  1656  volumes  arc  in  English;  5  modern  languages, 
65  Latin,  125  Greek,  and  1  Chinese.  11  newspapers  and  7  periodicals 
are  taken. 

Two  literary  societies,  the  LYCEUM  and  PHILOMATHESIAN,  have  long 
been  in  very  efficient  operation.  Both  have  libraries,  containing  a  total 


NEW   YORK.  245 

of  779  volumes,  and  beautifully  furnished  and  attractive  halls  for  their 
weekly  meetings. 

CHARLOTTEVILLE, 

NEW  YORK  CONFERENCE  SEMINARY.     (185G.) 

The  institution  is  furnished  with  good  philosophical  and  chemical 
apparatus,  and  a  well-selected  library. 

Connected  with  the  Seminary,  is  a  reading-room,  which  the  Principal 
says  is  u  unsurpassed  in  the  extent  and  excellence  of  its  contents,  by 
that  of  any  other  literary  institution  in  the  land."  It  contains  over 
70  publications-  embracing  G  dailies,  over  20  magazines  and  re 
views,  and  a  large  number  of  weeklies,  religious,  literary,  scientific, 
and  political,  from  all  sections  of  the  country.  The  room  is  neatly  fur 
nished  and  kept,  and  is  open  to  all  students,  upon  payment  of  25  cents 
per  term. 

The  buildings  are  new,  and  contain  good  and  neatly  furnished  rooms, 
for  the  accommodation  of  nearly  500  students. 

Connected  with  the  institution  are  four  flourishing  literary  societies, 
the  PHILOMATIIEAN,  WESLEYAN  LITERARY  ASSOCIATION,  TIIETA  PHI, 
and  the  ATHENA  ;  three  of  which  have  fine  libraries  belonging  to  them. 


CLINTON. 

HAMILTON  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     3340  vols. 

Founded  in  1810.  The  College  and  Society  libraries,  amounting,  in 
1857,  to  10,000  volumes,  are  at  all  times  accessible  to  students.  Geo 
logical  and  mineralogical  cabinets,  and  collections  in  natural  history,  are 
also  connected  with  the  College,  embracing  the  following,  viz.  :  3000 
specimens  of  ores  and  simple  minerals;  2500  specimens  of  fossils  and 
rocks  to  illustrate  the  geology  of  New  York  ;  1000  specimens  to  illus 
trate  the  geology  of  the  United  States;  600  specimens  of  fossils,  mostly 
from  the  Silurian  formations  of  Europe ;  500  specimens  from  the  coal 
formations  of  the  United  States;  250  specimens  from  the  New  Red 
Sandstone  formation ;  GOO  specimens  of  crystallized  minerals  from  New 
York  localities ;  600  specimens  of  land,  fresh-water,  and  marine  shells ; 
300  specimens  in  ornithology,  from  China;  500  specimens  in  botany. 

The  library  is  open  on  Tuesdays  and  Fridays,  at  noon,  for  half  an 


246  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

hour.  During  1854,  455  volumes  were  lent  to  102  persons.  2880 
volumes  are  in  English,  120  French,  4  German,  152  Latin,  144  Greek, 
30  Hebrew,  and  10  Oriental.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1826. 

The  average  annual  expenditure  for  books  the  last  ten  years,  has  not 
exceeded  860.  There  is  no  permanent  fund,  except  an  income  of  $50, 
attached  to  the  department  of  classical  literature.  The  library  room  is 
about  75  feet  by  20,  in  the  same  building  with  the  chapel.  All  persons 
connected  with  the  College — trustees,  officers,  and  students — are  allowed 
the  use  of  the  books  gratuitously. 

The  UNION  SOCIETY,  formed  in  1834,  has  a  library  (1S50)  of  3400 
volumes.  The  triennial  catalogue,  printed  at  Utica,  in  1847,  55  pages 
Svo.,  contains  names  of  members,  catalogue  of  the  library,  and  of  the 
cabinet. 

The  PIICENIX  SOCIETY  has  a  library  (1850)  of  3400  volumes.  The 
triennial  catalogue,  published  in  November,  1847,  61  pages  8vo.,  con 
tains  the  names  of  members,  catalogue  of  books,  and  of  articles  in  the 
cabinet. 

In  the  year  1832,  William  H.  Maynard,  by  his  last  will,  left  to  Hamil 
ton  College,  the  sum  of  820,000,  as  a  permanent  endowment  for  a  law 
professorship. 


FORDHAM. 

ST.  JOHN'S  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     12,090  vols. 

The  library  was  founded  in  1840  ;  but  considerably  increased,  in  1846, 
by  the  accession  of  the  library  of  St.  Mary's  College,  Marion  County, 
Kentucky,  when  the  Faculty  of  the  latter  institution  was  transferred  to 
St.  John's  College.  A  large  number  of  the  books  brought  from  Kentucky, 
belonged  formerly  to  two  Colleges  in  France,  situated  at  Bourdeaux  and 
Montmorillon.  St.  John's  .College  Library  contains  a  variety  of  works 
in  divinity  and  kindred  sciences;  classics,  historical,  and  scientific; 
some  valuable  and  rare,  especially  in  this  country.  The  books  are 
arranged  according  to  the  matter  they  treat  of.  The  catalogue  is  well  kept 
in  folio  manuscript,  but  has  not  been  printed.  Every  year  an  inventory 
of  the  library  is  made.  A  binder  and  an  assistant  have  been  constantly 
at  work  in  the  College  for  the  last  four  years ;  and  many  books  are  still 
unbound. 

The  books  are  inscribed  in  the  catalogue,  under  nine  chief  heads,  with 
subdivisions  under  each  head. 


NEW    YORK.  247 

At  first,  roost  of  the  books  were  those  in  dead  and  foreign  living 
languages.  But  of  late,  the  number  of  English  works  has  greatly 
increased.  Since  last  year,  several  hundred  books  have  been  added, 
proceeding  both  from  purchases  and  donations.  Among  the  valuable 
books,  few  only  can  be  mentioned.  Houbigant's  Biblia  Sacra,  4  in  fo. 
1753  •  Concordantise  Sacrorum  Bibliorum  Hebraicorum,  Roinae,  1621, 
3  in  fo. ;  several  collections  of  the  Holy  Fathers,  in  Greek  and  Latin ; 
two  copies  of  Petau's  De  Theologicis  Dogmatibus,  6  fo. ;  Natalis  Alex 
ander,  Historia  Ecclesiastica,  9  fo. ;  De  la  Place,  Mecanique  Celeste, 
English  translation.  The  splendid  work  of  MM.  Martin  and  Cahier, 
Vitraux  do  Bourges;  Midland's  Biographic  Universelle,  with  the  Sup 
plement  to  the  eightieth  volume ;  Suarez,  complete ;  Forcellini's  Totius 
Latinitatis  Lexicon,  4  in  fo. ;  a  collection  of  public  documents  of  Con 
gress  and  New  York  Legislature ;  as  also  of  the  lois,  decrets,  &c.,  de 
PAssemblee  Constituante,  Convention,  &c.,  during  the  French  llevolu- 
tion.  Different  collections  of  periodicals  and  newspapers  from  Europe 
and  America,  &c. 

The  room  appropriated  to  the  library  is  43  feet  by  19 ;  but  a  place 
twice  as  large  would  be  needed,  that  the  books  might  be  all  exposed  on 
the  shelves:  although  1700  are  constantly  scattered  in  the  house  for  the 
use  of  the  professors  and  inmates. 

The  library  is  open  daily  from  morning  to  night.  Strangers  are  ad 
mitted  on  application,  and  are  allowed  to  take  books  for  a  short  and 
limited  time.  The  students,  having  different  private  libraries  for  their 
own  use,  cannot,  without  special  leave,  enter  the  College  library,  and 
take  books  out  of  it. —  C.  Pernot. 


GENEVA, 
HOBART  FREE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     3282  vols. 

"  In  January,  1813,  the  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  granted 
an  annuity  of  $750  per  annum  to  the  Academy  at  Fairfield,  Herkimer 
County,  New  York,  on  condition  that  the  principal  should  be  a  clergy 
man  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  give  clerical  and  theological 
instruction  to  eight  young  men,  preparatory  to  their  taking  holy  orders. 

"In  February,  1821,  the  managers  of  The  Protestant  Episcopal 
Theological  Education  Society,  of  New  York,  having  resolved  upon 
Geneva,  as  the  place  for  the  Branch  Theological  School,  the  Yestry  of 


248  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

Trinity  Church  transferred  the  $750  per  annum  to  Geneva,  on  condition 
that  the  inhabitants  would  erect  a  suitable  building  for  the  accommoda 
tion  of  the  theological  students.  The  result  was  the  erection  of  Geneva 
Hall,  which  was  completed  during  the  next  year.  The  funds  were 
transferred;  and  Dr.  McDonald,  the  principal  arid  theological  professor 
in  the  Fail-field  Academy,  became  principal  of  the  Academy  at  Geneva, 
and  professor  in  the  Branch  Theological  School;  and  theological  in 
struction  commenced  in  June,  1821. 

11  In  the  January  following,  in  accordance  with  a  previous  plan,  the 
Trustees  of  the  Geneva  Academy  petitioned,  and  received  from  the 
Regents  of  the  University,  a  provisional  charter  for  a  College,  bearing 
date  April  10th,  1822. 

"In  1824,  after  the  General  Theological  Seminary  had  been  finally 
established  at  New  York,  the  Branch  School  was  given  up,  and  the 
Trustees  of  the  General  Theological  Seminary  gave  $8000  towards  the 
endowment  of  the  College,  in  consideration  of  its  relinquishing  all 
claims  for  funds  towards  the  support  of  the  Branch  School.  In  1837, 
this  $8000  was  appropriated  to  the  erection  of  Trinity  Hall. 

"  In  February,  1824,  the  Trustees  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Society 
for  the  Promotion  of  Religion  and  Learning,  contributed  $12,500,  or 
the  annual  interest  on  that  sum,  at  six  per  cent. ;  and  on  the  8th  day 
of  the  same  month,  the  charter  for  a  College  was  granted,  and  the 
classes  were  formed  in  the  September  following. 

"In  1825,  the  CHARLES  STARTIN  Professorship  was  founded,  on  a 
legacy  left  by  Mrs.  Startin,  at  the  disposal  of  Bishop  Hobart,  amount 
ing  at  that  time,  in  principal  and  interest,  to  $5260. 

"In  September,  1834,  statutes  were  passed  creating  a  Medical  Depart 
ment  in  the  College;  and,  in  1836,  the  Middle  College  Building  was 
erected  for  the  use  of  the  Medical  Faculty.  But,  in  1841,  the  New 
Medical  College  having  been  erected,  the  Middle  College  was  appro 
priated  to  the  use  of  the  Literary  Department.  The  State  contributed 
$15,000  towards  the  New  Medical  College. 

"In  1836,  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Society  for  the  Promotion  of 
Religion  and  Learning,  made  an  additional  grant  of  an  annuity  of  $500 
per  year;  and  likewise  a  conditional  grant  of  $22,000,  $7000  of  which 
was  paid  at  the  time,  towards  the  erection  of  College  buildings;  and  the 
interest  on  the  remaining  $15,000  has  been  paid  since  1851,  at  which 
time  the  condition  of  the  grant  was  fulfilled,  on  the  part  of  the  College, 
by  establishing  and  endowing  the  HOBART  Professorship. 

"In  1838,  the  State  granted  the  College  an  annuity  of  $6000  per 


NEW   YORK.  249 

year,  which  grant,  however,  was  held  to  be  inoperative  by  the  amend 
ment  to  the  State  Constitution,  made  in  1846,  and  has  not  been  paid 
since  that  date. 

"  In  1844  (chiefly  through  the  efforts  of  President  HALE),  the  Society 
for  the  Education  of  the  Sons  of  the  Clergy,  was  instituted,  and  has 
been  in  beneficial  operation  ever  since. 

"In  August,  1848,  the  Board  of  Trustees  passed  certain  statutes, 
constituting  the  alumni  a  House  of  Convocation,  with  the  power  to  elect 
such  other  members  as  the  Convocation  might,  from  time  to  time,  choose 
to  elect  from  among  those  who  should  have  received  either  honorary  or 
ad  eundcm  degrees  in  the  College. 

"  In  1848,  the  small  building  which  had  been  used  for  lecture-rooms, 
was  fitted  for  a  chapel ;  and,  in  1852,  an  organ  was  obtained  for  the 
chapel,  and  put  up  in  its  appropriate  place. 

"In  1849,  the  sum  of  $15,000  having  been  raised  for  that  purpose, 
chiefly  in  the  diocese  of  Western  New  York,  the  HOBART  Professorship 
was  founded,  and  has  since  been  appropriated  to  the  department  of  the 
Greek  and  Latin  Languages  and  Literature. 

"And  on  the  completion  of  this  foundation,  by  the  collection  and  in 
vestment  of  the  funds  above  specified,  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Society 
for  the  Promotion  of  Religion  and  Learning,  gave  the  College,  in  1851, 
the  interest  on  a  similar  sum  for  the  endowment  of  a  Professorship. 

"In  November,  1851,  the  Yestry  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  en 
dowed  the  College  with  a  permanent  annuity  of  $3000  per  year,  on  con 
dition  that, 

"1.  Tuition  and  room-rent  in  the  College  should  be  made  forever 
FREE  or  CHARGE  to  all  students. 

"  2.  The  name  of  the  College  should  be  changed  (by  Act  of  the  Legis 
lature)  to  HOBART  FREE  COLLEGE  AT  GENEVA. 

"3.  There  should  be  established  a  Professorship,  to  be  called  the 
TRINITY  PROFESSORSHIP  OF  CHRISTIAN  ETHICS. 

"  In  the  same  year,  1851,  the  Faculty  founded  the  two  Faculty  Prizes, 
for  Declamation  at  the  Sophomore  Exhibition,  at  the  close  of  the  Fall 
Term. 

"In  1852,  John  II.  Swift,  Esq.,  of  New  York  City,  founded  the 
Fellowship  which  bears  his  name,  giving  to  the  Fellow7  $350  per  year. 
The  Fellow  must  be  a  candidate  for  Holy  Orders,  and  reside  in  the  Col 
lege  buildings,  and  may  be  required  to  do  duty  as  a  tutor,  hearing  one 
recitation  a  day. 

"And  in  this  same  year,  Horace  White,  Esq.,  of  Syracuse,  founded 


250  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

the  two  White  Prize  Medals,  of  $25  and  810,  respectively,  for  English 
Essays. 

"In  1853,  Mr.  White  also  gave  the  College  an  additional  sum  of 
$15,000,  to  found  a  new  professorship. 

"  In  1854,  a  lady  in  New  York  gave  the  College  81000,  to  found  the 
HENRY  LAIGHT  Scholarship,  for  the  benefit  of  an  under-graduate,  while 
pursuing  his  college  course.  He  must  be  a  communicant  in  the  Protes 
tant  Episcopal  Church,  and  is  to  be  appointed  by  the  Bishop. 

"In  1855,  Horace  White,  Esq.,  further  endowed  the  College  by 
giving  8500,  the  income  of  which  is  to  constitute  a  prize,  to  be  called 
the  White  Rhetorical  Prize. 

"In  1855,  a  Greek  Prize  was  instituted  by  Professor  Metcalf,  to  be 
given  annually,  at  Commencement,  to  the  member  of  the  Junior  Class  who 
shall  sustain  the  best  examination  in  a  Greek  tragedy,  previously  selected 
for  the  purpose. 

"There  was  established  in  the  College,  at  a  very  early  day,  a  Course 
of  Natural  Science  and  Modern  Languages,  including,  in  fact,  all  of  the 
College  course  of  study  except  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages.  Those 
who  have  completed  this  course,  are  called  Bachelors  of  Science. " — 
Triennial  Catalogue. 

It  was  the  desiim  of  the  founders,  that  the  College  should  be  under 

o  /  «— - 

the  direction  of  members  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  should, 
in  its  religious  aspect,  be  conformed  to  the  standards  and  offices  of  that 
church. 

Bishop  Hobart,  in  his  address  to  the  Convention  of  his  Diocese,  in 
October,  1822,  made  the  following  remarks  relative  to  the  objects  of  the 
College : 

"The  union  between  science  and  religion,  and  their  reciprocal  in 
fluences,  are  so  intimate  and  powerful,  that  no  religious  community  can 
flourish  where  that  union  is  not  recognized,  and  that  influence  main 
tained  in  literary  institutions  and  colleges  subject  to  its  paramount  con 
trol.  There  is  no  instance  of  any  universities  or  colleges  in  the  Christian 
world,  in  which  some  religious  denomination  has  not,  directly  or  indi 
rectly,  predominating  influence.  The  causes  of  this  may  be  traced  to 
the  intimate  union  between  science  and  religion,  and  to  principles  deeply 
seated  in  human  nature.  And  it  is  believed  that  no  universities  or  col 
leges,  whatever  may  be  their  professions,  will  long  be  managed  on  any 
other  footing.  But,  without  digressing  into  these  general  views,  it  is 
surely  obvious  that  Episcopalians,  in  common  with  other  Christian 


NEW   YORK.  251 

denominations,  ought  to  have  colleges  in  which  their  candidates  for 
orders  may  receive  preparatory  instruction,  and  in  which  they  may  have 
an  opportunity  of  educating  their  sons  under  circumstances  most  favor 
able  to  their  being  confirmed  in  those  principles  and  views  of  religious 
truth,  maintained  by  the  church  of  which  they  are  members." 

The  yearly  increase  of  the  library  is  irregular,  depending  chiefly  on 
donations.  During  1856,  200  volumes,  some  of  great  value,  were  added. 
There  are  1700  pamphlets  in  the  library. 

The  College  possesses  a  large  collection  of  specimens  in  geology  and 
mineralogy — probably  as  many  as  8000 ;  in  ornithology,  perhaps  250 
specimens ;  a  few  in  zoology,  in  herpetology,  &c. ;  some  in  botany. 

The  library  has  now  a  set  of  medals,  presidential,  naval,  and  military, 
forty-eight  in  number :  a  bequest  of  the  late  Hon.  J.  C.  Spencer. 


HERM^SAN  SOCIETY  (HOBART  FREE  COLLEGE). 

(1857.)     40GO  vols. 

Founded  in  1845,  by  the  union  of  the  Alpha  Phi  Delta  and  the  Eu- 
glossian  Societies.  Initiation  fee,  $2.  Members  pay  75  cents  a  year, 
and  others  $1  for  the  use  of  the  library.  It  is  open  three  days  a  week. 
In  1855,  800  volumes  were  lent  to  55  persons.  The  librarian  receives 
a  salary  of  $15.  About  120  volumes  are  added  yearly.  Annual  cost 
of  support,  about  $30.. 


HAMILTON. 

MADISON  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     5671  vols. 

The  germ  of  this  institution  is  to  be  found  in  the  incorporation  of 
"  The  Baptist  Education  Society  of  the  State  of  New  York,"  "  to  edu 
cate  pious  young  men  to  the  Gospel  ministry."  It  was  chartered  on 
the  5th  of  March,  1819,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  Hamilton 
was  selected  as  the  permanent  seat  of  the  Seminary  to  be  established, 
the  friends  of  that  location  having  paid  $6000  towards  this  object.  The 
institution  here  founded  has  borne  different  names,  as  "School/'  "Semi 
nary,"  "Hamilton  Literary  and  Theological  Institution,"  and  finally 
"Madison  University."  In  the  year  1829,  the  course  of  studies  was 
extended  to  four  years;  in  183.1,  to  six.  In  1835,  the  first  senior  colle 
giate  class  graduated.  On  the  26th  March,  1846,  a  University  charter 
was  obtained. 


252  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

In  1847,  a  series  of  efforts  were  made  to  remove  the  University  to 
Rochester,  New  York,  and  in  1850,  five  members  of  the  Faculty  and 
a  majority  of  the  trustees  resigned  their  places,  and  went  to  that  city  to 
aid  in  establishing  a  new  University,  taking  with  them  about  one-half 
of  the  students.  Although  this  difficulty  occasioned  great  embarrass 
ment  and  injury  to  the  University,  it  soon  'recovered  its  position,  its 
amount  of  property  was  more  than  doubled,  and  its  number  of  students 
more  than  tripled. 

Receipts  during  1854,  $424  90;  expenditures  for  books,  $320;  bind 
ing,  $19;  periodicals,  $35;  salaries,  820;  incidentals,  $30.  In  1852, 
the  library  of  the  University  was  worth  88000 ;  Missionary  library  and 
museum,  82058;  Adelphian  Society  library,  8896;  ^Eonian  Society 
Library,  82036;  total  value,  812,990. 

In  1856,  the  College  library  contained  5636  volumes,  worth  89500 ; 
the  Society  libraries  contained  2500  volumes,  worth  $5000.  The  read 
ing-room  is  supplied  with  journals  from  nearly  every  State  in  the  Union. 
3  dailies,  33  weeklies,  3  semi-monthlies,  14  monthlies,  and  1  quarterly. 
Total,  54. 

In  1857,  the  University  library  had  5671  volumes;  Grammar  School,, 
650 ;  MISSIONARY,  800 ;  zEoNiAN,  900 ;  the  ADELPHIAN,  800 ;  total, 
8821. 

"Few  books  in  the  library  of  Madison  University  are  ephemeral. 
They  are  mostly  of  permanent  and  of  standard  value,  affected  little 
by  the  fluctuations  of  the  age.  They  have  been  selected  with  especial 
reference  to  the  wants  of  the  officers  of  instruction,  and  of  the  students, 
in  all  the  departments  of  study  and  investigation.  They  are  mostly 
philological,  theological,  archaeological,  lexicographical,  encyclopaxliacal, 
and  historical.  Particularly  in  Hebrew,  Greek,  Latin,  and  German  Phi 
lology,  there  is  a  choice  selection,  made  mainly  by  the  Professors  in  the 
University.  Few  libraries  connected  with  our  institutions  of  learning 
are  more  valuable  for  literary  and  theological  purposes.  In  grammars, 
dictionaries,  and  lexicons,  the  collection  is  good.  Among  encyclopaedias, 
are  the  following :  the  Edinburgh,  Britannica,  Penny,  Rees's,  Ame 
ricana,  Iconographic,  Nicholson's,  Brando's,  Ohambcrs's,  The  Conversa 
tions  Lexicon,  &c.,  all  complete. 

"The  library  has,  as  yet,  no  permanent  fund  to  draw  upon.  It  was 
founded  in  May,  1820,  at  the  same  time  that  a  'Theological  School' 
was  opened  by  the  Baptist  Education  Society  of  the  State  of  New 
York.  It  was  commenced  by  voluntary  contributions  of  books  from 


NEW    YORK.  253 

pastors  of  churches,  and  the  patrons  of  the  institution  in  general.  At 
first,  most  of  the  books  were  theological.  Those  that  were  not  of  stan 
dard  value  have  mostly  been  sold,  from  time  to  time,  by  the  librarian, 
and  more  valuable  books  substituted.  To  meet  the  demand  of  the  Uni 
versity,  now  and  then  sums  of  $1000  or  $1500  have  been  raised  by 
subscription,  and  the  books  have  been  imported  to  order  from  Germany, 
free  of  duty.  In  most  cases,  the  books  have  been  selected  by  officers 
of  the  institution,  while  on  a  visit  to  Europe.  The  former  librarian  was 
successful  in  collecting,  by  his  personal  efforts,  the  best  English  and 
American  works.  And  the  present  librarian  has  added,  within  the  past 
three  years,  by  purchase  and  donations,  600  volumes,  valued  at  about 
$1000.  It  is  hoped  that  ere  long  some  benevolent  individual  will  esta 
blish  a  library  fund,  from  whose  income  the  library  may  steadily  be 
replenished/' — P.  P.  Brown. 

The  books  arc  arranged  according  to  subjects,  particular  portions  of 
the  room  being  assigned  to  a  particular  class,  as  classical  literature, 
sacred  philology,  church  history,  modern  languages,  &c.  Within  each 
section,  the  books  are  arranged  according  to  their  size.  There  is  no  printed 
catalogue.  The  library  is  open  for  consultation  every  day  at  1J  o'clock, 
and  is  kept  open  until  4  o'clock,  except  Saturday.  Books  are  drawn 
three  times  a  week.  The  students  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library 
by  the  payment  of  25  cents  per  term;  the  Board  of  Trustees,  Faculty, 
and  clergymen  of  the  place,  gratuitously.  Books  are  always  lent  by  the 
librarian  to  gentlemen  of  responsible  character  who  desire  them.  Books 
are  thus  occasionally  lent  to  persons  at  a  considerable  distance. 


HAETWICK. 

HARTWICK  THEOLOGICAL  AND  CLASSICAL  SEMINARY. 

(1857.)     1500  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1815.  The  several  libraries  contain  about  1500  vo 
lumes,  many  of  them  of  permanent  interest  and  value.  About  6  volumes 
are  added  annually. 

The  THEOLOGICAL  SOCIETY,  and  the  PHILOPIIRONEAN  SOCIETY,  have 
each  libraries  of  their  own. 


254  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

HUDSON. 

FRANKLIN  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1783  vols. 

Founded  in  1837.  Incorporated  April  2d,  1838.  The  annual  dues 
are  $2.  Receipts  during  1854,  81030  56;  expenditures  for  books, 
§91  07;  salaries,  $40;  incidentals,  8105  07.  The  library  is  open  on 
Saturday  evenings. 

During  1854,  G240  volumes  were  lent  to  120  persons.  Works  of 
fiction  are  mostly  called  for, — Uncle  Tom's  Cabin,  The  Lamplighter, 
Ruth  Hall,  Fern  Leaves,  Dickens's  Works,  George  "W.  Curtis's  Works, 
Thackeray's  Works,  Melville's  Works,  &c. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  May,  1855,  32  pages  12mo.,  cost  833  for 
500  copies.  All  the  books  are  in  English. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  $74. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  75. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  10,400. 


LE  ROY. 

INGHAM  COLLEGIATE  INSTITUTE.     (185G.)     1000  vols. 

The  Institute  has  a  library  of  1000  volumes,  to  which  the  students 
have  access,  by  paying  one  shilling  per  term. 

The  ALTONIAN  LITERARY  SOCIETY  has  a  library  of  more  than  500 
volumes.  This  Society  takes  its  name  from  Mrs.  Rev.  D.  C.  Houghton, 
formerly  Miss  Juliana  Alton,  of  Covington,  Genesee  County,  New  York, 
from  whom  it  received  a  contribution  of  300  volumes,  as  the  foundation 
of  a  library. 

LIMA. 

GENESEE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     3500  vols. 

Commenced  in  1850.  The  yearly  increase  of  the  library  is  about  225 
volumes.  The  annual  cost  of  supporting  it  is  about  8200,  which  is 
mostly  for  books  and  periodicals.  About  8000  have  been  spent  for 
books  during  the  last  five  years,  Receipts  in  1854,  823;  expenditures 
for  books,  821  51 ;  periodicals,  89.  Students  pay  81  50  a  year  for  the 
use  of  the  library.  During  1854,  200  volumes  were  lent  to  25  persons. 
956  volumes  are  in  English,  36  French,  5  Italian,  135  German,  3 
Spanish,  105  Latin,  146  Greek,  8  Hebrew,  5  Oriental.  38  periodicals 
are  taken. 


NEW   YORK.  255 

The  AMPHICTYON,  GENESEE  LYCEUM,  and  LADIES'  LITERARY  SO 
CIETY,  connected  with  this  seminary,  have  each  a  library  and  an  appro 
priately  furnished  room.  Reading-rooms  are  connected  with  the  two 
first  societies. 


McGRAWVILLE, 

NEW  YORK  CENTRAL  COLLEGE.     (1856.)     GOO  vols. 

Founded  in  1849.  Receipts  for  the  library,  1854,  820.  Expended 
for  books,  835.  Students  pay  12 2  cents  per  college  term,  for  the  use  of 
the  library.  During  1854,  100  books  were  lent  to  100  persons.  All 
the  books  are  in  English. 

There  are  107  pamphlets  and  725  specimens  of  natural  history.  9 
periodicals  and  14  newspapers  are  taken. 


NEWBURG. 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  OF  THE  ASSOCIATE  REFORMED 
CHURCH.     (1850.)     3230  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1835.  The  library  was  founded  in  1802.  The  only 
considerable  accession  was  the  donation  of  the  Rev.  R.  Forrest,  contain 
ing  855  volumes.  A  catalogue,  16  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  in  1848.  The 
library  is  open  for  one  hour  on  Thursday  of  every  week,  in  term  time, 
and  the  use  of  it  is  free  to  all  persons  connected  with  the  institution. 


NEW  YORK, 

AMERICAN  BIBLE  UNION.     (1857.)     4000  vols. 

Founded  June,  1850.  The  revisers  and  translators  of  the  Bible 
Union  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library.  The  books  are  arranged, 
as  far  as  practicable,  by  subjects;  though,  at  the  present  time,  they  are 
distributed  among  the  revisers,  who  occupy  six  or  eight  rooms.  The 
library  is  open  to  the  revisers  at  all  hours,  night  and  day. 

The  yearly  increase  of  the  library  is  about  700  volumes. 

This  library  is  exceedingly  rich  in  everything  relating  to  the  Sacred 
Scriptures,  biblical  history,  antiquities,  &c. 


256  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

AMERICAN  GEOGRAPHICAL  AND  STATISTICAL  SOCIETY. 
(1857.)     450  vols. 

Founded  in  1853.  Annual  dues,  85.  The  books  are  arranged  alpha 
betically  according  to  authors.  The  library  is  open  five  hours  everyday. 
333  volumes  are  in  English,  22  French,  56  German,  13  Spanish,  20 
Italian,  3  Danish,  and  4  Swedish. 

"The  object  of  the  Society  is  the  advancement  of  Geographical  and 
Statistical  Science,  by  the  collection  and  diffusion  of  knowledge  in  those 
branches. 

"  Among  the  measures  at  present  contemplated  for  this  purpose,  are 
the  following : 

"1.  A  collection  of  the  most  valuable  maps  and  books  of  reference 
on  Geography  and  Statistics,  from  all  countries,  to  be  deposited  and 
kept  for  public  use,  under  proper  regulations. 

"  2.  Stated  meetings  on  Thursday  of  every  week  (July,  August,  and 
September,  cxcepted),  open  to  the  public,  for  the  reading  of  valuable 
papers  on  geographical  and  statistical  subjects,  collected  from  all  quar 
ters,  with  conversational  discussions,  personal  narratives  of  explorers 
and  travellers,  &c. 

"3.  A  bulletin  of  the  Society's  transactions  and  collections,  published 
periodically,  furnished  to  all  members,  and  sent  in  exchange  to  kindred 
institutes  in  all  countries. 

"4.  To  obtain,  through  the  kind  co-operation  of  the  foreign  Consuls 
residents  here,  the  latest,  completes!,  and  most  authentic  information, 
publications,  and  public  documents,  from  their  respective  countries. 

"  5.  By  correspondence  with  missionaries,  officers  of  the  Army  and 
Navy,  and  others,  to  increase  the  extent  and  accuracy  of  geographical 
and  statistical  knowledge. 

"6.  Originating  and  assisting  in  explorations  of  undescribed  regions, 
and  in  voyages  of  discovery. 

"  The  Society  docs  not  expect  to  receive,  as  donations,  books,  maps, 
charts,  &c.,  which  from  their  costliness,  rarity,  recent  publication,  or 
other  circumstance,  are  highly  valued  by  their  owner.  They  look 
rather  to  the  obtaining  of  ancient  books  of  voyages  and  travels,  obso 
lete  maps  and  charts,  gazetteers,  and  geographies  long  disused,  compila 
tions  of  statistics,  duplicate  copies  of  books,  pamphlets,  maps,  &c.  &c., 
in  any  quantity,  for  our  exchanges  or  other  disposition,  which  may  en 
cumber  the  shelves  of  a  private  library;  but  which  would,  nevertheless, 


NEW   YORK.  257 

add  greatly  to  the  value  of  a  collection  such  as  we  propose  to  establish ; 
or  facilitate  our  exchanges  with  governments,  societies,  or  individuals." 


AMERICAN  INSTITUTE.     (1855.)     7500  vols. 

"The  library  of  the  American  Institute  was  organized  in  the  year  1833. 
At  a  meeting  of  the  Institute,  held  on  the  4th  day  of  February,  1833, 
a  resolution  was  offered  by  Robert  K.  Moulton,  that  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  report  on  the  subject  of  a  library  for  the  Institute;  which 
was  adopted,  and  Robert  K.  Moulton,  Joseph  P.  Simpson,  William  In- 
glis,  Clarkson  Crolius,  and  George  Bacon,  were  appointed. 

"  The  committee  subsequently  reported  a  plan  for  the  organization  of 
the  library,  which  was  adopted,  on  the  22d  day  of  July,  1833,  and  the 
Institute  then  made  an  appropriation  of  §500  to  the  library.  On  the 
13th  of  February,  1834,  an  additional  appropriation  of  8500  was  made 
by  the  Institute. 

"  The  library  was  first  opened  at  the  rooms  of  the  Institute,  in  the  year 
1833,  in  Liberty  Street  near  Broadway,  in  this  city.  In  1834,  the 
library  and  Institute  removed  to  No.  41  Cortlandt  Street.  The  Institute 
and  library  remained  there  until  1836,  when  a  lease  was  taken  by  the 
Institute  of  the  second  floor  of  No.  187  Broadway,  at  a  rent  of  $1000 
a  year,  where  they  remained  for  three  years.  In  1839,  the  Institute 
and  library  were  removed  to  rooms  in  the  new  City  Hall,  in  the  Park ; 
rented  from  the  corporation  for  four  years,  at  a  rent  of  $400. 

"  In  1843,  the  corporation  granted  a  free  lease  to  the  Institute  for  ten 
years,  subject  to  the  right  of  the  corporation  to  terminate  the  same 
when  wanted  for  public  purposes.  In  1848,  the  corporation  terminated 
the  lease,  additional  rooms  being  wanted  for  court-rooms. 

"  In  November,  1848,  the  Institute  hired  the  second  floor  of  the  build 
ing  corner  of  Broadway  and  Anthony  Street,  at  the  rent  of  $1000  per 
year.  There  being  no  accommodation  for  the  library  in  those  rooms, 
the  books  were  carefully  packed  up  and  stored. 

"  After  the  close  of  the  Annual  Fair  in  the  fall  of  the  year  1848, 
there  appeared  to  be  a  general  desire  among  the  members  to  obtain  a 
permanent  location  for  the  Institute. 

"The  Institute  having  accumulated  about  817,000,  being  the  surplus 
proceeds  of  their  fairs,  in  the  spring  of  1849,  purchased  the  building 
now  occupied  by  them,  No.  351  Broadway,  for  845,000. 

"The  Institute  removed  to  their  new  building  in  June,  1849,  and  the 

17 


258  rUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

library  was  then  unpacked  and  reopened  for  the  use  of  the  shareholders 
and  members  of  the  Institute.  The  library-room  is  80  feet  long  by  25 
feet  wide,  and  has  been  handsomely  fitted  up  by  the  Institute  with  glass 
cases,  gas  fixtures,  &c.,  at  an  expense  of  8702  19.  Connected  with  the 
library  is  a  reading-room,  furnished  with  the  newspapers  published  in 
the  city  of  New  York  and  one  newspaper  from  each  of  the  principal 
cities  in  the  United  States,  and  also  with  the  principal  periodicals  and 
scientific  magazines  published  in  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain. 

"  As  the  Institute  had,  at  various  times,  voted  appropriations  of  money 
to  the  library,  increasing  its  value,  questions  arose  as  to  the  relative  right 
of  the  shareholders  and  the  Institute  in  the  library.  The  members  of 
the  Institute  were  not  entitled  to  take  a  volume  from  the  library  until 
the  1st  day  of  May,  1850,  when  that  privilege  was  given  them  by  the 
new  by-laws. 

"For  the  purpose  of  settling  the  questions  as  to  the  rights  of  the  share 
holders,  a  paper  was  drawn  up  and  signed  by  fifteen  of  them,  releasing 
their  rights  as  such,  to  the  Institute,  and  which  was  presented  at  a 
meeting  held  on  the  llth  of  April,  1850;  whereupon,  a  resolution  was 
passed  that  shareholders,  who  should  release  their  rights  in  the  library, 
should  be  life-members  of  the  Institute ;  and  a  special  vote  of  thanks,  to 
those  shareholders  who  had  so  released  their  rights,  was  passed.  Since 
that  time,  nearly  all  the  shareholders  have  released  their  rights  and 
become  members  of  the  Institute  for  life. 

Up  to  that  time,  April  11,  1850,  the  Institute  had  contributed  to  the 

library,  for  the  purchase  of  books,        ......  §2478  2"> 

Contributed  by  shareholders,  in  money  and  books,  ....  249-1   29 

Donations  made  by  members  and  others,  valued  at,          .          .          .  127000 

Since  1st  of  May,  1850,  the  Institute  has  expended  for  books,  .          .  948  03 

Total  amount  contributed  and  expended  for  books  for  the  library,    .         $7190  57 

"From  May,  1850,  to  January,  1852,  there  have  been  added  to  the 
library  1280  volumes,  and  its  gradual  increase  has  been  provided  for  by 
an  annual  appropriation,  passed  by  the  Institute  on  the  Gth  day  of  March, 
1851,  of  $500  a  year." 

The  value  of  the  library  and  fixtures  is  estimated  at  811,118  58. 

The  library  is  open  ten  hours  every  day.  During  1854, 1150  volumes 
were  lent  to  100  persons. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1852,  at  a  cost  of  $500  for  1000  copies. 
The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  8600.  Annual  fee  for  membership,  82. 


NEW    YORK.  259 


APPRENTICES'  AND  DEMILT  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     19,026  vols. 

Founded  November,  1820,  by  the  General  Society  of  Mechanics  and 
Tradesmen  of  the  City  of  New  York;  supported  by  the  same.  The 
library  is  free  to  members  of  the  General  Society  of  Mechanics  and 
Tradesmen;  also  apprentices.  Journeymen  and  other  persons,  $1  per 
annum.  The  library  is  open  every  day,  except  holidays,  from  5  to  9 
o'clock  P.M.  The  last  catalogue  was  printed  in  July,  1855,  12mo.  248 
pages;  cost  $733  93  for  2000  copies. 

The  following  extract  is  taken  from  the  catalogue  published  in  1855  : 
"  The  principal  difference  between  this  and  most  other  catalogues  of  the 
present  clay,  is  in  the  last  part,  wherein  the  titles  of  the  books  are  ar 
ranged  in  classes,  and  which  serve  as  an  index  to  the  rest.  The  method 
of  arranging  catalogues  of  public  libraries  is  a  subject  that  has,  during 
the  last  twenty-five  years,  occupied  much  of  the  attention  of  those  who 
have  had  the  management  of  such  institutions ;  and  in  the  course  of 
that  time,  it  has  undergone  several  important  changes.  Of  all  that 
have  come  under  the  notice  of  the  committee,  none  appeared  to  be  so 
well  adapted  for  our  purpose,  as  the  catalogue  of  the  Mercantile  Library 
of  this  city,  and  that,  therefore,  was  chosen  as  our  model." 

1854.  1855.  1856. 

Total  receipts,    ....     $2628   14     $2000  00    $3060  85 

Expenditures  for  books,      .  .  1573   54  GG2  00  981  50 

binding,  .  .  178   31  85  25  182  84 

"                  periodicals,  .  104  53  90  60  110  00 

salaries,   .  .  381  42  700  00  700  00 

incidentals,  .  310  35  400  00  1100  00 

The  librarian's  salary  is  $350;  and  two  assistants  receive  8150  per 
annum.  About  16  periodicals,  and  a  few  newspapers  are  taken. 

The  whole  number  of  accounts  opened  with  readers,  from  September 
1,  1855,  to  July  31, 1856,  was  as  follows :  With  apprentices,  1628 ;  pay 
readers,  148;  members  of  Mechanics'  Society,  160;  total,  1936;  and 
the  largest  number  ever  reported. 

The  number  of  volumes  taken  out  during  the  same  period,  was  as 
follows :  By  apprentices  and  pay  readers,  33,967 ;  by  members  of  the 
Mechanics'  Society,  3020 ;  total,  36,987. 

The  whole  number  of  volumes  in  the  library,  on  the  1st  September, 
1856,  was :  In  the  Apprentices  (a  lending)  Library,  14;899;  in  the 


260  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

Demilt  (a  reference)  Library,  3032 ;  total,  17,931.  17,296  volumes 
are  in  English,  25  French,  2  German,  3  Spanish,  5  other  modern  lan 
guages,  12  Latin,  and  3  Greek. 

"  A  large  proportion  of  our  readers  are  boys,  between  the  ages  of  12 
and  21  years,  who  are  employed  in  various  occupations  usually  called 
mechanical.  They  generally  come  in  the  evening  to  the  library  to 
exchange  their  books,  and  numbers  remain  in  the  rooms  until  they  are 
closed.  The  consequence  of  this  is,  that  there  is  little  leisure  to  attend 
to  anything  but  their  wants,  and  we  have  not  yet  been  able  to  devise 
any  plan  by  which  to  keep  a  minute  report  of  the  various  descriptions 
of  books  taken;  we  have  noticed,  however,  that  the  works  most  fre 
quently  called  for,  are  the  following,  according  to  the  order  in  which 
they  are  stated,  viz. :  Cooper's  Novels,  Simms's,  most  of  Scott's,  Marryat's, 
Dickens's,  Lever's,  Mayne  Reid,  The  Three  Guardsmen,  Twenty  Years 
After,  Bragalone,  Monte  Cristo,  The  Wandering  Jew,  The  Arabian  Nights, 
Robinson  Crusoe,  Shakspeare's  Plays,  some  of  James's  Works,  some  of 
Bulwer's  Works,  some  of  Thackeray's  Works,  Uncle  Tom's  Cabin,  Dred, 
Kane's  Second  Expedition,  and  a  few  others.  There  are,  of  course, 
many  others  called  for  quite  frequently,  but  those  named  are  much  the 
most  so,  and  several  of  them  about  equally. 

"  From  this  statement,  it  will  appear  that  a  large  proportion  of  the 
books  taken  by  our  readers,  are  works  of  fiction.  This,  we  think,  is  to 
be  attributed  to  their  youth  and  limited  education,  and  will,  in  many 
cases,  be  gradually  changed  for  the  better.  We  trust,  too,  that  not  a 
little  good  is  accomplished,  even  by  this  description  of  reading,  as  well 
as  by  its  withdrawing  them  from  idle  and  vicious  associations,  and  cul 
tivating  a  habit  of  spending  their  leisure  in  this  manner. 

"  Let  it  not  be  supposed,  moreover,  that  there  are  not  also  given  out  a 
considerable  number  of  works  of  a  more  useful  character,  for  there  are, 
among  our  readers,  a  number  of  young  men  who,  from  the  time  they 
first  came  to  the  library,  have  chosen  such  books  as  cannot  but  tend  to 
their  improvement." — W.  Van  Nor  den,  February,  1857. 


ASTOR  LIBRARY.     (1855.)     80,000  vols. 

John  Jacob  Astor,  the  founder  of  the  library  which  bears  his  name, 
was  born  in  Waldorf,  Germany,  on  the  17th  of  July,  1763.  He  came 
to  America  in  1783.  He  died  on  the  29th  of  March,  1848,  at  the  age 
of  84.  He  left  many  liberal  bequests  to  charitable  institutions ;  but  the 


NEW    YORK.  2G1 

largest  amount  to  establish  a  public  library.     His  intention  was  expressed 
as  follows : 

"  Desiring  to  render  a  public  benefit  to  the  city  of  New  York,  and  to 
contribute  to  the  advancement  of  useful  knowledge  and  the  general  good 
of  society,  I  do,  by  this  codicil,  appropriate  $400,000  out  of  my  resi 
duary  estate,  to  the  establishment  of  a  public  library  in  the  city  of  New 
York."  By  the  same  instrument,  this  sum  is  to  be  applied  and  dis 
posed  of — 

"  First.  In  the  erecting  of  a  suitable  building  for  a  public  library. 

"  Second.  In  furnishing  and  supplying  the  same  from  time  to  time 
with  books,  maps,  charts,  models,  drawings,  paintings,  engravings,  casts, 
statues,  furniture,  and  other  things  appertaining  to  a  library  for  general 
use,  upon  the  most  ample  scale  and  liberal  character. 

"  Third.  In  maintaining  and  upholding  the  buildings  and  other  pro 
perty,  and  in  defraying  the  necessary  expenses  of  taking  care  of  the  pro 
perty  and  of  the  accommodation  of  persons  consulting  the  library. 

"  The  said  sum  shall  be  payable,  one-third  in  the  year  after  my  decease, 
one-third  in  the  year  following,  and  the  residue  in  equal  sums  in  the 
fourth  and  fifth  years. 

"  The  said  library  is  to  be  accessible  at  all  reasonable  hours  and  times 
for  general  use,  free  of  expense  to  persons  resorting  thereto,  subject  only 
to  such  control  and  regulations  as  the  trustees  may,  from  time  to  time, 
exercise  and  establish  for  general  convenience. 

"  The  affairs  of  the  institution  shall  be  conducted  by  eleven  trustees, 
to  be  from  time  to  time  selected  from  the  different  liberal  professions 
and  employments  in  life,  and  the  classes  of  educated  men. 

"  All  the  property  and  effects  of  the  institution  shall  be  vested  in  the 
said  trustees.  They  shall  have  power  to  direct  the  expenditure  of  the 
funds,  the  investment,  safe  keeping,  and  management  thereof,  and  of 
the  property  and  effects  of  the  institution;  also  to  make  such  ordinances 
and  regulations  from  time  to  time,  as  they  may  think  proper,  for  the 
good  order  and  convenience  of  those  who  may  resort  to  the  library  or 
use  the  same ;  also,  to  appoint,  direct,  control,  and  remove  the  superin 
tendent  of  the  library,  and  all  librarians  and  others  employed  about  the 
institution  •  and,  also,  they  shall  have  and  use  all  powers  and  authority 
for  promoting  the  expressed  objects  of  this  institution,  not  contrary  to 
what  is  herein  expressed."  Other  clauses  in  the  will  fix  the  site  of  the 
library  building,  limit  the  cost  of  the  edifice  to  $75,000,  exclusive  of  that  of 
the  lot,  authorize  an  expenditure  of  $120,000  in  the  purchase  of  books  and 


262  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

other  objects  for  establishing  the  library,  and  direct  the  residue  to  be 
invested  as  a  permanent  fund  for  its  maintenance  and  gradual  increase. 
The  reports  of  the  trustees  to  the  Legislature  of  the  State  show  that 
these  several  testamentary  directions  have  been  exactly  followed,  and 
the  library  carried  into  operation  in  exact  conformity  to  the  will  of  its 
founder.  The  above  cited  clauses  exhibit  the  whole  that  is  contained 
in  the  instrument,  expressive  of  Mr.  Astor' s  intentions,  relative  to  the 
character  of  the  institution  which  he  founded. 

"  It  may  not  be  uninteresting  to  know  that  the  first  purchase  for  the 
library  was  made  at  the  sale  of  part  of  Major  Douglass's  books,  March 
15th,  1839,  when  about  40  volumes  were  bought,  among  them  Britton's 
Architectural  Antiquities  of  Great  Britain;  Young's  Recent  Discoveries 
in  Hieroglyphic  Literature;  White's  Gradations  in  Man;  and  Churchill's 
Voyages.  These  were  the  nucleus  of  the  Astor  Library,  and  may  fairly 
be  considered  as  a  type  of  the  whole  collection.  In  the  course  of  the 
same  year,  a  very  valuable  library,  which  had  been  collected  by  Count 
Boutourlin,  and  left  at  his  death  in  Florence,  where  he  had  resided,  was 
offered  to  Mr.  Astor,  for  about  $54,000.  He  decided  to  buy  it,  and 
furnished  a  friend  (Mr.  Cogswell)  who  was  about  visiting  Europe,  with 
the  credit  necessary  to  effect  the  purchase.  But  it  was  too  late ;  when 
he  arrived,  he  found  the  library  had  been  removed  to  Paris,  to  be  sold 
by  auction,  and  a  part  of  it  already  dispersed.  It  may  help  to  correct 
the  general  false  impression,  that  the  value  of  a  library  can  be  estimated 
by  its  number  of  volumes,  to  know  that  the  Boutourlin  library  did  not 
contain  more  than  12,000  volumes,  and  would  have  cost  between  $50,000 
and  860,000 ;  that  is,  it  would  have  absorbed  nearly  one-half  of  the  whole 
sum  to  be  expended  by  the  Astor  Library  for  books,  and  it  would  not 
have  filled  more  than  one-eighth  of  its  shelves.  The  12,000  volumes  of 
the  Boutourlin,  would  have  been  preferred  by  the  bibliomane, — the 
40,000  or  50,000  which  the  same  sum  has  procured  for  the  Astor  Library, 
will  be  found  vastly  better  adapted  to  the  wants  of  those  who  use  it. 
The  only  work  bought  by  Mr.  Astor  himself  for  his  library,  was  a  copy 
of  Audubon's  Birds  of  America,  and  the  whole  number  of  volumes 
bought  for  it  during  his  lifetime  was  not  above  1000.  It  was  not  until 
nine  months  after  his  death,  in  March,  1848,  that  the  work  of  collect 
ing  books  can  properly  be  said  to  have  been  undertaken.  The  first  meet 
ing  of  the  trustees  of  the  institution,  founded  by  John  Jacob  Astor,  was 
convened  in  May  of  the  same  year,  at  which  meeting  they  gave  to  it  the 
name  of  the  Astor  Library,  and  appointed  J.  G.  Cogswell,  of  New  York, 


NEW    YORK.  263 

to  be  its  superintendent,  the  latter  being,  as  has  been  stated  in  their 
official  report,  in  accordance  with  the  wishes  and  intentions  of  the 
founder.  At  a  meeting  afterwards,  on  the  18th  of  October,  as  it  was 
known  to  be  a  favorable  time  for  buying  books  abroad,  in  consequence 
of  the  political  agitations  in  France,  the  superintendent  of  the  Library 
was  authorized  to  go  to  Europe,  and  purchase  books  for  it  to  the  amount 
of  §20,000. 

"  In  accordance  with  this  vote,  he  embarked  on  the  12th  of  November, 
1848,  and  remained  abroad  until  the  beginning  of  the  following  March, 
reaching  New  York  on  his  return,  about  the  middle  of  the  month.  His 
whole  absence  was  a  few  days  over  four  months,  which  allowed  him  three 
in  Europe  for  the  purposes  of  his  visit.  This  time  was  divided  between 
London  and  Paris,  with  a  short  excursion  to  Brussels,  and  wholly  devoted 
to  hunting  up  books.  The  auction  sales  in  London,  particularly  of  the 
Duke  of  Buckingham's  large  library,  and  the  still  unsettled  state  of 
Paris,  enabled  him  to  bring  together  a  collection  justly  considered  rich, 
for  the  time  and  means  employed  in  effecting  it.  The  opportunity 
seemed  too  favorable  to  be  neglected,  and  tempted  him  to  exceed  the 
appropriation  by  85000,  which  excess  he  proposed  to  be  individually 
accountable  for,  if  the  trustees  did  not  see  fit  to  sanction  it.  As  they 
were  satisfied  with  the  reason  for  exceeding  the  limit  they  had  fixed  for 
the  present  purchase,  and  with  the  purchase  itself,  they  did  not  accede 
to  his  proposal. 

"  The  20,000  volumes  which  now  belonged  to  the  library  requiring  a 
place  for  safe  keeping,  in  which  they  could  be  placed  on  shelves,  arranged, 
and  inventoried,  a  house  in  Bond  Street  was  rented  by  the  trustees  for 
that  purpose,  and  provided  with  the  necessary  shelving.  It  now  became 
evident  that  in  order  to  go  on  with  the  formation  of  the  collection  upon 
system,  and  apportion  to  each  department  its  just  share  of  the  fund,  it 
would  be  necessary  to  have  a  prospective  catalogue  of  the  books, 
deemed,  if  not  indispensable,  at  least  very  important  to  form  the  library. 
As  no  such  catalogue  existed,  the  superintendent  undertook  to  prepare 
one,  based  upon  the  calculation  of  being  able  to  start  with  a  library  of 
75,000  or  80,000  volumes.  Being  intended  for  a  manual,  it  was  neces 
sary  to  make  the  titles  as  concise  as  could  be  done,  and  identify  the 
book.  Restricted  as  they  thus  were,  to  a  single  line,  they  formed  a 
volume  of  446  pages,  exclusive  of  30  of  bibliography  prefixed.  It 
required  the  unremitting  labor  of  18  months  to  prepare  this  volume, 
which  was  printed  at  the  expense  of  the  superintendent,  as  it  was 


264  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

mainly  intended  to  facilitate  his  work  :  but,  from  want  of  a  better,  it 
has  since  been  the  only  printed  catalogue  in  use.  Without  some  guide 
of  the  kind,  it  is  certain  that  no  systematic  collection  of  books  of  the 
extent  of  the  Astor  Library,  could  have  been  formed  by  a  single  indi 
vidual  in  the  short  space  of  four  years.  The  fidelity  with  which  it 
surveys  the  whole  field  of  printed  books,  from  the  invention  of  the  art 
to  the  time  of  its  going  to  press,  in  the  beginning  of  1850,  has  been 
put  to  the  severe  test  of  daily  use  for  nearly  two  years,  by  numerous 
readers,  and  the  examination  by  many  thousands  altogether,  who  agree 
in  pronouncing  it  as  complete  as  a  work  of  such  limited  extent  could  be 
made. 

"  While  the  superintendent  was  thus  engaged,  the  trustees  were  pre 
paring  to  erect  the  library  edifice.  After  examining  various  plans,  that 
upon  which  it  has  since  been  constructed  was  adopted,  and  Mr.  A. 
Saeltzer,  by  whom  it  was  drawn,  appointed  the  architect  to  superintend 
the  building.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  on  the  14th  of  March,  1850; 
the  keys  of  the  building  completed  were  given  up  by  the  contractors  in 
July,  1853.  By  the  end  of  the  same  year,  the  books  were  placed  on 
the  shelves,  classified,  and  prepared  for  use.  On  the  9th  of  January, 
1854,  the  library  was  open  for  inspection,  and  on  the  first  of  the  follow 
ing  month  for  use. 

"  Early  in  1851,  when  it  was  found  that  the  library  edifice  would  not 
be  completed  for  a  year  or  more,  the  superintendent  proposed  to  the 
trustees  to  allow  him  to  return  to  Europe,  and  make  further  purchases 
of  books  for  the  library.  Permission  was  given  him  to  do  this,  and  a 
credit  of  825,000  opened  in  London  for  this  purpose.  He  embarked 
at  New  York,  on  the  26th  of  February,  1851,  and  returned  on  the  24th 
of  December  of  the  same  year,  making  his  whole  absence  ten  months. 
During  this  absence,  the  search  for  books  was  extended  to  almost  every 
great  mart  of  Europe,  from  Home  on  the  south,  to  Stockholm  on  the 
north,  in  every  one  of  which  the  most  valuable  productions  of  science 
and  literature,  in  the  language  of  the  country,  were  carefully  collected. 
Every  day  was  scrupulously  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the  library,  and 
contributed  more  or  less  to  increase  its  stores.  Particular  attention  was 
given  to  Scandinavian  and  Oriental  literature,  and  to  the  Transactions  of 
learned  societies,  which  departments  of  the  Astor  Library  now  consti 
tute  three  of  its  most  distinctive  features.  Every  one  conversant  with 
book-buying,  knows  how  difficult  it  is  to  find  all  valuable  works  of  an 
early  date,  and  will  readily  understand  the  extent  of  the  labor  that  must 


NEW   YORK.  265 

have  been  expended  in  forming  a  whole  library  in  which  there  is  a  great 
number  of  works  of  this  class.  It  was  only  by  the  combination  of  favor 
able  circumstances,  and  unremitted  efforts,  that  it  has  been  accomplished. 
It  would  not  be  easy  to  cite  an  instance  of  the  collecting  of  a  library 
of  equal  extent  in  an  equally  short  space  of  time,  and  certainly  not  one 
in  which  it  was  done  by  a  single  individual.  The  library  itself  is  the 
only  test  by  which  it  can  be  determined  whether  it  was  done  well  or  ill. 
This  second  book-buying  tour  of  the  superintendent  added  nearly 
25,000  volumes  to  the  number  before  possessed,  making  the  aggregate 
now  collected  at  home  and  abroad,  little,  if  anything,  short  of  50,000 
volumes.  This  was  the  extent  which  it  was  at  first  expected  the  library 
would  reach,  when  its  whole  fund  of  $120,000  had  been  expen'ded,  and 
one-half  of  this  sum  was  still  in  reserve. 

"  It  was  now  necessary  to  arrange  and  inventory  the  recent  additions, 
and  in  the  expectation  that  so  much  of  the  work  as  should  then  be  done, 
would  not  have  to  be  done  again  in  the  new  library,  an  exact  systematic 
classification  was  undertaken.  To  this,  more  than  six  months  of  assidu 
ous  labor  were  devoted;  and  in  accomplishing  it,  it  was  necessary  that 
every  volume  should  be  taken  in  hand  by  the  superintendent,  and  put 
in  its  proper  place ;  and  this  was  done.  The  consequence  was,  as  might 
naturally  be  expected,  an  inroad  upon  his  health,  and  an  exhaustion  of 
his  strength,  that  rendered  him  wholly  incapable  of  labor.  Finding 
himself  in  this  condition,  he  requested  the  trustees  to  allow  him  to 
spend  the  winter  in  Europe,  and  to  regain  health  and  strength  that 
would  enable  him  to  complete  the  work  of  forming  the  library,  with 
which  he  had  been  intrusted.  As  the  voyage  was  made  primarily  on 
his  own  account,  he  would  not  allow  the  expenses  of  it  to  be  a  charge 
upon  the  library ;  the  opportunity,  however,  was  not  neglected  of  greatly 
increasing  the  collection  already  formed,  which  he  was  authorized  to  do 
by  a  vote  of  the  trustees,  providing  funds  for  the  same.  He  was  again 
absent  just  four  months,  during  which  he  collected  an  additional  20,000 
volumes,  including  the  two  considerable  libraries  which  were  bought, 
the  one  mathematical  and  the  other  miscellaneous.  The  former  made 
a  very  important  addition  to  the  mathematical  department  which  the 
previous  purchase  of  Mr.  Samuel  Ward's  excellent  library,  formed  out 
of  Labey's  and  Legendre's,  had  raised  to  the  first  rank  in  its  class. 
The  expectations  that  the  new  library  building  would  be  ready  for  the 
books  eayly  in  the  spring  of  1853,  were  again  disappointed ;  and  as  the 
lease  of  the  house  in  which  they  had  been  arranged,  was  out  on  the  1st 


266  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

of  May,  they  had  to  be  removed.  There  was  no  alternative  but  to  pack 
them  in  boxes  and  stpw  them  away  in  the  lower  rooms  of  the  new  build 
ing,  by  which  operation  they  were  thrown  into  such  disorder,  that  the 
labor  of  classifying  them  was  all  to  be  gone  over  again  when  they  came 
to  be  placed  on  their  shelves.  This  was  done  during  the  summer  and 
autumn  of  1853.  By  'the  end  of  the  year,  the  library  was  made  ready 
for  public  inspection,  and  its  opening  announced  for  the  9th  of  January; 
when  it  displayed  to  its  visitors  a  larger  number  of  volumes  than  ever 
had  been  contained  in  any  one  library  in  America.  This,  of  itself, 
would  have  been  little  to  boast  of,  as  a  still  greater  number  might  have 
been  collected  at  one-quarter  the  cost  and  one-hundredth  the  labor.  To 
do  it  full  justice,  it  should  be  added  that,  for  its  extent,  it  would  favor 
ably  compare  with  any  library  of  printed  books,  at  home  or  abroad,  in 
character  and  intrinsic  value. " 

"  The  system  of  classification  is  that  of  Brunet,  whose  great  work  on 
bibliography,  entitled  '  Manuel  du  Libraire/  is  better,  more  complete, 
and  more  generally  known,  than  any  similar  publication.  His  system 
is  by  no  means  unexceptionable,  but  some  chart  is  indispensable  in 
arranging  a  library,  and  this  is  the  best  that  has  been  given  to  the 
public/' 

"  The  catalogue  of  the  library  is  now  finished,  except  a  small  portion 
of  history.  It  embraces  fourteen  leading  departments,  for  each  of  which 
a  classified  catalogue  has  been  prepared,  and  fills  thirty-two  manuscript 
volumes. 

"The  receipts  during  the  year  1856,  have  been  §16,866.  Expenses, 
16,830  27.  Leaving  $35  73  in  the  Treasurer's  hands." 

"  The  Astor  Library,  in  accordance  with  the  intention  of  the  testator, 
as  far  as  expressed,  is  organized  upon  the  plan  of  a  library  of  reference, 
and  does  not  lend  out  its  books.  It  is  not  a  popular  library,  in  the  ordi 
nary  sense ;  that  is,  it  is  not  made  up  of  the  so-called  popular  books, 
but  it  really  is  and  should  be  known  to  be  a  library  for  popular  use,  in 
the  fullest  acceptation  of  the  words.  Just  as  freely  as  the  youth  of 
New  York,  of  every  class,  can  repair  to  the  Free  Academy  for  a  higher 
education  than  can  be  had  at  the  common  public  schools,  can  every  man, 
of  any  class  or  condition,  repair  to  the  Astor  Library  to  improve  his 
mind  by  the  reading  and  study  of  books  of  a  higher  order  than  those 
in  common  circulation.  It  is  a  first  experiment  of  throwing  open  a 
library  in  a  great  city  to  any  one  and  every  one,  without  any  formality 
of  admission,  or  any  restriction  whatever,  except  as  to  age.  It  was 


NEW    YORK.  267 

thought  impossible,  by  many,  to  carry  out  a  system  of  such  entire  free 
dom  of  admission;  and  so  it  must  be,  where  there  is  no  barrier  between 
the  bookshelves  and  the  visitors.  The  barrier  in  the  Astor  Library  is  a 
light  iron  railing,  which  does  not  conceal  the  books  in  the  slightest 
degree,  and  merely  serves  as  a  notice  that  the  alcoves  are  not  to  be 
entered,  or  the  books  taken  down  from  the  shelves,  without  the  know 
ledge  of  the  library  attendants.  This  obviates  the  necessity  of  having 
glass  or  other  doors  to  the  bookcases,  which  are  always  in  the  way,  and 
consume  much  time  in  locking  and  unlocking,  beside  being  injurious  to 
the  books  by  preventing  a  free  circulation  of  air  among  them." 

"ASTOR  LIBRARY  REGULATIONS. 

"1.  The  library  is  open  every  day,  except  Sundays  and  established 
holidays,  from  10  A.M.  until  half  an  hour  before  sunset. 

"2.  Admission  free  to  all  persons  over  sixteen  years  of  age. 

"3.  When  a  book  is  wanted,  its  title  is  to  be  written  on  this  ticket, 
with  the  name  of  the  applicant.  The  ticket  is  then  to  be  given  to  an 
attendant,  who  will  look  out  the  book,  if  in  the  library,  and  put  it  into 
the  hands  of  the  reader  without  delay. 

"4.  Readers  must  return  their  books  before  leaving  the  library,  and 
take  back  their  tickets,  otherwise  they  continue  responsible  for  the 
books. 

"  5.  No  one  is  allowed  to  enter  the  alcoves,  or  remove  a  book  from  its 
place,  unless  accompanied  by  an  officer  of  the  library. 

11  6.  Readers  wishing  to  consult  costly  works  of  art,  must  make  special 
application  for  that  purpose. 

"  7.  In  taking  notes  from  books,  pencils,  not  pen  and  ink,  are  to  be 
used. 

"8.  Smoking  strictly  forbidden  in  any  part  of  the  library." 

"  This  library  has  been  in  operation  now  nineteen  months  (October, 
1855),  and  it  may  give  some  idea  of  the  extent  to  which  it  has  been 
used  to  know  that,  during  this  period,  33,000  tickets  for  books  have 
been  presented  at  the  librarian's  table.  On  each  of  the  tickets  an  ave 
rage  of  at  least  three  volumes  has  been  asked  for,  making  in  all  more  than 
100,000  volumes  which  have  been  read  or  consulted  in  the  library 
since  it  was  opened.  Notwithstanding  the  people  are  not  accustomed  to 
the  use  of  a  library  of  this  description,  it  has  been  much  more  resorted 
to  than  its  friends  anticipated.  To  various  classes  of  the  community  it 


268  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

has  already  been  found  of  great  advantage,  and  most  of  all,  perhaps,  to 
those  engaged  in  the  industrial  arts.  The  public  are  indebted  to  W.  B. 
Astor,  Esq.,  for  the  founding  of  this  special  department..  The  funds 
for  it  have  been  received  from  him,  and  not  from  the  amount  bequeathed 
for  the  library.  The  sum  given  by  him  for  this  purpose  was  $12,500, 
more  than  three-fourths  of  which  have  been  expended  on  the  most  im 
portant  works  proper  for  the  department.  It  is  enriched  by  daily  addi 
tions  ;  and,  when  completed,  will  be  one  of  the  best  polytechnic  collections 
existing  in  the  country.  We  are  here  reminded  of  what  ought  to  have 
been  said,  when  speaking  of  Mr,  Astor,  the  founder  of  the  library,  that, 
in  the  whole  progress  of  it,  from  the  moment  it  was  started  until  now, 
it  has  been  cordially  and  liberally  aided  by  his  son.  No  one  could  have 
more  sacredly  carried  out  the  known  or  supposed  intentions  of  a  father, 
than  he  has  done. 

"  The  Astor  Library  is  placed  in  a  central  and  easily  accessible  situa 
tion.  Lafayette  Place,  on  the  east  side  of  which  it  is  built,  communi 
cates  with  the  two  great  thoroughfares  of  the  city — Broadway  and  the 
Bowery — by  Great  Jones  Street  at  the  south,  Astor  Place  and  Eighth 
Street  at  the  north,  and  by  Fourth  Street  near  the  centre.  A  more 
appropriate  site  could  not  be  found  in  New  York.  The  style  of  archi 
tecture  is  the  Byzantine ;  the  front,  which  has  too  little  mass  or  spread 
for  effect,  is  rendered  somewhat  imposing  by  the  deeply-recessed  arched 
doors  and  windows,  the  rich  brownstone  mouldings  and  mullions,  and 
still  more  by  the  boldly  projecting  cornice,  corbels,  and  entablature,  all 
beautifully  wrought  in  the  same  material.  On  opening  the  main  entrance- 
door,  the  eye  falls  at  once  upon  a  beautiful  flight  of  thirty-six  broad 
marble  steps,  leading,  between  straight  walls  of  solid  mason-work,  to  the 
second  floor  of  the  building,  which  is  the  main  floor  of  the  library 
proper.  These  stairs  land  the  visitor  at  a  point  about  the  centre  of  the 
room.  The  room  is  100  feet  in  length  by  64  in  width  and  50  in 
height;  a  broad  skylight,  extending  two-thirds  its  length,  with  a  row 
of  huge  curved  panes  of  glass  on  each  side,  and  a  double  sash  spreading 
nearly  horizontally  across  the  centre,  pours  in  a  flood  of  light  from  above, 
which,  with  that  let  in  through  the  ten  broad  windows  in  front  and  eight 
in  the  rear,  gives  an  uncommonly  cheerful  aspect  to  the  apartment.  It 
is  really  beautiful  as  it  is,  and  will  be  much  more  so  when  the  glare  of 
its  stucco  ornaments,  and  of  its  gilded  balustrades,  become  softened 
down  by  time.  The  internal  arrangement  is  a  very  convenient  one,  and 
very  economical  of  space.  A  series  of  seven  alcoves  or  apartments, 


NEW   YORK.  269 

open  in  front  and  rear,  fills  up  the  space  on  each  side,  from  the  side 
walls  to  the  columns  which  support  the  roof,  leaving  corridors  two  and 
a  half  feet  in  width  along  the  walls,  by  which  a  communication  is  esta 
blished  between  the  different  parts  of  the  library.  On  this  plan,  the 
capacity  of  the  room  for  books,  is  more  than  doubled;  that  is,  for  every 
51  wall  shelves,  there  are  72  in  the  alcoves.  On  no  other  could  it  be 
made  to  contain  100,000  volumes,  as  it  is  now  ascertained  it  will.  Each 
alcove  has  a  light  gallery,  eleven  feet  above  the  floor,  to  give  easy  access 
to  the  higher  tiers  of  shelves ;  and  these  galleries,  extended  in  front  of 
the  wall  shelves,  form  a  continued  corridor  from  end  to  end.  The  room 
within  the  columns  which  support  the  roof,  is  open  from  floor  to  sky 
light,  but  divided  into  two  stories  between  these  columns  and  the  outer 
walls.  In  the  second  story  there  is  a  series  of  alcoves  exactly  corre 
sponding  to  that  on  the  first,  with  similar  galleries  above.  The  part  of 
the  library  which  is  divided  into  alcoves,  is  separated  from  the  open 
area  in  the  centre  by  a  light  iron  railing.  This  area  is  provided  with 
reading-tables,  for  those  who  wish  to  use  the  books,  which  are  to  be 
handed  to  them  by  the  assistant  librarians.  The  only  part  of  the  library 
above  the  first  floor  which  has  not  been  described,  are  two  small  rooms 
in  the  northeast  corner,  appropriated  to  the  superintendent;  these  two 
rooms  are  not  taken  from  the  main  building,  but  formed  by  carrying  up 
a  portion  of  the  walls  of  the  projection  in  the  rear. 

"Although  we  have  above  stated  the  number  of  volumes  in  the  Astor 
Library  to  be  80,000,  it  is  here  proper  to  add,  that  some  thousands  of 
these  are  double  and  triple  volumes,  bound  together  for  the  sake  of 
economy:  Had  these  remained  as  they  were  bought  (as  is  always  the 
case  in  the  large  libraries  of  Europe — in  fact,  in  some,  the  smallest 
pamphlet  is  dignified  with  a  pasteboard  cover,  and  the  appellation  of 
volume),  the  whole  number  could  be  fairly  set  down  at  100,000. 

"To  estimate  the  value  of  a  library  by  the  number  of  volumes  it  con 
tains,  is  about  as  correct  a  mode  as  it  would  be  to  estimate  it  by  the 
number  of  pounds  they  weigh.  The  truth  of  this  assertion  is  easily 
made  out.  In  this  collection,  a  dozen  volumes  might  be  taken,  the 
average  cost  of  which  was  $200 ;  another  fifty,  of  an  average  of  §100 
per  volume;  and  then  an  equal  number  could  be  selected  which  did  not 
cost  half  as  many  cents  per  volume.  An  average  of  things  so  totally 
unlike  in  value,  should  never  be  thought  of.  Another  fact  will  prove 
this  position  still  more  clearly.  There  are  libraries  in  this  country — 
and  one,  at  least,  in  this  city — which  do  not  occupy  as  much  shelving 


270  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

as  one  of  the  28  alcoves  of  the  Astor  Library,  and  yet  were  most  costly, 
and,  it  may  be,  more  valuable  than  the  whole  of  this  collection. 

"In  regard  to  this  subject,  Dr.  Cogswell,  in  a  letter  to  the  editors  of 
the  'Plome  Journal/  remarked:  'It  is  a  real  degradation  of  books  to 
value  them  by  dollars  and  cents.  Nothing  relating  to  this  library  has 
so  much  mortified  and  disgusted  me,  as  to  hear  men,  and  sensible  men, 
too,  boast  how  cheap  the  books  had  been  bought,  as  if  there  was  any 
thing  higher  than  a  huckster's  merit  in  that.  When  a  man,  who  is 
intrusted  with  the  expenditure  of  money  for  the  benefit  of  the  public, 
is  conscious  that  he  has  spared  no  pains  to  make  it  produce  as  much  as 
possible,  and  executed  his  trust  with  fidelity  in  all  respects,  he  is  not 
particularly  pleased  that  it  has  acquired  for  him  the  reputation  of  a 
sharper.  A  much  more  rigid  economy  has  been  used  in  buying  books 
for  the  library,  than  the  buyer  would  have  used  had  it  been  done  for  his 
own  account — if  he  has  any  merit,  that  is  the  sum  of  it/ 

"  To  correct  a  strange  mistake  which  some  have  made,  of  comparing 
the  Astor  Library  with  the  older  first  class  libraries  of  Europe ;  and  as 
the  American  people  are  fond  of  statistics,  and  given  to  estimate  by 
figures,  we  will  state  the  difference  by  a  fact,  in  figures,  which  will  dis 
sipate  such  a  delusion.  The  shelving  in  the  Astor  is  about  11,000  feet, 
or  somewhat  over  two  miles,  and  would  reach,  if  placed  in  a  continuous 
line,  from  the  Park  to  Union  Place ;  that  of  the  British  Museum  is 
more  than  fourteen  miles,  and  would  reach,  in  a  similar  line,  from  the 
Battery  to  King's  Bridge.  Is  it  not  absurd  to  suppose  that  a  library 
founded  by  the  munificence  of  a  single  individual,  and  formed  within 
four  years,  could  begin  to  approach,  in  any  one  respect,  to  a  library 
which  has  had  the  fostering  patronage  of  the  British  Government  for  a 
century,  and  on  which,  in  a  single  year,  a  larger  sum  has  often  been 
expended  than  the  whole  cost  of  the  Astor  Library  to  the  present  time, 
to  say  nothing  of  the  two  very  large  and  very  choice  libraries,  and  the 
numerous  smaller  ones  that  have  been  engulfed  in  it  ?  The  library  of 
the  British  Museum  is  rich  in  everything  which  time  and  unlimited 
means  and  untiring  pains  can  procure;  rich  in  manuscripts;  rich  in 
palrcotypes;  rich  in  the  science,  history,  and  literature  of  every  age  and 
nation.  The  Astor  Library  has  no  manuscripts,  and  in  printed  books 
is  rich  only  for  one  so  recently  and  so  rapidly  formed.'' 


NEW   YORK.  271 


COLUMBIA  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     14,000  vols. 

"The  establishment  of  a  college  in  the  city  of  New  York,  was 
many  years  in  agitation  before  the  design  was  carried  into  effect.  At 
length,  under  an  Act  of  Assembly,  passed  in  December,  1746,  and  other 
similar  acts  which  followed,  moneys  were  raised  by  public  lottery  '  for 
the  encouragement  of  learning,  and  towards  the  founding  a  college/ 
within  the  colony.  These  moneys  were,  in  November,  1751,  vested  in 
trustees  ;  of  whom,  ten  in  number,  seven  were  members  of  the  Church 
of  England,  and  some  of  these  seven  were  also  vestrymen  of  Trinity 
Church. 

"  These  circumstances,  together  with  the  liberal  grant  of  land  to  the 
College  by  Trinity  Church,  excited  apprehensions  of  a  design  to  intro 
duce  a  church  establishment  within  the  province,  and  caused  violent 
opposition  to  the  plan,  as  soon  as  it  became  known,  of  obtaining  a  royal 
charter  for  the  College. 

"  This  opposition,  however,  being  at  last  in  a  great  measure  surmounted, 
the  trustees,  in  November,  1753,  invited  Dr.  Samuel  Johnson,  of  Con 
necticut,  to  be  President  of  the  intended  College.  Dr.  Johnson  conse 
quently  removed  to  New  i7ork  in  the  month  of  April  following,  and  in 
July,  1754,  commenced  the  instruction  of  a  class  of  students  in  the 
vestry-room  of  the  school-house  belonging  to  Trinity  Church  ;  but  he 
would  not  absolutely  accept  of  the  Presidency  until  after  the  passing  of 
the  charter.  This  took  place  on  the  31st  of  October,  in  the  same  year, 
1754;  from  which  period,  the  existence  of  the  College  is  properly  to 
be  dated.  The  Governors  of  the  College,  named  in  the  charter,  are  the 
Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  and  the  first  Lord  Commissioner  for  trade 
and  plantations,  both  empowered  to  act  by  proxies;  the  Lieutenant- 
Grovernor  of  the  Province,  and  several  other  public  officers  ;  together 
with  the  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  the  senior  minister  of  the  Reformed 
Protestant  Dutch  Church,  the  ministers  of  the  German  Lutheran  Church, 
of  the  French  Church,  of  the  Presbyterian  congregation,  and  the  Pre 
sident  of  the  College,  all  ex-officio,  and  24  of  the  principal  gentlemen 
of  the  city.  The  College  was  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  King's  Col 
lege.  Previously  to  the  passing  of  the  charter,  a  parcel  of  ground  to 
the  westward  of  Broadway,  on  which  the  College  now  stands,  had  been 
destined  by  the  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church,  as  a  site  for  the  College 
edifice;  and,  accordingly,  after  the  charter  was  granted,  a  grant  of  the 
land  was  made,  on  the  13th  of  May,  1755. 


2/2  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

"  The  sources  whence  the  funds  of  the  institution  were  derived,  besides 
the  proceeds  of  the  lotteries  above  mentioned,  were  the  voluntary  con 
tributions  of  private  individuals  in  this  country,  and  sums  obtained  by 
agents  who  were  subsequently  sent  to  England  and  France.  In  May, 
1760,  the  College  buildings  began  to  be  occupied.  In  March,  1763, 
Dr.  Johnson  resigned  his  office  of  President,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Myles 
Cooper,  of  Oxford,  who  had  previously  been  appointed  Professor  of 
Moral  Philosophy,  and  assistant  to  the  President,  was  elected  in  his 
place.  In  1767,  a  grant  of  land  was  obtained,  under  the  government 
of  Sir  Henry  Moore,  of  24,000  acres,  situated  in  the  northern  parts  of 
the  Province  of  New  York;  but  by  the  terms  of  the  treaty  which  the 
State  of  New  York  concluded  with  Vermont  upon  its  erection  into  a 
separate  State,  this  among  other  grants  of  lands  lying  within  its  limits, 
was  annulled,  and  the  College  consequently  lost  a  tract  of  great  value, 
inasmuch  as  it  constituted  the  county  town  of  the  county  in  which  it 
was  situated. 

"In  August,  of  the  year  1767,  a  Medical  School  was  established  in 
the  College. 

"In  consequence  of  the  dispute  between  this  and  the  parent  country, 
Dr.  Cooper  returned  to  England,  and  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Moore  was 
appointed  Prrcses pro  tcmporc,  during  the  absence  of  Dr.  Cooper;  who, 
however,  did  not  return. 

"  On  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  the  business  of  the 
College  was  almost  entirely  broken  up,  and  it  was  not  until  after  the 
return  of  peace,  that  its  affairs  were  again  regularly  attended  to. 

"  In  May,  1784,  all  the  seminaries  of  learning  in  the  State  of  New 
York  were,  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature,  placed  under  the  authority  of 
Regents,  who  were  styled  Regents  of  the  University.  These  Regents 
immediately  set  about  the  regulation  of  the  College,  the  name  of  which 
was  now  changed  to  Columbia  College.  New  Professors  were  appointed; 
a  grammar  school  and  a  medical  department  were  established. 

"The  College  continued  under  the  immediate  superintendence  of  the 
Regents  until  April,  1787 ;  when  the  original  charter,  with  necessary 
alterations,  was  confirmed,  and  the  College  placed  under  29  trustees, 
who  were  to  exercise  their  functions  until  their  number  should  be 
reduced,  by  death,  resignation,  or  removal  from  the  State,  to  24;  after 
which,  all  vacancies  in  their  Board  were  to  be  filled  by  their  own 
choice. 


NEW   YORK.  273 

"In  May,  1787,  Dr.  William  Samuel  Johnson,  son  of  the  first  Pre 
sident,  was  elected  President  of  Columbia  College.  During  the  pre 
vious  vacancy  of  the  presidential  chair,  the  Professors  had  presided  in 
turn;  and  certificates  were  given  to  graduates,  in  place  of  regular 
diplomas. 

"In  the  beginning  of  the  year  1792,  the  Medical  School  was  placed 
upon  a  more  respectable  and  efficient  footing  than  before. 

"Dr.  Johnson  resigned  the  office  of  President  in  July,  1800,  and  was 
succeeded  the  year  following,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wharton,  who  resigned 
his  office  at  the  end  of  about  seven  months. 

"'Bishop  Moore  succeeded  Dr.  Wharton  as  President.  His  ecclesias 
tical  duties  were  such,  that  he  was  not  expected  to  take  an  active  part 
in  the  business  of  the  College,  except  on  particular  occasions.  The 
chief  management  of  its  concerns  devolved  upon  the  Professors. 

"In  1809,  the  requisites  for  entrance  into  College,  to  take  effect  the 
following  year,  were  very  much  raised,  and  a  new  course  of  study  and 
system  of  discipline  were  established. 

"A  new  amended  charter  was  obtained  from  the  Legislature  in  1810, 
by  which  the  power  of  the  College  to  lease  its  real  estate  for  21  years 
was  extended  to  63  years. 

"Bishop  Moore  resigned  his  office  of  President  in  May,  1811,  in 
order  to  make  room  for  some  person  who  might  devote  his  whole  time 
and  attention  to  the  College;  and  in  June  following,  a  new  office,  styled 
that  of  Provost,  was  created.  The  Provost  was  to  supply  the  place  of 
the  President  in  his  absence,  and  was  to  conduct  the  classical  studies 
of  the  senior  class.  Shortly  after  this  new  arrangement,  the  Rev.  Wil 
liam  Harris  and  the  Rev.  John  M.  Mason,  were  elected  President  and 
Provost. 

"In  consequence  of  the  establishment  of  the  College  of  Physicians 
and  Surgeons  in  New  York,  the  Medical  School  of  Columbia  College 
was,  in  November,  1813,  discontinued. 

"The  Provost  resigned  his  office  in  1816;  since  which  time  the  Col 
lege  has  been  under  the  sole  superintendence  of  a  President. 

"  In  September  of  1817,  steps  were  taken  by  the  trustees  for  a  tho 
rough  repair  of  the  old  edifice,  which  was  in  a  very  decayed  state,  and 
for  the  erection  of  additional  buildings.  Before  the  end  of  the  year 
1820,  the  proposed  alterations  and  additions  were  completed. 

"At  the  close  of  the  year  1827,  the  trustees  resolved  upon  the  esta- 

18 


274  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

blishment  of  a  grammar  school,  under  the  superintendence  of  the  Faculty 
of  the  College ;  which  resolution  was  carried  into  effect  early  in  the  fol 
lowing  year;  and  in  1829,  a  building  was  erected  upon  the  College 
ground  for  the  accommodation  of  scholars. 

"  In  October  of  the  year  1829,  Dr.  Harris,  the  President  of  the 
College,  died;  and,  on  the  9th  of  December  following,  William  A.  Duer; 
LL.D.,  was  elected  in  his  room. 

"  With  a  view  of  rendering  the  benefits  of  education  more  generally 
accessible  to  the  community,  the  system  of  instruction,  at  the  commence 
ment  of  the  year  1830,  underwent  very  extensive  additions  and  modifi 
cations,  and  the  time  of  daily  attendance  upon  the  Professors  was  mate 
rially  increased.  The  course  of  study  in  existence  at  the  time  of  making 
these  additions,  was  kept  entire,  and  was  denominated  the  full  course. 

"Another  course  of  instruction  was  established,  denominated  the 
scientific  and  literary  course ;  which  latter  was  open  to  others  beside 
matriculated  students,  and  to  such  extent  as  they  might  think  proper  to 
attend. 

"In  May,  1833,  the  Jay-Professor  of  Languages  was  appointed  rector 
of  the  grammar  school,  and  an  arrangement  in  regard  thereto  was  made 
with  him,  which  still  continues  in  force. 

"  On  a  revision  of  the  statutes  in  the  year  1836,  both  courses  of  study 
pursued  in  the  College  were  further  enlarged ;  and  the  literary  and  sci 
entific  course,  in  particular,  defined  and  materially  extended.  And  in 
order  that  this  course,  as  well  as  the  scientific  branches  of  the  full  course, 
might  be  conducted  in  the  most  efficient  manner,  the  trustees  appropri 
ated  the  sum  of  810,000  for  the  purchase  of  additional  apparatus,  as 
well  as  for  adding  to  the  library  the  requisite  books  of  reference  and 
illustration. 

"  The  literary  and  scientific  course,  however,  as  distinguished  from  the 
full  course,  did  not  appear  to  find  favor  with  the  public,  and  upon  a  revi 
sion  of  the  statutes,  in  the  year  1843,  was  discontinued. 

"Among  other  important  changes  made  on  this  same  occasion,  was  the 
adoption  of  the  German  language  and  literature  as  part  of  the  sub-gra 
duate  course,  and  the  establishment  of  the  Gebhard  Professorship 
thereof,  upon  the  endowment  made  by  the  last  will  and  testament  of 
Frederick  Gebhard,  Esq. 

"In  April,  1842,  William  A.  Duer,  LL.D.,  resigned  his  office  of  Pre 
sident,  and  in  the  following  month  of  August,  Nathaniel  F.  Moore,  LL.D. 
was  elected  in  his  place.  Mr.  Moore  resigned  in  October,  1849,  and  in 


NEW    YORK.  275 

the  following  month  of  November,  Charles  King,  LL.D.,  was  elected 
his  successor." — Catalogue. 

The  library  was  founded  about  the  year  1757.  About  this  time  Mr. 
Joseph  Murray  "  bequeathed  to  the  College  property  worth  about  £8000, 
including  his  library/'  Rev.  Dr.  Bristowe,  of  London,  also  bequeathed 
his  library  of  about  1500  volumes.  From  these  sources,  from  purchases, 
from  presents  by  the  Earl  of  .Bute  and  others,  and  from  the  University 
of  Oxford,  the  College  was  in  possession  of  a  considerable  library-  when, 
on  the  6th  of  April,  1776,  the  treasurer  of  the  College  was  ordered  to 
prepare  it  in  six  days  for  the  reception  of  troops.  "  The  students  were 
in  consequence  dispersed,  the  library  and  apparatus  were  deposited  in 
the  City  Hall  or  elsewhere,  and  the  College  edifice  was  converted  into  a 
military  hospital.  Almost  all  the  apparatus,  and  a  large  proportion  of 
the  books  belonging  to  the  College,  were  wholly  lost  to  it  in  consequence 
of  this  removal  •  and  of  the  books  recovered,  600  or  700  were  so  only 
after  about  thirty  years,  when  they  were  found,  with  as  many  belonging 
to  the  New  York  Society  library,  and  some  belonging  to  Trinity  Church, 
in  a  room  in  St.  Paul's  chapel,  where,  it  seemed,  no  one  but  the  sexton 
had  been  aware  of  their  existence,  and  neither  he  nor  anybody  else 
could  tell  how  they  had  arrived  there."  (See  Moore's  Historical  Sketch 
of  Columbia  College,  page  62.)  -In  1792,  "a  large  addition  to  the  Col 
lege  library  was  made  by  a  grant  of  money  obtained  from  the  Legisla 
ture.  In  1813,  the  College  purchased  the  library  of  Professor  Kemp. 
In  1838,  it  purchased  the  library  of  Professor  Moore,  who  was  l  employed 
for  about  a  year  in  making  a  new  arrangement  and  a  catalogue  of  the 
whole  library/  ' 

Receipts  during  1854,  $1900;  expenditures  for  books,  binding,  and 
periodicals,  $600 ;  salaries,  $400.  The  trustees,  faculty,  students,  and 
alumni  subscribers,  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library,  which  is  free 
to  all,  except  the  last,  who  pay  $4  annually. 

During  the  last  five  years,  $4000  have  been  expended  for  books.  The 
books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  The  library  is  open  Mondays,  Wednes 
days,  and  Fridays,  from  1  to  3  P.M.,  when  College  is  in  session.  400 
volumes  were  lent  during  1854,  to  about  100  persons.  7000  volumes 
are  in  English,  1500  French,  1000  German,  100  Spanish,  300  in  other 
modem  languages,  2000  Latin,  2000  Greek,  100  Hebrew  and  Oriental. 
Works  on  history  are  most  read,  though  the  library  is  mainly  used  for 
reference.  The  annual  cost  of  supporting  the  library  is  $1000 ;  one- 


276  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

half  of  which  is  expended  for  periodicals.     10  periodicals  are  taken. 
From  100  to  300  volumes  are  added  yearly. 


FREE  ACADEMY.     (1856.)     14,600  vols. 

The  library  contains  a  large  collection  of  valuable  and  well-selected 
books,  and  is  increasing  by  the  additions  being  made  to  it,  from  time  to 
time,  from  funds  appropriated  by  the  Regents  of  the  State  of  New  York. 
Students  of  the  Senior,  Junior,  Sophomore,  and  Freshman  classes,  are 
allowed  to  draw  books  from  the  library  on  alternate  Fridays,  during  term 
time,  under  certain  conditions.  Those  who  do  not  obtain  two-thirds  of 
the  maximum,  have  received  any  demerit  marks  for  misconduct,  or  have 
not  been  punctual  in  their  attendance,  are  not  entitled  to  receive  books 
from  the  library. 

It  contains  many  works  which,  probably,  can  be  found  in  but  few 
public  libraries.  The  works  are  mostly  of  a  scientific  and  general  cha 
racter,  and  a  very  limited  number  of  a  light  and  evanescent  character. 
In  selecting  books,  particular  reference  is  had  to  the  wants  both  of  the 
instructors  and  students. 

The  amount  paid  for  books  up  to  1856,  was  $6457  07. 

LYCEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY.     (1857.)     3000  vols. 

Founded  in  1818.  The  library  consists  chiefly  of  works  on  natural 
history,  voyages,  travels,  &c.,  containing  natural  history,  and  the  trans 
actions  of  kindred  societies.  The  Lyceum  has,  also,  extensive  collec 
tions  in  mineralogy,  geology,  fossils,  conchology,  ichthyology,  entomo 
logy,  amphibia,  reptiles,  radiata,  corals,  botany,  and  small  collections  of 
birds  and  quadrupeds.  Very  few  books  have  been  purchased.  Nearly- 
all  are  donations  from  individuals,  or  have  been  received  from  societies 
in  exchange  for  the  publications  of  the  Lyceum.  The  rooms  occupied 
by  the  Society  consist  of  three  large  apartments  on  the  second  floor  of 
the  large  fire-proof  building,  No.  659  Broadway,  and  known  as  the  Medi 
cal  Department  of  the  University  of  the  City  of  New  York.  The  pre 
mises  are  leased,  by  the  Lyceum,  of  the  Medical  Faculty.  A  catalogue 
of  the  books  was  printed  in  1825,  8vo.  j  another  in  1830,  72  pages  8vo. 
A  new  one  has  been  prepared,  and  will  shortly  be  printed.  The  library 
is  open  every  Monday  evening,  during  the  meeting  of  the  Society. 
Members  have  access  at  any  time,  on  application  to  the  librarian.  Books 


NEW    YORK.  277 

are  lent  out  to  members.  Persons  of  standing  in  science,  residing  at  a 
distance,  have,  by  special  vote  of  the  Society,  been  allowed  to  take  out 
any  work  from  the  library.  This  is  seldom  done.  Any  person  not  a 
member,  wishing  to  consult  the  books,  can  do  so  on  application  to  the 
librarian. 

MECHANICS'  INSTITUTE.     (1854.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  in  1831.  Incorporated  April  24,  1833.  The  library  is 
arranged  under  three  heads,  Juvenile,  Popular,  and  Scientific.  Terms 
of  membership,  $2  per  annum  for  adults,  $1  for  minors.  Ladies'  read 
ing-room,  81. 

The  funds  of  the  Institute  are  derived  from  assessments  of  members, 
school-fairs,  exhibitions,  lectures,  &c.  A  catalogue  of  the  library  was 
printed  in  1835,  containing  26  pages  12mo. ;  and  another  in  1844,  of 
64  pages  8vo.  The  library  is  open  daily,  Sundays  excepted.  Members 
only  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  it;  others  may  be  admitted  by  courtesy. 
The  books  are  lent  out,  with  the  exception  of  large  and  valuable  works. 

"  This  institution  was  founded  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  the  gene 
ral  diffusion  of  useful  knowledge  among  the  mechanical  classes,  by  means 
of  lectures  on  natural  and  mechanical  philosophy,  and  other  scientific 
subjects  5  by  founding  a  library  and  museum ;  by  forming  classes  for 
mutual  improvement;  holding  conversational  meetings,  debates,  and  dis 
cussions  for  the  benefit  of  its  members ;  by  having,  from  time  to  time, 
public  exhibitions  for  the  promotion  of  excellence  in  the  mechanical 
arts;  and  by  establishing  schools  for  educating  on  the  most  approved 
principles,  as  well  as  on  the  most  reasonable  terms,  the  apprentices  and 
children  of  its  members.  During  the  brief  space  of  time  this  institu 
tion  has  existed,  all  and  even  more  has  been  accomplished  than  its  deserv 
ing  founders  could  reasonably  have  expected. 

"  Connected  with  the  library  is  a  reading-room,  amply  supplied  with 
the  most  popular  and  scientific  American  and  foreign  periodicals." 

MERCANTILE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     47,904  vols. 

"  The  Mercantile  Library  Association  of  the  City  of  New  York,  was 
formed  on  the  9th  of  November,  1820.  A  few  active  and  zealous 
young  men,  perceiving  the  necessity  of  a  library  for  the  use  of  mer 
chants'  clerks,  after  a  public  meeting  held  for  the  purpose  of  taking  the 


278  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

matter  into  consideration,  determined  upon  founding  one,  and  united 
themselves,  for  that  object,  under  the  name  still  retained  by  this  insti 
tution. 

"  A  small  apartment  was  hired  at  No.  49  Fulton  Street,  and  subscrip 
tions,  as  well  as  donations  in  books  and  money,  were  solicited.  During 
the  first  five  years,  this  location  sufficed  for  the  wants  of  the  library; 
but  at  the  end  of  that  time,  the  number  of  volumes  obtained,  mainly 
by  donations,  having  reached  3300,  its  removal  was  resolved  upon. 

"In  1826,  the  library  was  established  in  more  spacious  quarters  in 
Cliff  Street,  near  the  site  of  the  present  Harpers'  establishment.  This 
removal  had  a  most  beneficial  effect  upon  the  growth  of  the  institution. 
Its  progress  was  so  rapid,  that  it  soon  became  evident  that  still  larger 
and  more  permanent  accommodations  were  demanded.  This  necessity 
incited  the  members  to  make  an  appeal  to  the  mercantile  community  for 
aid.  Accordingly,  a  meeting  of  merchants  and  others  was  held,  at 
which  subscriptions  were  obtained  to  a  large  amount. 

11  At  the  invitation  of  the  officers  of  the  library,  their  friends,  who  had 
so  generously  come  to  its  assistance,  formed  themselves  into  a  separate 
corporation,  in  order  that  the  Mercantile  Library  Association  should 
always  enjoy  the  full  benefit  of  the  fund  contributed  for  it,  and  at  the 
same  time,  that  a  proper  supervision  might  be  exercised  by  the  donors 
in  the  appropriation  of  their  bounty.  The  results  of  this  plan  were  the 
formation  of  the  Clinton  Hall  Association. 

"  An  eligible  site  having  been  chosen  at  the  corner  of  Nassau  and 
Beekman  Streets,  the  first  Clinton  Hall  was  erected,  and  the  edifice  for 
mally  dedicated,  in  the  year  1830,  to  the  cause  of  science  and  literature. 
Here  the  library  gradually  expanded  from  GOOO  volumes  to  40,000,  and 
the  membership  from  1200  to  4500  ;  so  that  the  accommodations,  which 
at  first  were  sufficiently  ample,  became  at  length  entirely  inadequate, 
and  some  extensive  change  was  absolutely  required. 

"  In  addition  to  this,  it  was  felt  that  the  position  of  the  population, 
with  reference  to  its  convenience  of  location,  had  undergone  a  great 
change  within  twenty-five  years,  and  that  this  fact  should  be  fully  con 
sidered  in  making  provision  for  the  future.  After  much  deliberation, 
it  was  decided,  by  the  Clinton  Hall  Association,  to  dispose  of  the  pro 
perty  then  held  by  them,  and  to  effect  the  purchase  of  the  Astor  Place 
Opera  House;  which  was  done  in  the  early  part  of  the  year  1853. 
Measures  were  at  once  taken  for  making  such  alterations  in  the  struc 
ture  of  that  building,  as  would  best  adapt  it  for  the  present  and  prospec- 


NEW   YORK.  279 

tive  wants  of  the  institution,  and  for  providing  a  source  of  revenue  for 
the  future  support  of  the  library,  after  all  debts  of  building  and  altera 
tions  should  have  been  paid.  At  this  time,  the  merchants  of  New  York 
again  responded  liberally  to  the  appeal  of  the  Clinton  Hall  Association, 
and  subscribed,  during  the  years  1854  and  1855,  the  sum  of  $61,500 
towards  the  new  building, — an  amount  sufficient  to  relieve  the  corpora 
tion  from  all  fears  as  to  the  debt  being  ultimately  removed. 

"  On  the  1st  of  May,  1854,  the  former  premises  in  Nassau  Street  were 
finally  given  up,  and  on  the  8th  of  June  following,  the  new  building  in 
Astor  Place  was  formally  opened,  and  inaugurated  with  appropriate  ser 
vices.  The  advantages  of  removal  have  since  been  well  shown  in  the 
increase  of  members,  and  in  the  much  greater  use  that  is  made  of  both 
the  library  and  reading-room. 

"When  the  Association  assumed  possession  of  its  hall,  in  1830,  it 
numbered  1200  members  and  6000  volumes.  It  has  been  almost  wholly 
self-sustained ;  having  received,  during  twenty  years,  but  few  donations 
of  books,  and  none  of  money  until  1850,  when  $3000  were  added  to 
its  funds  by  the  munificent  bequest  of  Miss  E.  Demilt.  The  average 
amount  annually  invested  in  books  since  1830,  is  $2500." 

A  bequest  of  $10,000  has  since  been  left  the  Association  by  Seth 
Grosvenor,  Esq.,  which,  by  the  Constitution  of  the  Society,  will  be 
funded,  the  income  alone  to  be  expended  upon  the  library. 

The  following  table  exhibits  the  pecuniary  progress  of  the  Associa 
tion,  and  the  aggregate  of  members,  since  its  foundation  : 


280 


PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


ANNUAL   ADDITIONS    OF    MEMBERS    AND    BOOKS,   EXPENDITURES    FOR    BOOKS,  TOTAL 
RECEIPTS,    ETC.,    FROM    THE    9TH    OF    NOVEMBER,    1820,    TO    1ST    OF    MAY,    1856. 


ol  0 

*>  i  q 

x.A 

H 

£ 

-  6 

If 

SP.2 

"S'C 

v 

M 

s^  t 

§  a 

•3   q 

«£ 

•§  . 

|  . 

S  P<| 

£;% 

^P 

!.•« 

P  •-• 

S  ^o 

°Sh 

'S'Bl 

S*  ° 

£  9 

I| 

'53  a,  g 

||s 

I'll 

"s-i  « 

fl 

R 

8  g  s 

3  "-^  r2 

a  || 

o  0^3 

O 

^3 

^  Q  ^ 

3  ?£  H-3 

aw  o 

I 

rf 

"o  ^  "^ 

!  fc 

* 

^ 

o 

H 

1820-21    204 

1.000 

$600  '00 

$600  00 

$900  00 

1822        76 

'250 

150  00 

150  00 

510  00 

1823        81 

100 

273  00 

250  OOJ      720  69 

1824        77 

175 

208  00 

712  23 

1825       257 

075 

019  00 

$73  00    795  00 

1,409  00  I 

1826       471 

1,000 

756  72 

190  28 

785  75 

2,240  42 

1827       3GO 

1,200 

695  12 

31  38 

1,750  52 

1828 

295 

1,000 

330  27 

146  25 

1,572  47 

1829 

414 

GOOi    562  30 

154  28 

1,701  81  1 

1830 

486 

600    567  91 

99  25 

1,755  82 

1831 

507 

750   1,177  19 

68  44 

2,300  71 

1832 

383 

8G4|   1,107  30 

197  55 

3,033  58 

1833 

382 

1,397 

1.303  98 

224  20| 

2,978  98 

1834 

393  1,090 

1,278  20 

223  29 

2,977  59 

1835 

680 

1,522 

2,120  32 

238  51 

4,333  18 

1836 

8C7   1,845 

2,286  74 

250  70i 

5,110  80 

1837 

936  2.547 

2,806  47 

186  04; 

0,109  20 

1838 

l,003j  2/171 

3,1  15  721    423  91 

7,477  99 

18391 

1,097:  3,583 

4,278  23 

729  60 

8,082  15 

1840 

501'   390 

1,995  19 

615  42 

7,071  17 

1841 

627:  1,136 

1,495  12 

591  75 

0,935  30 

1842 

308  1,252 

2,179  79 

070  77 

5,507  70 

1843 

252    465 

'797  90 

530  85 

4,355  86 

1844 

387 

745 

70S  35 

271  25 

3.959  20 

1845 

582 

1,428 

1,628  GO 

402  05 

4,982  04 

184G 

609 

1,883 

2,072  59 

500  34 

5,044  61 

1847 

6871  2,258 

3,311  95 

549  19 

5,902  90 

1848 

081   2,276   3.392  71 

445  52 

6,286  21 

1849 

1,013  2,517 

3,531  83 

GOO  35 

7,207  06 

1850 

1,116!  1,865 

2,608  03 

280  72 

3,000  00 

7,691  95 

1851 

1,041!  2.957   4,050  01 

500  84 

8,290  00 

1852 

1,293 

4,346 

4,786  35 

889  07 

9,931  32 

1853 

1,149 

2,900 

3,916  54 

418  96 

9,156  01 

1854 

1,216 

2,409 

3,019  07 

381  22 

10,153  42 

1855-G  ) 
IGmos.  5 

1,733 

3,588 

4,477  42 

1,475  44 

17,004  28 

22,164 

5  5,084!  §6  8,2  14  5b 

$12,433  02 

§5,580  75 

$172,942  17 

1  The  extraordinary  excess  of  this  year  was  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  Board 
anticipated  the  income  of  the  Association. 


NEW    YORK.  281 

To  give  some  idea  of  the  business  of  the  institution,  we  present  the 
following  statistics  (1855-6)  : 

Number  of  volumes  delivered  from  the  Library,  .          .          137,252 

No.  2  Nassau  Street,     .  14,082 

"  Reading-room,      .          .  8,340 

Total, 160,274 

Number  of  visitors  to  the  Reading-room,     ....          147,980 

308,254 

Making  a  total  for  sixteen  months,  of  308,25-1 ;  or,  a  daily  average 
of  750  members,  who  avail  themselves  of  the  privileges  offered  by  the 
institution. 

Each  volume  in  the  library  has  had  an  average  of  nearly  four  readers  ; 
and,  on  an  average,  each  member  of  the  Association  has  drawn  from 
the  shelves  more  than  thirty  volumes. 

Extract  from  the  34th  Annual  Report : 

"READING-ROOM. — To  this  magnificent  branch  of  our  institution  we 
take  pride  in  drawing  your  attention.  In  point  of  capacity,  elegance, 
and  adaptation,  it  stands  unrivalled.  We  have  the  authority  of  experi 
ence  in  affirming  that,  as  a  reading-room,  none,  in  this  country  or  in 
Europe,  approximate  to  it,  save,  perhaps,  the  Exchange  Reading-Room, 
of  Liverpool.  It  is  richly  supplied  with  a  valuable  collection  of  perio 
dical  literature,  embracing  all  the  principal  foreign  and  domestic  papers 
and  magazines.  The  following  is  a  list  of  the  magazines  and  newspapers 
received  by  the  Association  in  1858  :4 

MAGAZINES. 

*•&*  <7  signifies  that  the  Periodical  is  published  quarterly;  m,  monthly  ; 
w,  weekly;  and  d,  daily. 

m  Annals  and  Magazine  of  Natural  History,      .          .  London. 

m  American  Agriculturist,          .....  New  York. 

m  "          Farmer's  Magazine,       ....  New  York. 

q  "         Journal  of  Education  (Barnard's), .          .  Hartford. 

q  "          Journal  of  Medical  Science  (Hay's),       .  Philadelphia. 

bi-m       "         Journal  of  Science  and  Art  (Silliman's),  New  Haven. 

m  "         Merchant,     ......  New  York. 

1  This  list  is  inserted  here  for  reference,  on  account  of  the  valuable  information 
it  affords. 


282 


PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


m  American  Messenger,    .          .          .          .          .  * 

m  «         Monthly, 

7?i  "          Phrenological  Journal,  . 

q  "          Quarterly  Church  Review,      . 

q  "         Quarterly  Review  of  Freemasonry, 

m  "          Druggists'  Circular, 

m  Art  Journal,          ...... 

q    Assurance  Magazine,    ..... 

m  Atlantic  Monthly,          ..... 

m  Atlantis,        ....... 

w  Ausland  (Der),     ...... 

m  Banker's  Magazine,       ..... 

m  Bent's  Literary  Advertiser,    .... 

m  Bentley's  Miscellany,    .          . 

w  Bibliographic  de  la  France,  .... 

77i  Bible  Society  Record,   ..... 

m  Biblical  Repertory  and  Princeton  Review,     . 
q    Bibliotheca  Sacra,          ..... 

m  Black  wood's  Edinburgh  Magazine, 
m  Blackwood's  Edinburgh  Magazine  (reprint), 
q   British  and  Foreign  Medico-Chirurgical  Review 
q    British  Quarterly  Review,     .... 

q    Brownson's  Quarterly  Review, 

m  Bulletin  de  la  Societe  Geographique, 

m  Builder,         .          .          .          .          .          . 

q    Calcutta  Review, ...... 

m  Chambers's  Edinburgh  Journal,     . 

s-m  Chemical  Gazette,       ..... 

m  Chemist,       ....... 

m  Chess  Monthly,     ...... 

bi-m  Christian  Examiner,  .... 

m  Christian  Observer,        ..... 

q   Christian  Remembrancer,      .... 

q    Christian  Review,          ..... 

q    Church  of  England  Quarterly  Review, 

q    Church  Review,   ...... 

m  Church  Record,     ...... 

m  Colburn's  New  Monthly,        .... 

w  Comptes  Rendus,  ..... 

m  Colburn's  United  Service  Magazine, 

771  Crayon,         ....... 

77i  Cultivator,    ....... 

771  Daguerrean  Journal,      ..... 

m  De  Bow's  Commercial  Review,     . 

q    Deutsche  Vierteljahrschrift,    .... 


New  York. 

New  York. 

New  York. 

New  Haven. 

New  York. 

New  York. 

London. 

London. 

Boston. 

New  York. 

Augsburg. 

New  York. 

London. 

London. 

Paris. 

New  York. 

Philadelphia. 

Andover. 

Edinburgh. 

New  York. 

London. 

London. 

New  York. 

Paris. 

London. 

Calcutta. 

Edinburgh. 

London. 

London. 

New  York. 

Boston. 

London. 

London. 

Baltimore. 

London. 

New  Haven. 

Chicago. 

London. 

Paris. 

London. 

New  York. 

New  York. 

New  York. 

New  Orleans. 

Stuttgart. 


NEW   YORK. 


283 


to  Deutsches  Museum,       .... 

m  Democratic.  Age,  . 

s-m  Dingler's  Polytechnisches  Journal, 

q   Dublin  Review,    ..... 

m  Dublin  University  Magazine, 

m  Eclectic  Magazine,        .... 

m  Eclectic  Review,  .... 

q    Edinburgh  Philosophical  Journal, 

q    Edinburgh  Quarterly  Journal  of  Agriculture, 

q    Edinburgh  Review,       .... 

w  Fliegende  Blatter,          .... 

m  Foreign  Missionary,       .... 

in  Frazer's  Magazine,        .... 

q    Freewill  Baptist  Quarterly.   . 

m  Gentleman's  Magazine, 

m  Graham's  Magazine,     .... 

w  Grenzboton,  ..... 

m  Harper's  New  Monthly, 

m  Historical  Magazine,  ; 

m  Home  and  Foreign  Record,  . 

m  Homoeopathic  Review, 

m  Home  Missionary,         .... 

m  Horticulturist,        ..... 

m  Household  Words,         .... 

m  Hunt's  Merchants'  Magazine, 

7?i  Insurance  Monitor,         .          .    • 

q    Irish  Quarterly,     ..... 

q    Journal  of  Classical  and  Sacred  Philology, 

m  Journal  of  the  Franklin  Institute,  . 

a    Journal  of  the  Royal  Geographical  Society, 

q    Journal  of  Sacred  Literature, 

w  Journal  of  the  Society  of  Arts, 

q   Journal  of  the  Statistical  Society,    . 

m  Journal  des  Economistes, 

m  Knickerbocker  Magazine, 

77i  Lancet,         ...... 

m  Leisure  Hour,       ..... 

w  Littell's  Living  Age,      .... 

q    London  Quarterly  Review,    . 

m  Mathematical  Monthly, 

m  Medical  News,     ..... 

q   Meth.  Quart,  of  Meth.  Epis.  Church,  South, 
m  Mechanic's  Magazine,  .... 

q    Mercersburg  Review,   .          . 

q    Methodist  Quarterly,      .... 


Leipzig. 

New  York. 

Augsburg. 

London. 

Dublin. 

New  York. 

London. 

Edinburgh. 

Edinburgh. 

Edinburgh. 

Munich. 

New  York. 

London. 

Dover. 

London. 

Philadelphia. 

Leipzig. 

New  York. 

New  York. 

Philadelphia. 

New  York. 

New  York. 

Rochester. 

London. 

New  York. 

New  York. 

Dublin. 

London. 

Philadelphia. 

London. 

London. 

London. 

London. 

Paris. 

New  York. 

New  York. 

London. 

Boston. 

London. 

Cambridge. 

Philadelphia. 

Nashville. 

London. 

Chambersburg,  Pa. 

New  York. 


284 


PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


m  Minerva,       ........  Jena. 

m  Mining  Magazine,         ......  New  York. 

m  Missionary  Herald,        ......  Boston. 

m  Mittheilungen  Von  Petermann,      ....  Gotlia. 

m  Monthly  Religious  Magazine,         ....  Boston. 

m  National  Magazine,       ......  London. 

q    National  Review,          ......  London. 

m  National  Magazine,       .          .          .          .          .         .  New  York. 

m  Nautical  Magazine,       ......  London. 

m  Neuer  Anzeiger  fur  Bibliographic,  .          .          .  Dresden. 

q    New  England  Historical  and  Genealogical  Register,  Boston. 

q    New  Englander,  .......  New  Haven. 

q    New  Quarterly,    .......  London. 

m  Newton's  London  Journal,    .....  London. 

q    North  American  Review,      .....  Boston. 

q    North  British  Review,  ......  Edinburgh. 

m  Notes  and  Queries,        ......  London. 

m  Philosophical  Magazine,        .....  London. 

m  Practical  Mechanics'  Magazine,     ....  Glasgow. 

q    Presbyterian  Quarterly,  .....  Philadelphia. 

m  Printer,          ........  New  York. 

q    Protestant  Episcopal  Quarterly,      ....  New  York. 

s-m  Publisher's  Circular,  ......  London. 

w  Punch,          ........  London. 

q  Puritan  Review,    .          .          .          .  .          .  Boston. 

q    Quarterly  Journal  of  the  Chemical  Society,    .          .  London. 

q    Quarterly  Journal  of  the  Microscopic  Society,          .  London. 

q    Quarterly  Review,         ......  London. 

q  Quarterly  Journal  of  the  Geological  Society,  .          .  London. 

q  Quarterly  Journal  Pure  and  Applied  Mathematics,  Camb.,  Eng. 

m  Repertory  of  Patent  Inventions,     ....  London. 

s-m  Revue  des  deux  Mondes,     .....  Paris. 

s-m  Revue  Contemporaire,          .....  Paris. 

m  Revue  Germanique,      ......  Paris. 

m  Rivista  Contemporanea,          .....  Turin. 

m  Sailor's  Magazine,          ......  New  York. 

q    Sanitary  Rules,      .......  London. 

q    Scalpel,         ........  New  York. 

m  School  Journal, Philadelphia. 

q   Scottish  Review,  .......  Belfast. 

m  Sharpe's  London  Magazine,  .....  London. 

m  Southern  Literary  Messenger,         ....  Richmond. 

m  Spirit  of  Missions,          .          .          .          .          .          .  New  York. 

m  Sporting  Magazine,        ......  London. 

m  Student,        ........  New  York. 


NEW   YORK. 


285 


m  Tait's  Edinburgh  Magazine, 

m  Technologiste,       .... 

q    Theological  and  Literary  Journal, 
g    Theologische  Studien  und  Kritiken, 
m  Tiffany's  Monthly, 
m  Titan,  ...... 

m  Type  of  the  Times  (Phonographic), 

m  U.  S.  Democratic  Review,     . 

q    Universalist  Quarterly, 

m  Vegetarian  Messenger, 

m  Water-Cure  Journal, 

??i  Wesleyan  Methodist  Magazine, 

q    Westminster  Review,    . 

m  Westermann's  Deutsche  Monatshefle, 

m  Zeitschrift  fur  Allgemeine  Erdkunde, 

q    Zeitschrift  fur  Staatswissenschaft,  . 


Edinburgh. 

Paris. 

New  York. 

Gotha. 

New  York. 

London. 

Cincinnati. 

New  York. 

Boston. 

London. 

New  York, 

London. 

London. 

Leipzig. 

Leipzig. 

Leipzig. 


FOREIGN    NEWSPAPERS. 


d   Aftonbladet, 

d   Allgemeine  Zeitung,     . 

w  Athenaeum,  .... 

w  Beacon  and  Christian  Times, 

w  Bell's  Life  in  London,   . 

w  Bremen  Handelsblatt.    . 

d   Charivari,     .... 

s-m  China  Mail, 

d   Correio  Mercantil, 

d   Correo  de  la  Tarde, 

w  Continental  Review, 

s-m  Critic,         .... 

d   Daily  News, 

w  Dublin  Native, 

w  Economist,  .... 

s-w  Edinburgh  Witness,    . 

w  Examiner,    .... 

d   Foxlrelandet, 

s-tn  Friend  of  India, 

w  Illustrated  London  News, 

w  Illustrated  News  of  the  World, 

10  Illustrated  Times, 

w  Illustrite  Zeitung, 

w  Illustration  (L'),  . 

d   Independence  Beige,     . 

s-w  Journal  de  Constantinople, 


Stockholm. 

Augsburg. 

London. 

London. 

London. 

Bremen. 

Paris. 

Macao. 

Rio  Janeiro. 

Havana. 

London. 

London. 

London. 

Dublin. 

London. 

Edinburgh. 

London. 

Copenhagen. 

Serampore. 

London. 

London. 

London. 

Leipzig. 

Paris. 

Brussels. 

Constantinople. 


286 


PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


d   Journal  de  St.  Petersburg, 

d  Journal  des  Debats, 

w  Leader, 

w  Literary  Gazette,  . 

w  Mark  Lane  Express, 

d   Morning  Star, 

d  Moniteur, 

d   Nord  (Le),  . 

d   Opinione  (L'), 

d  Presse  (La), 

w  Saturday  Review, 

w  Spectator.      .          .          . 

d  Times, 


St.  Petersburg. 

Paris, 

London. 

London. 

London. 

London. 

Paris. 

Brussels. 

Turin. 

Paris. 

London. 

London. 

London. 


AMERICAN    NEWSPAPERS. 


DAILIES. 


Albany  Evening  Journal. 
Baltimore  American. 
Boston  Evening  Transcript. 

"      Post. 
Buffalo  Express. 
Charleston  Mercury. 
Chicago  Tribune. 
Cincinnati  Commercial. 
Cleveland  Herald. 
Detroit  Advertiser. 
Louisville  Journal. 
Mobile  Advertiser. 
New  Orleans  Picayune. 
N.  Y.  Commercial  Advertiser. 

"     Courier  and  Inquirer. 

"     Courrier  des  Etats-Unis. 

"     Daily  News. 

"     Day-Book. 

"     Evening  Post. 

."       Express. 

«     Herald. 

"     Journal  of  Commerce. 

"     Handel's  Zeitung. 

"     Staats  Zeitung.    . 

"     Times. 

"     Tribune, 

Philadelphia  Evening  Bulletin. 
Daily  News. 


Philadelphia  North  American. 
Pittsburg  Free  Press. 
Providence  Journal. 
Richmond  Inquirer. 
San  Francisco  Evening  Bulletin. 
St.  Louis  Missouri  Democrat. 

Republican. 

Savannah  Daily  Republican. 
Toronto  Leader. 

Washington  National  Intelligencer. 
Globe. 

WEEKLIES. 

Albion. 

American  Mining  Chronicle. 
"  Publishers'  Circular. 

Railroad  Journal. 
Ballou's  Pictorial. 
Banner  of  Light. 
Century. 
Christian  Advocate  and  Journal. 

"          Inquirer. 

"          Intelligencer. 

"          Spiritualist. 
Church  Journal. 
Churchman. 
Commercial  Times. 
Country  Gentleman. 
Evangelist. 


NEW   YORK. 


28' 


Examiner. 

Frank  Leslie's  Illustrated. 

"  Illustrite  Zeitung. 

Harper's  Weekly. 
Home  Journal. 
Independent. 
Irish  American. 
Irish  News. 
Jewish  Messenger. 
Life  Illustrated. 

National  Anti-Slavery  Standard. 
New  Jerusalem  Messenger. 
New  York  Chronicle. 

Freeman's  Journal. 
Leader. 
"  Ledger. 


New  York  Musical  Review. 
"  Musical  World. 

Observer. 

Porter's  Spirit  of  the  Times. 
Presbyterian. 
Protestant  Churchman. 
Saturday  Press. 
Scientific  American. 
Shipping  and  Commercial  List. 
Spirit  of  the  Times. 
Spiritual  Age. 
Spiritual  Telegraph. 
Truthteller. 

United  States  Economist. 
Oregon  Statesman. 
Weekly  Oregonian. 


"  From  a  careful  record,  it  has  been  ascertained  that  the  number  of 
visits  made  to  the  reading-room,  during  the  past  five  months,  has  been 
47,696. 

"  In  connection  with  the  reading-room,  and  leading  from  it,  is  the 
cabinet,  which  occupies  portions  of  the  conversation-room  and  ladies' 
reading-room.  This  last  feature  is  peculiarly  novel,  and  is  the  result  of 
a  most  pleasing  necessity,  influenced  by  a  large  increase  in  the  list  of 
our  lady  subscribers,  which,  we  may  be  permitted  to  hope,  will  shortly 
be  enumerated  by  hundreds/' 

Receipts  during  18 54  (aside  from  lecture  and  class  receipts),  $10,224  61. 
Expenditures  for  books,  82074  17.  Binding,  $538  22.  Periodicals, 
$944  90.  Salaries,  $3643  07.  Incidentals,  $3024  25.  Subscribers 
and  stockholders  of  the  Clinton  Hall  Association  are  entitled  to  the 
library.  Clerks  paying  $1  initiation,  and  $2  yearly  dues.  All  others, 
$5  per  annum.  Novels  are  arranged  according  to  their  titles;  all  other 
books  alphabetically,  according  to  their  authors.  The  library  is  open 
six  days  in  the  week,  from  8  A.M.  to  9  P.M.  Reading-room  open  from 
7  A.M.  to  10  P.M.  About  120,000  volumes  were  lent  in  1854,  to 
100,000  persons.  Catalogue  published  in  1850,  and  supplement  in 
1852;  size,  8vo. ;  pages  number  460;  cost,  $1500.  Another  catalogue 
in  1856,  214  pages  Svo.  The  largest  class  of  books  read  is  novels.  A 
cabinet  of  minerals  and  shells,  a  collection  of  revolutionary  medals,  mis 
cellaneous  coins,  various  paintings,  statue  of  the  Dancing  Girl  Reposing, 
Minerva,  and  a  bust  of  Philip  Stone. 


288  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

MERCHANTS'  AND  CLERKS'  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION. 
(1857.)     GOO  vols. 

Founded,  June,  1853.  Incorporated,  April  17,  1854.  First  opened 
July,  1855.  This  library  was  established  to  supply  a  want  felt,  espe 
cially  by  the  commercial  community,  in  consequence  of  the  removal  of 
all  libraries  and  literary  and  scientific  institutions  to  the  upper  part  of 
the  city.  The  intention  is  to  make  it  principally  a  library  of  reference 
of  superior  character.  By  the  act  of  incorporation,  the  library  must  be 
located  in  the  lower  part  of  the  city  of  New  York,  not  above  the  line  of 
Reade  Street. 

Clerks  pay  an  initiation  fee  of  81 ;  and  $1  for  the  first  six  months ; 
regular  annual  dues  thereafter,  82.  Merchants  pay  $3  initiation,  and 
$4  annually.  Other  persons  pay  $1  initiation,  and  84  annually.  Life- 
membership  fee,  $100.  A  membership  for  one  year  is  necessary  to 
make  a  member  eligible  to  office.  One  of  the  directors  is  elected  by  the 
Chamber  of  Commerce.  The  library  is  open  from  10  A.M.  to  6  P.M. 

NEW  YORK  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     25,000  vols. 

Founded  in  1804.  Incorporated  in  1809.  As  nearly  all  the  addi 
tions  are  from  donations,  it  is  difficult  to  ascertain,  from  the  records,  the 
yearly  average  increase.  From  8100  to  8200  are  annually  expended 
for  the  purchase  of  books.  The  Society  has  no  funds ;  the  library  is 
supported  by  annual  subscriptions  of  its  members.  The  Society  occu 
pies  leased  rooms  in  the  University  of  the  City  of  New  York.  A  cata 
logue,  prepared  by  Rev.  Timothy  Alden,  was  published  in  1839,  139 
pages  8vo.  The  library  is  open  daily  from  10  until  2  in  the  morning, 
and  from  4  to  6  in  the  evening,  in  summer,  and  from  7  to  9  in  winter. 
Members  of  the  Society,  and  persons  introduced  by  members,  are  en 
titled  to  the  use  of  the  books.  Books  are  only  to  be  consulted  in  the 
library.  The  yearly  average  number  of  persons  consulting  the  library 
is  estimated  at  500. 

A  building  for  the  Society  was  dedicated  November  3d,  1857.  The 
entire  cost  of  the  building  and  site,  is  about  885,000. 

NEW  YORK  HOSPITAL.     (1857.)     GOOO  vols. 

"  Upon  the  recommendation  of  the  medical  faculty  of  Columbia  Col 
lege,  the  governors  of  the  hospital,  in  August,  1790,  appropriated  the 


NEW    YORK.  289 

sum  of  $500  towards  the  purchase  of  a  medical  library,  to  which  the 
members  of  that  Faculty  contributed  books  from  their  private  libraries, 
and  part  of  their  fees  in  public  instruction.  A  hospital  library  was  thus 
instituted,  which  was  further  augmented  by  the  purchase  of  the  medical 
library  of  the  late  Dr.  Eomayne,  in  1800,  and  by  the  accession,  in  1805, 
of  the  library  of  a  private  association  of  physicians,  then  called  i  The 
Medical  Society  of  New  York/  who  gave  their  books  on  condition  that 
they,  and  such  of  their  sons  as  should  become  practitioners  of  medicine 
in  the  city  of  New  York,  should  have  free  use  of  the  Hospital  library. 
In  1805,  the  governors  appropriated  the  annual  sum  of  $250  for  the 
purchase  of  books ;  and  other  larger  additions  were  afterwards  made  to 
it,  by  special  purchases  and  donations  from  time  to  time,  amongst  which 
was  the  valuable  botanical  library  of  Dr.  Hosack,  bought  by  the  Hos 
pital. 

"  For  some  years  past,  there  have  been  appropriated  for  the  support 
and  increase  of  this  library,  all  the  proceeds  arising  from  the  sale  of 
tickets  to  students  of  medicine,  which  permit  them  to  see  the  practice 
of  the  house,  to  attend  the  clinical  instruction,  and  to  take  books  from 
the  library.  The  moneys  thus  accruing  are  appropriated  to  the  purchase 
of  medical  and  scientific  publications,  selected  by  the  library  committee 
(composed  of  three  governors,  one  physician,  and  one  surgeon),  to  the 
payment  of  the  librarian's  salary,  binding,  and  other  contingencies. 

11  The  annual  average  expenditures  and  receipts  on  account  of  the 
purchase  of  books,  are  now  from  $500  to  $800. 

"  The  library  now  consists  of  more  than  5000  volumes,  confined  en 
tirely  to  medicine  and  surgery,  and  those  collateral  branches  of  science 
(as  chemistry,  botany,  &c.)  specially  connected  with  the  healing  art. 
It  is  believed  to  be  as  useful  and  complete  in  this  department  as  a  library 
can  be  made  in  that  number  of  volumes,  and  contains  many  of  the  most 
splendid  and  costly  works  on  anatomy  and  natural  history.  During  the 
last  year,  the  governors  have  fitted  up,  in  the  large  hospital  building, 
two  spacious  apartments,  one  above  the  other,  communicating  by  a  cen 
tral  spiral  staircase,  and  deposited  the  library  in  them,  the  lower  room 
being  used  as  a  reading  and  consultation  chamber." 

Books  may  be  lent  free  of  charge  to  the  present  or  former  governors, 
physicians,  surgeons,  apothecaries,  and  other  officers  of  the  Hospital;  to 
all  donors  of  books  (approved  by  the  library  committee),  or  money  to 
the  amount  of  $25 ;  and  to  other  persons  on  the  payment  of  $5  a  year. 

19 


290  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

An  alphabetical  catalogue  of  the  books  (194  pages  Svo.)  was  pub 
lished  in  1845. 

Receipts  during  1854,  $320;  expenditures  for  books,  844  5G.  Owing 
to  financial  embarrassments,  the  purchases  were  much  smaller  than  usual. 
About  100  volumes  are  annually  added  by  purchase.  The  governors  have 
recently  appropriated  $200  for  this  purpose.  The  books  are  arranged 
numerically.  During  1854,  164  volumes  were  lent  to  50  persons  (a 
much  smaller  number  than  usual).  The  Hospital  has  a  very  valuable 
cabinet  of  pathological  specimens,  amounting  to  about  800  specimens,  in 
a  state  of  excellent  preservation. 


NEW  YORK  LAW  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     GOOO  vols. 

Incorporated  February  22d,  1830.  Its  library  is  composed  almost  ex 
clusively  of  law  books.  Its  average  increase  is  about  225  volumes  a 
year.  From  the  commencement  of  the  institution  to  1850,  the  sum  of 
$21,894  had  been  expended  for  books,  making  a  yearly  average  of 
$1094  70.  The  annual  income,  varying  from  $1200  to  $1500,  is  de 
rived  from  charges  for  membership  ($80  for  each  member). 

The  corporation  of  the  city  at  present  furnishes  two  rooms  in  the 
City  Hall  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Institute.  The  one  used  for 
the  library  is  50  feet  by  56.  The  conversation-room  is  18  feet  by  33. 

A  catalogue  was  published  in  1842,  containing  128  pages  Svo.  This 
catalogue,  prepared  by  Lewis  II.  Sanford,  contains  also  "  A  Chronolo 
gical  List  of  Contemporary  English  Reporters."  The  library  is  open 
daily  from  8£  o'clock  A.M.  to  6  P.M.  Only  those  members  of  the  New 
York  bar  who  belong  to  the'  Institute,  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the 
books  j  but  those  who  do  not  practise  law  in  the  city,  Kings  County,  or 
Jersey  City,  and  strangers  generally,  are  permitted  to  use  the  library 
free  of  charge.  No  book  is  allowed  to  be  taken  out  of  the  library,  ex 
cept  to  be  used  in  the  different  Courts  in  the  City  Hall. 

"The  Law  Institute  partakes  of  the  character  of  a  close  corporation. 
Only  certain  persons  are  entitled  to  admission  to  its  privileges,  and  these 
only  under  peremptory  rules  and  regulations. 

"  There  is,  probably,  no  law  library  in  the  country  which  has  upon 
its  shelves  so  rich  and  valuable  a  collection  of  rare  works  on  legal 
topics.  The  catalogue  comprises  a  very  full  collection  of  reports  of 
cases  in  the  American,  English,  Scotch,  and  Irish  Courts;  sets  of  Ame- 


NEW   YORK.  291 

rican  and  English  Statute  Law;  the  publications  of  the  English  Re 
cord  Commission ;  and,  in  addition  to  the  less  rare  and  curious  volumes 
which  are  set  forth  in  all  the  glory  of  fresh  sheepskin,  there  is  a  set, 
nearly  complete,  of  English  reports  from  the  year  1216  (reign  of  Henry 
III),  down  to  the  present  time.  The  state  papers  of  England  and 
America  are  a  feature  of  this  institution  of  peculiar  value.  Among 
the  documents  pertaining  to  American  history  are  the  charters  of  the 
American  colonies,  Congressional  papers  from  1791  down  to  the  present 
time,  and  New  York  state  papers  since  1691.  The  English  and  Irish 
Records,  in  which  this  library  is  peculiarly  full  and  rich,  contain  com 
plete  accounts  of  the  foundation  of  British  and  American  law.  The 
early  laws  of  the  Anglo-Saxons,  those  of  England  under  William  the 
Conqueror,  the  laws  ascribed  to  Henry  I,  and  the  '  Monumenta  Ecclesi- 
astica/  from  the  7th  to  the  10th  century,  are  among  the  documents 
which  will  be  found  to  possess  interest  and  attraction — not  for  the  law 
yer  only,  but  for  the  antiquarian  as  well." — American  Publishers'  Cir 
cular. 

NEW  YORK  SOCIETY  LIBRARY.     (1856.)     40,000  vols. 

"In  the  year  1700,  while  William  Prince  of  Orange  sat  upon  the 
English  throne,  Richard,  Earl  of  Bellamont,  was  Governor  of  the  Pro 
vince  of  New  York,  and  the  Rev.  John  Sharp  was  with  him  as  chap 
lain  of  His  Majesty's  forces  in  that  colony.  This  latter  gentleman,  it 
appears,  besides  discharging  his  sacred  duties  while  alive,  had  a  kindly 
care  for  those  who  should  come  after  him,  and,  at  his  death,  left  those 
books  which  had  been  his  solace  and  his  strength,  for  the  use  of  the 
public,  to  whisper  words  of  wisdom  and  of  warning  to  those  who  might 
turn  for  a  moment  from  the  pursuits  of  trade  to  listen  to  their  teach 
ings. 

"  Although  the  storm  of  the  Revolution  nearly  destroyed  this  early 
collection,  a  portion  of  it  is  still  preserved  in  our  library,  and  bears  wit 
ness  to  the  learning  of  its  founder.  Such  volumes  as  remain  consist 
mostly  of  the  writings  of  the  Fathers  and  standard  authors  of  the 
Church,  with  a  few  classics  and  histories.  In  1729,  another  worthy 
clergyman,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Millington,  rector  of  Newington,  in  England, 
taking  thought  for  his  brethren  across  the  seas,  '  bequeathed  his  library 
to  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  G-ospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  and 
they  presented  it  to  the  city  of  New  York,  for  the  use  of  the  clergy 


292  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

and  gentry  of  New  York,  and  the  neighboring  provinces.  These  books 
were  received  by  the  authorities  with  grateful  formality,  and  deposited 
in  the  public  library  already  founded/1 

"Occasional  reference  is  made  to  this  library  in  the  proceedings  of 
the  Common  Council;  but  it  appears  to  have  been  mismanaged  and 
neglected  until  1754,  when,,  as  Smith's  History  of  New  York  tells  us, 
( a  set  of  gentlemen  undertook  to  carry  about  a  subscription  towards 
raising  a  Public  Library,  and  in  a  few  days  collected  near  £600,  which 
were  laid  out  in  purchasing  700  volumes  of  new,  well-chosen  books.' 

"  These  gentlemen  also  offered  to  take  charge  of  the  City  Library, 
and  deposit  their  own  collection  with  it  in  the  City  Hall. 

"  This  proposal  was  acceded  to,  and  the  entire  collection  was  called 
<  The  City  Library/ 

"In  1772,  a  charter  was  granted  to  it,  under  the  title  of  'The  New 
York  Society  Library/  by  which  name  it  has  continued  to  be  known 
down  to  the  present  day.  Thus,  from  1754,  twenty-one  years  of  peace 
ful  increase  and  of  quiet  usefulness  had  passed  by  when  the  war  of  the 
Revolution  began. 

"  This  war  threw  the  country  into  a  state  of  confusion  not  easily 
realized  at  the  present  day,  and  New  York  being  peculiarly  exposed, 
suffered  severely.  The  Library  was  left  as  a  spoil  to  the  invading  army. 
An  eye-witness  (Mr.  John  Pintard)  has  affirmed  that  the  British  soldiers 
were  in  the  habit  of  carrying  away  the  books  in  their  knapsacks,  and 
bartering  them  for  grog.  Six  hundred  volumes  were  found,  after  the 
war,  in  a  room  in  St.  PauPs  Church,  but  no  one  could  tell  how  they 
came  there. 

"  No  meeting  of  the  trustees  was  held,  from  the  last  Tuesday  in 
April,  1774,  until  Saturday,  December  21st,  1738,  when  twelve  trus 
tees  were  chosen.  These  were,  Hon.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Robert 
Watts,  Brockholst  Livingston,  Samuel  Jones,  Peter  Kettletas,  Walter 
Rutherford,  Matthew  Clarkson,  Samuel  Bard,  Hugh  Gainc,  Daniel  C. 
Verplanck,  Edward  Greswold,  and  Henry  Remscn. 

"  The  fragments  of  the  Library  were  gathered  together,  new  subscrip 
tions  were  obtained,  and  thus  the  institution  resumed  its  quiet  course. 

"  In  the  fall  of  1784,  the  Federal  Congress  met  in  New  York.  They 
held  their  sessions  in  the  old  City  Hall,  at  the  corner  of  Nassau  and 
Broad  Streets,  where  the  Custom  House  now  stands ;  and  their  delibc- 

1  This  and  the  following  extracts  are  mainly  from  tbe  different  publications  of 
the  late  librarian,  P.  J.  Forbes,  Esq.,  and  an  Address  by  John  MacMullen,  Esq. 


NEW    YORK.  293 

rations  were,  no  doubt,  materially  assisted  by  this  collection,  which  con 
stituted  at  that  time  the  only  library  of  Congress. 

"In  1789,  the  first  Congress  under  the  Constitution  met  in  the  same 
place,  and  George  Washington  was  there  sworn  in  as  first  President  of 
the  United  States.  An  additional  value  is  thus  lent  to  many  of  the 
volumes  in  our  library,  from  the  fact  that  they  have  been  in  the  hands 
of  those  heroes  and  sages  who  built  up  this  goodly  frame  of  government, 
under  which  we  have  now  lived  so  many  years  in  happiness  and  peace. 

"  In  1793,  a  separate  building  for  the  Library  was  commenced  in 
Nassau  Street,  and  the  first  catalogue  was  printed.  The  Library  then 
contained  5000  volumes. 

"In  1795,  the  books  were  removed  from  the  City  Hall  to  the  new 
building.  The  Society  numbered  at  this  time  900  members. 

"In  1813,  the  second  catalogue  was  published,  and  comprised  13,000 
volumes.  In  1825,  a  supplement  was  printed,  showing  a  total  of  16.000 
volumes. 

"  In  1836,  the  property  in  Nassau  Street  was  sold  for  $44,200,  and 
a  lot  purchased  on  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Leonard  Street,  60  feet 
wide  and  100  feet  deep,  for  the  sum  of  847,500. 

"  In  1838,  the  New  York  Athenaeum  was  finally  merged  in  the  New 
York  Society  Library. 

"In  1840,  the  new  building  on  Broadway  was  completed  at  a  cost  of 
about  $74,000,  and  the  Library  removed  from  the  rooms  of  the  Mecha 
nics'  Society,  in  Chambers  Street,  where  it  had  been  since  the  sale  of 
the  Nassau  Street  property,  in  1836. 

"  In  1849,  a  bequest  of  $5000  was  received  from  Miss  Jane  Demilt. 

"  In  1850,  the  last  catalogue  was  published,  showing  a  total  of  35,000 
volumes. 

"  In  1853,  the  property  in  Broadway  was  sold  for  $110,000,  from 
which  the  net  amount,  after  paying  off  all  mortgages  and  debts,  was 
about  $55,000. 

"  In  the  same  year  the  Library  was  removed  to  the  Bible  House.  At 
this  time,  also,  the  property  in  University  Place,  70  feet  front,  by  104 
deep,  was  bought  for  $18?650. 

"  The  building  was  commenced  in  the  spring  of  1855,  and  the  Library 
was  removed  to  it  in  May,  1856. 

"  The  cost  of  the  site  and  building  to  the  Library  is  about  $70,000. 
The  building  is  now  completed  and  paid  for,  and  the  corporation  does 
not  owe  a  dollar/' 


294  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

"  The  present  location  is  one  of  the  best  in  the  city  for  a  literary  in 
stitution;  near  the  University  and  the  Union  Seminary,  central,  quiet, 
and  easy  of  access.  The  building  is  commodious,  well  planned,  well 
lighted,  and  finished  throughout  in  excellent  taste.  On  the  ground  floor 
is  a  fine  reading-room,  well  supplied  with  journals  and  periodicals;  up 
stairs  is  the  spacious  library  hall,  with  its  well-stored  volumes. 

"An  excellent  feature  in  the  new  building  is  an  elegant  reading-room 
for  the  exclusive  use  of  ladies,  who,  in  answer  to  a  bell,  are  furnished 
with  whatever  they  may  desire  from  the  principal  reading-room  or  the 
library.  The  reading-rooms  are  open  in  the  evening. 

"  The  library  now  numbers  40,000  volumes.  It  is  particularly  rich 
in  the  departments  of  history,  and  of  general  literature.  The  institu 
tion  is  entirely  free  from  debt,  and  is  steadily  increasing  its  resources 
and  its  benefits  to  the  public." 

The  library  is  open  daily,  Sundays  excepted,  from  8  A.M.  till  sunset; 
but  the  reading-rooms  are  open  till  10  P.M. 

Persons  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library  are,  members  who  pay  $25 
for  a  right,  and  then  86  annually,  and  temporary  subscribers  at  $10  per 
annum.  Strangers  may  be  introduced,  for  the  use  of  the  books,  &c., 
in  the  rooms,  for  one  month.  The  number  of  members,  in  1793,  was 
900;  in  1856,  1240. 

Books  are  lent  out,  with  the  exception  of  very  expensive  works — 
those  of  reference,  as  encyclopaedias,  dictionaries,  bound  newspapers, 
&c.  The  trustees  have  full  power  to  extend  the  use  of  the  library  to 
persons  at  a  distance. 


OMACATL  SOCIETY.     (1855.)     339  vols. 

Founded  in  1855.  Supported  by  donations.  The  library  contains 
242  unbound  volumes  and  97  bound  volumes,  besides  27  engravings. 
Expenditures  in  1854  for  binding,  $3  62.  The  members  and  their 
friends  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library.  The  books  are  arranged 
promiscuously.  The  library  is  always  open  to  members.  The  books 
are  all  in  the  English  language;  and  are  mostly  Government,  State,  and 
city  documents,  with  a  few  mercantile,  commercial,  and  standard  works. 


.       PRINTERS'  FREE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     4000  vols. 
Founded  by  the  New  York  Typographical  Society,  for  the  use  of  the 


NEW    YORK.  295 

members  only;  but  afterwards  changed,  in  1850,  to  a  free  public  library. 
Supported  principally  by  donations,  and  subscribers,  who  pay  $1  a  year 
for  the  privilege  of  taking  books  from  the  library.  Receipts  during 
1854,  8400;  expenditures  for  books,  $75;  binding,  $30;  salaries,  $200; 
incidentals,  $500. 

The  books  are  arranged  according  to  numbers.  The  library  is  open 
daily  from  6  to  10  P.M.  During  1854,  about  2000  volumes  were  lent 
to  200  persons.  Works  of  fiction  are  most  read;  next  biography;  next 
history.  About  3000  books  are  in  English,  20  French,  5  German,  6 
Spanish,  3  other  modern  languages,  15  Latin,  2  Greek,  and  2  Hebrew. 

The  last  catalogue  was  printed  in  1854;  supplement,  in  1855.  Size 
12mo.  100  pages;  number  printed,  1000;  cost,  $125. 

The  New  York  Typographical  Society  holds  annual  meetings  upon 
Franklin's  birthday.  It  was  instituted  in  1809,  for  the  purpose  of 
affording  relief  to  indigent  and  distressed  members  and  their  families, 
and  to  other  proper  objects  of  charity.  In  1818,  the  Society  was  in 
corporated  ;  re-chartered  in  1832,  for  fifteen  years;  and  in  1847,  incor 
porated  under  the  general  law  of  the  State,  enacted  in  1848. 


SPINGLER  INSTITUTE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     2000  vols. 

Founded  in  1852,  by  the  principal  and  proprietor  of  the  Institute. 
The  officers  and  students  of  the  Institute  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the 
library.  The  books  are  mostly  arranged  by  subjects.  The  library  is 
open  one  hour  daily.  The  last  catalogue  was  printed  in  1852;  number 
of  copies,  500 ;  cost,  $200.  Books  of  reference  in  the  various  depart 
ments  of  history,  philosophy,  and  general  literature,  are  mostly  called 
for.  Scarcely  any  works  of  fiction  or  light  reading  are  in  the  library. 
It  is  mainly  composed  of  the  best  English  editions  of  standard  works  of 
general  reference. 

UNION  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.     (1857.)     24,000  vols. 

Subscriptions  were  obtained  at  the  commencement  of  the  enterprise, 
to  the  amount  of  about  $80,000.  The  directors  must  be  ministers  or 
members  in  good  standing  of  some  Presbyterian  Church ;  and  also  the 
Faculty,  who  are  obliged  to  solemnly  promise  not  to  teach  or  inculcate 
anything  subversive  of  the  Presbyterian  Form  of  Government. 
• "  The  institution  was  opened  for  instruction,  December  5th,  1836.  It 


PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

was  incorporated  March  17th,  1839.  In  the  number  of  its  students  it 
has  been  signally  favored,  having  been  one  of  the  first  three  theological 
seminaries  in  the  land ;  and  for  several  years  has  stood  as  second. 

"The  basis  of  the  library  was  made  by  the  purchase  of  the  library 
of  Dr.  Van  Ess,  of  Germany,  comprising  about  15,000  volumes  and 
pamphlets.  It  is  rich  in  all  the  Latin  and  earlier  German  theological 
works.  Its  editions  of  the  Scriptures  in  Latin,  Greek,  and  German  are 
numerous.  It  has  most  of  the  standard  collections  in  Church  history, 
and  the  various  editions  and  collections  of  the  Church  fathers.  Of  the 
first  editions  of  the  works  of  the  reformers,  Luther,  Melancthon,  and 
others,  it  has  1246  distinct  publications.  Of  works  printed  before  1500, 
and  Incunabula,  it  has  430,  and  37  MSS." 

The  library  occupies  a  hall  in  the  Seminary  building,  No.  9  Univer 
sity  Place.  The  room  is  a  parallelogram,  about  05  feet  in  length.  The 
books  are  arranged  on  the  shelves  according  to  size.  There  is  only  a 
MS.  catalogue.  The  library  is  open  each  week-day,  except  Saturday, 
from  10  o'clock  A.M.  to  3  or  4  P.M.;  closed  from  the  third  Wednesday 
in  June,  to  the  third  Wednesday  in  September.  Persons  entitled  to 
the  use  of  the  library  are  those  connected  with  the  Seminary,  or  who 
may  have  permission  from  a  professor. 

During  1854,  1500  volumes  were  lent  to  150  persons.  Of  the  vo 
lumes,  7000  are  in  English,  1000  French,  GOOO  German,  50  Spanish, 
50  other  modern  languages,  7000  Latin,  500  Greek,  250  Hebrew,  and 
280  Oriental. 

About  1000  volumes  are  added  yearly.  Receipts  during  1854,  8600; 
expended  for  books,  $250;  binding,  8100;  periodicals,  $150;  salaries, 
$100. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  THE  CITY  OF  NEW  YORK.     (1857.)     1381  vols. 

The  University  of  the  City  of  New  York  was  incorporated  in  April, 
1831.  It  was  opened  for  the  reception  of  students  at  Clinton  Hall,  in 
October,  1832.  The  first  class,  consisting  of  three  students,  graduated 
in  1833.  The  foundations  of  the  building  on  Washington  Square  were 
laid  in  July,  1833  ;  and  the  building  was  so  far  completed,  as  to  be 
occupied  for  purposes  of  instruction  in  1836. 

lleceipts  during  1854,  117  volumes,  valued  at  $225.  The  Council 
and  Faculty  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library,  which  is  open  from 


NEW    YORK.  297 

10  to  12  A.M.  daily.  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  The  yearly 
increase  of  the  library  is  over  100  volumes.  §200  have  been  expended 
for  books  during  the  last  five  years.  The  value  of  the  library  is  esti 
mated  at  $4728. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     2142  vols. 

Organized  May,  1852.  Incorporated  July  16th,  1852.  The  library, 
in  May,  1855,  numbered  1813  volumes;  74  volumes  were  added  during 
the  year,  giving  a  total,  in  1856,  of  1887.  329  members  have  made 
use  of  the  library,  and  1834  volumes  have  been  withdrawn.  The 
reading-room  is  supplied  with  7  daily  papers  (secular) ;  2  semi-weekly 
(secular);  45  weekly  (6  secular,  39  religious);  1  semi-monthly  (secular); 
10  monthly  (2  secular,  8  religious);  14  monthly  magazines;  10  quar 
terly  magazines. 

"  Though  small,  the  library  has  been  well  selected  ;  and  its  constant 
and  large  use  betokens  the  appreciation  of  its  excellence.  It  is  scarcely 
necessary  to  state  that  we  view  the  less  than  2000  volumes  which  we 
now  possess,  as  the  beginning  merely,  of  a  collection  of  Christian,  moral, 
and  religious  literature,  that  shall  be  suitable  to  the  ends  proposed  by 
our  organization.  For  its  increase,  we  look  to  a  kind  and  discriminating 
public." — Fourth  Annual  Report. 

During  1855,  the  receipts  were  82611  48;  and  expenditures,  2555  75. 
Annual  cost  of  support,  13000.  A  catalogue  of  65  pages  8vo.  was 
printed  in  1855. 

Young  men  under  40  years  of  age  pay  82  a  year ;  those  over  that 
age,  85.  The  library  is  specially  religious ;  but  open  to  works  of  a  good 
moral  and  religious  character.  Open  daily,  from  8  A.M.  till  lO?  P.M.  The 
librarian  receives  $1000  per  annum;  and  one  assistant  librarian,  8500. 

"  The  Christian  community  seems  to  be  fully  convinced  that  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Associations,  which  have  sprung  so  numerously 
and  rapidly  into  existence  throughout  the  civilized  world,  are  filling  a 
hitherto  unoccupied  space  in  the  field  of  Christian  effort;  that  they 
have  arisen  at  their  appointed  time,  at  the  bidding  of  the  Great  Head 
of  the  Church,  to  perform  an  important  part  in  the  multiplying  and 
accelerating  movements  which  shall  at  length  introduce  the  bright  day 
of  millennial  glory  for  our  earth." — H.  Crosby's  Report,  1854. 


298  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


PEEKSKILL. 

PEEKSKILL  ACADEMY  AND  CORTLANDT  LIBRARY. 

(1857.)     607  vols. 

The  collection  called  "The  Cortlandt  Library/'  was  organized  about 
fifty  years  ago.  At  the  erection  of  the  institution  called  Pcekskill 
Academy,  in  1888,  the  Cortlandt  Library  was  merged  in  the  Peeks- 
kill  Academy  Library. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  852  50. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  for  the  last 
six  years,  53^. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  about  1000. 


POUGHKEEPSIE. 

PUBLIC  SCHOOL  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     4G50  vols. 

Founded  in  1843.  Receipts  during  1854,  $341;  expended  for  books, 
$341;  binding,  864;  salaries,  8336.  All  persons  have  the  free  use  of 
the  library.  It  is  open  daily,  from  1  to  8  P.M.  All  the  books  are  in 
English.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1851;  and  a  supplement  in  1855; 
both  cost  $300.  6  magazines  are  taken. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  8204  for  new 
books,  and  the  same  amount  for  binding  periodicals,  and  rebinding 
books. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  200. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  25,000. 


ROCHESTER. 

ROCHESTER  ATHEN/EUM  AXD  MECHANICS'  ASSOCIATION. 
(1857.)     G524vols. 

The  payment  of  $2  entitles  any  person  to  the  privileges  of  member 
ship  for  one  year;  which  term  will  always  commence  and  end  on  the 
1st  day  of  January. 

The  books  in  the  library  are  well  selected  and  valuable,  a  large  part 


NEW   YORK.  299 

being  on  science  and  mechanic  arts,  engineering,  architecture,  &c. 
The  library  is  open  daily,  except  Sundays  and  Mondays,  from  8  A.M. 
to  1  P.M.,  and  from  2^  to  8  P.M.  A  catalogue  of  107  pages  8vo.  was 
printed  in  1854,  at  a  cost  of  8250  for  2000  copies. 

1855.  1856. 

Receipts, $1738  93  $2111   16. 

Expenditures  for  books,       ...  53  00  22  50 

binding,   ...  GO  00  59  84 

"                  periodicals,       .         .  204  72  110  92 

"                  salaries,    .         .         .  534  59  GOO  00 

During  1855,  20,000  volumes  were  lent  to  800  persons.  During 
1856,  15,025  volumes  were  lent  to  600  persons. 

Novels  and  tales,  GO  per  cent.  Biography,  8  per  cent. 

Travels,  10       "  Reviews,     G        " 

History,  8       "  Poetry,         2        " 

Science,  4       "  Theology,    2        " 

6000  volumes  are  in  English,  40  in  French,  and  250  in  German. 
The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  8600.  14  periodicals  are  taken. 

For  the  last  few  years,  the  number  of  books  worn  out,  equal  the  num 
ber  added.  During  the  last  five  years,  $2000  were  expended  for  books. 
Annual  cost  of  support,  $1600.  In  1854,  there  were  8000  volumes; 
in  1857,  the  number  reported  is  6524. 


COURT  OF  APPEALS.     (1855.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  in  1829.  In  1849,  the  Chancellor's  Library  was  divided, 
one-quarter  was  located  at  Rochester,  another  at  Syracuse,  the  remain 
ing  half  at  Albany.  New  law  books  are  added  to  the  library,  from  time 
to  time,  and  their  cost  is  paid  out  of  the  annual  fund  appropriated  by 
the  Legislature. 

The  library  contains  principally  law  books,  although  there  are  several 
hundred  miscellaneous  works.  No  catalogue  printed. 

"This  is  the  proper  place  to  notice  a  publication  of  great  value  to  the 
bar  of  this  city,  and  which  deserves  to  be  imitated  in  other  places.  It 
is  'A  Catalogue  of  Law  Books  in  the  different  Libraries  in  Rochester, 
on  the  31st  August,  1847,  with  References  to  the  several  Owners  of 
each,  by  William  F.  Liddle.  Svo.,  55  pages :  Rochester,  1847.'  This 
catalogue  contains  the  law  books  in  63  private  libraries,  besides  those 


300  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

in  the  public  library.  The  catalogue  is  alphabetical,  and  under  each 
title  all  the  attorneys  owning  books  are  referred  to  by  means  of  numbers. 
An  index  of  subjects  is  appended  to  the  catalogue." — Jewett's  Notices. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ROCHESTER  AND  ROCHESTER  THEOLOGICAL 
SEMINARY.     (1857.)     6500  vols. 

Founded  November,  1850.  The  library  of  the  late  Dr.  Neander,  of 
the  University  of  Berlin,  has  been  purchased  for  this  Institution.  It 
contains  4600  volumes,  consisting  mainly  of  the  original  sources  and 
materials  for  investigation  in  the  field  to  which  his  life  was  devoted. 
To  these  are  added  the  choicest  works  of  modern  scholars  in  the  same 
field,  and  also  the  best  fruits  of  modern  evangelical  learning  in  the  de 
partment  of  Biblical  Exegesis  and  Theology.  This  collection  was  made 
under  the  most  favorable  circumstances,  by  one  of  the  first  scholars  of 
the  age,  and  contains  many  important  works,  of  which  few  if  any  copies 
are  to  be  found  elsewhere  in  this  country. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  $1709  74. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  about  1000. 

The  library  is  for  consultation,  and  not  for  circulation. 


SCHENECTADY. 

UNION  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     9000  vols. 

The  College  library  was  founded  (with  the  College)  in  1795.  The 
yearly  average  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  is  100.  The 
expenditure  for  books  during  the  last  five  years,  was  $500.  Receipts 
during  1854,  from  students,  i486  88;  expenditures  8215  49. 

The  library  is  open  twice  a  week,  one  hour  each  time.  Officers, 
students,  and  resident  graduates  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library. 
About  2110  volumes  are  lent  out  annually.  11  reviews  and  4  news 
papers  are  taken.  Salary  of  librarian,  8250. 

ADELPHIC  SOCIETY  (UNION  COLLEGE).     (1857.)     3550  vols. 

Founded  in  1796.  The  library  is  open  only  to  members  two  hours 
on  one  day  of  every  week.  8500  volumes  are  in  English,  25  French, 


NEW   YORK.  301 

5  other  modern  languages,  30  Latin,  17  Greek.  About  70  volumes  are 
added  yearly.  During  the  last  five  years  $500  have  been  expended  for 
books.  Annual  cost  of  support,  820.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1856, 
89  pages  12mo. ;  cost  $120  for  500  copies. 

During  1855,  there  were  read  1600  volumes;  of  theology,  150;  his 
tory  and  biography,  500;  philology  and  rhetoric,  300  ;  law,  100;  poetry, 
200;  fiction,  300;  miscellaneous,  50.  7  periodicals  and  16  newspapers 
are  taken. 

PHILOMATHEAN  SOCIETY  (UNION  COLLEGE). 
(1857.)     3812  vols. 

Founded  October  17th,  1793.  Receipts  during  1856,  $154;  expended 
for  books,  $110;  periodicals,  $24;  salaries,  $12;  incidentals,  $8.  The 
books  are  arranged  according  to  size  and  binding.  3770  volumes  are 
in  English,  11  French,  4  German,  19  Latin,  7  Greek,  and  1  Hebrew. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1856,  70  pages  16mo. ;  cost  $70  for  400 
copies.  10  magazines  and  11  papers  are  taken.  The  librarian  receives 
$7  50 ;  assistant,  $4  50.  About  75  volumes  are  added  yearly.  An 
nual  cost  of  support,  $20.  Expended  for  books  during  the  last  five 
years,  $301  84. 

STAPLETQ2T. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION. 

"  The  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Staten  Island  was 
organized  on  the  26th  of  May,  1856.  Its  membership  at  the  present 
time  is  72. 

a  In  the  early  part  of  December  two  classes  were  formed,  for  instruction 
in  music  and  drawing.  These  classes  are  free  to  all  members  of  the  Asso 
ciation,  and  to  all  others  on  payment  of  $1.  The  rooms  of  the  Associa 
tion  are  fitted  up  in  a  simple,  but  tasteful  manner,  and  they  contain 
the  nucleus  of  a  library,  which  has  grown  most  encouragingly,  chiefly 
owing  to  the  munificence  of  private  individuals. 

"In  February,  a  course  of  lectures  was  commenced,  which  have  been 
well  attended.  They  have  contributed  to  our  pecuniary  means,  and 
have  proved  instructive  and  interesting. 

"A  movement  to  canvass  the  field  of  labor  embraced  within  the 
boundaries  of  the  Association  was  made  in  January.  A  committee 
was  appointed  to  draft  a  plan  of  operations,  and  to  district  the  ground 


302  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

to  be  gone  over.  The  specific  objects  contemplated  in  this  undertaking 
were  :  first,  the  distribution  of  tracts  and  copies  of  the  Holy  Scriptures ; 
and  second,  the  gathering  up  of  facts  relative  to  the  moral  and  spiritual 
condition  of  the  various  classes  in  such  districts.  Inquiries  like  these 
are  made :  How  many  children  of  this  family  attend  Sabbath-school  ? 
How  many  members  of  this  family  are  members  of  any  Christian  Church, 
and  how  many  are  willing  to  engage  in  Sunday-school  instruction  ?  How 
many  attend  regularly  any  place  of  worship  on  the  Sabbath  ?  How 
many  young  men  are  members  of  the  Christian  Association,  and  how 
many  are  willing  to  become  such  ? 

"  The  work  contemplated  in  this  undertaking  is  now  in  progress,  and 
the  results,  when  all  are  gathered  in,  will  form  the  basis  of  some  new 
system  of  operation,  whereby  our  Association  may  become  an  aggressive 
agency,  the  design  of  which  shall  be  to  bring  all  our  population  into 
close  and  Christian  sympathy  with  us,  and  to  do  the  utmost  amount  of 
good  by  diffusing  the  principles  of  Christianity,  and  a  saving  knowledge 
of  the  truth  to  those  who  are  ready  to  perish  for  lack  of  that  bread,  of 
which,  if  a  man  eat,  he  shall  never  hunger,  and  of  that  water,  of  which, 
if  a  man  drink,  he  shall  never  thirst/' — Quarterly  Reporter,  July,  1857. 


SYRACUSE. 

FRANKLIN  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     2700  vols. 

"The  Franklin  Institute  had  its  origin  in  the  Syracuse  Library  and 
Reading-Room  Association.  Previous  to  this  latter,  and  about  the  year 
1830,  a  Lyceum  for  debates  was  formed  in  the  school-room  of  Mr.  Am 
brose  Kasson.  Another  similar  association  of  young  men  was  after 
wards  conducted,  in  the  school-room  of  Messrs.  Clark  and  Green,  in  the 
old  Onondaga  House.  It  was  no  part  of  the  object  of  these  lyceunis 
to  form  a  public  library  or  reading-room.  The  first  movement  for  this 
purpose  was  in  1837.  On  the  1st  of  November  in  that  year,  the  citi 
zens  of  Syracuse  were  invited  to  meet  in  the  session-room  of  the  Pres 
byterian  church,  to  deliberate  on  the  formation  of  a  public  library. 
At  a  subsequent  meeting,  on  the  loth,  a  constitution  was  adopted, 
and  on  the  15th,  the  following  were  chosen  as  the  first  officers  of  '  The 
Library  and  lleading-lloom  of  the  village  of  Syracuse/  viz.,  Harvey 
Baldwin,  Esq.,  President;  John  G.  Forbes,  Esq.,  Vice-President;  II.  W. 
Van  Buren,  Treasurer  and  Librarian;  G.  F.  Coinstock,  Esq.,  Secretary. 


NEW   YORK.  303 

"Funds  were  liberally  subscribed,  and  the  trustees  immediately 
directed  $800  to  be  expended  in  books  and  periodicals.  A  reading- 
room  was  opened;  a  cabinet  of  minerals  was  presented;  and  for  several 
years  a  course  of  lectures  was  had  in  each  winter  season.  When,  in 
1843k  District  School  Libraries  were  established,  and  the  country  was 
flooded  with  cheap  books,  the  previous  interest  in  the  library  and  read 
ing-room  of  the  Association  flagged,  debts  accumulated,  and  at  length, 
in  the  fall  of  1845,  all  its  operations  were  suspended,  and  the  stock 
holders,  by  neglect  to  pay  their  annual  dues,  finally  forfeited  their 
rights. 

"In  this  state  of  things,  an  effort  was  made,  in  1849,  to  organize  a 
new  Association  •  and  the  Executive  Board  of  the  old  Society,  having 
signified  their  assent  to  a  transfer  of  its  property  to  a  new  one,  on  con 
dition  of  paying  the  debts,  the  Franklin  Institute  was  accordingly  orga 
nized,  in  December,  1849. 

"  It  having  been  found  impracticable  to  obtain  a  special  charter  from 
the  Legislature,  the  Board  of  Directors  proceeded  to  incorporate  them 
selves  under  the  general  law  of  the  State." 

The  property  of  the  Library  and  Heading-Room  Association  which 
came  into  possession  of  the  Franklin  Institute,  was  as  follows :  871  vo 
lumes  of  books,  estimated  to  be  worth  not  less  than  §400.  A  cabinet 
of  about  450  mineralogical,  conchological,  and  geological  specimens, 
which,  with  its  case,  must  have  cost  not  less  than  8100.  To  the  above 
books,  496  volumes  have  since  been  added  by  purchase  and  donations; 
and  the  library  of  the  Institute  now  embraces  1367  volumes. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  8275. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  179. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  6000. 


TROY. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     9405  vols. 

The  Young  Men's  Association  of  the  City  of  Troy,  was  organized  on 
the  22d  of  December,  1834.  On  the  27th  of  November,  1834,  there 
appeared  in  the  city  papers  the  following  notice  : 

"The  Young  Men  of  the  city  of  Troy  who  are  in  favor  of  a  Public 
Course  of  Lectures  this  winter,  are  requested  to  meet  at  the  Mayor's 
Court-Room,  Friday  evening,  28th  inst.,at  8  o'clock,  to  make  the  neces 
sary  arrangements.  At  the  same  time  the  expediency  of  forming  a 
Young  Men's  Association,  will  be  discussed." 


304 


PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


"  The  meeting  held  under  the  above  call  (on  the  28th)  was  well 
attended.  John  T.  McCoun  presided,  and  Alexander  McCall  acted  as 
Secretary. 

"In  1837,  the  number  of  members  was  534;  from  this  it  had  risen, 
in  1842,  to  577;  in  1847,  663;  and  in  1852,  the  Treasurer's  list  fur 
nishes  a  total  of  1389  names,  of  which  204  arc  new  members,  1079 
renewals,  and  106  life-members;  the  last  including  the  subscribers  to 
the  Life-Membership  Library  Fund. 

"  Our  library,  always  an  interest  of  paramount  importance,  has  shared 
in  the  general  prosperity. 

"  In  the  annual  report  of  1837,  it  is  described  as  consisting  of  600 
volumes  of  'all  sorts;'  in  1842,  it  contained  1511  volumes;  in  1846, 
by  the  purchase  of  new  books,  donations,  and  the  incorporation  of  the 
Troy  Library,  it  had  increased  to  3200;  at  the  date  of  this  report  (1852), 
it  consisted  of  5356  volumes;  of  which  there  have  been  added  during 
the  past  year,  59  by  donations,  and  498  by  purchase,  at  an  expense  of 
8690  82."— Report. 


\ 

GENEllAL  FINANCES. 

MEMBERS. 

I 

LIBRARY,  \ 
YOLS. 

Year. 

Receipt?. 

Disburse 
ments. 

Life.  JReg'lar. 

Total. 

Addi 
tions. 

Total. 

Life-Member 
ship  fund. 

1835 

$2840  00  $1825  70 

33   443 

470 

*1222 

1836 

21:2!  GO 

2340  52 

35 

480 

521 

200 

*1400  i 

1837 

1054  04 

1487  95 

35 

573 

008 

100 

*1500 

1838 

1901  58 

2150  14 

38 

508 

540 

300 

*1800 

1839 

1544  04 

1054-  94 

38 

505 

003 

300 

*2100  ; 

1840 

1482  75  1057  15 

38 

488 

520 

100 

*2200 

§071  00 

1841 

1810  58 

1735  00 

38 

503 

001 

50 

*2250 

1050  00 

1842 

1490  27 

1412  22 

i  38 

495 

533 

50 

*2300 

1050  00 

1843 

1054  09 

1338  74  1  38 

351 

389 

1050  00 

1844 

1445  02 

1483  73 

47 

517 

504 

*2400|l 

1050  00 

1845 

1485  11 

1347  05 

:  47 

583 

030 

107 

.... 

1050  00 

1840 

1708  95  1839  17 

!  48 

041 

089 

| 

1050  00 

1S47 

204.'!  84  '  2000  87 

48 

097 

745 

230 

> 

1050  00 

1848 

2037  08 

2083  52 

48 

770 

824 

531 

.  .  .  .  i  1095  00 

184  1> 

1.775  07 

1775  5  5 

48 

712 

700 

343 

....  ,   1095  00 

1850 

20!i:2  65  2080  29 

49 

883 

932 

347 

4001 

1085  00 

1851 

2457  7:2 

2434  20 

J129 

L02G   1155 

7G4 

4799    1080  00 

1852 

2953  98 

2908  80 

J130 

1283   14  13   557 

5350   §1080  00 

*  Including  the  "  Troy  Library,"  which  embraced  between  000  and  800  volumes. 
t  "Troy  Library,"  purchased  by  the  Association. 
J  Including  subscribers  to  "Life-Membership  Library  Fund." 
§  Of  this  fund  $1050  is  loaned  on  bond  and  mortgage;  the  remaining  $30  is  in 
the  hands  of  the  Treasurer,  who  pays  7  per  cent,  interest  upon  it. 


NEW   YORK.  305 

Extract  from  the  Report  of  the  Executive  Committee,  for  1851 : 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  Executive  Committee,  held  May  9th,  1851, 
it  was  Resolved,  That  the  committee  soliciting  subscriptions  to  this  fund, 
be  empowered,  upon  receiving  any  subscription  of  850  or  upwards,  pay 
able  in  five  or  less  than  five  annual  instalments,  upon  the  payment  of 
the  first  instalment  thereon,  to  present  such  subscriber  a  ticket  of  life- 
membership.  It  was  further  Resolved,  That  the  money  raised  in  accord 
ance  with  the  above  resolution,  be  appropriated  for  no  other  purpose 
than  to  improve  the  condition  of  the  library/' 

Supported  by  annual  membership  dues;  new  members,  $3;  renewals, 
82.  Expenditures  for  books  during  the  last  five  years,  84500.  Receipts 
during  1854,  $2950;  expenditures  for  books  in  1854,  8835;  binding, 
$82  98;  periodicals,  $267;  salaries,  81100;  incidentals,  861. 

Strangers  in  the  city  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library.  The 
books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  The  library  is  open  6  days  in  the  week, 
8  hours  per  day.  During  1854,  19,500  volumes  were  lent  to  650  per 
sons.  During  1855,  20,000  volumes  were  lent  to  700  persons.  From 
200  to  800  volumes  are  added  yearly. 

The  last  catalogue  was  printed  in  1853,  113  pages;  cost  $100  for 
1000  copies.  8800  volumes  are  in  English,  150  French,  1  German,  4 
Spanish,  41  Latin,  2  Greek,  and  1  Hebrew.  25  reviews  and  62  papers 
are  taken. 


TJTICA, 

STATE  LUNATIC  ASYLUM.     (1856.)     40GO  vols. 

Founded  in  1843,  by  Dr.  Amariali  Brigham.  It  is  supported  by 
voluntary  contributions,  annual  appropriations  by  the  Legislature  of 
the  State,  of  8150,  and  an  annual  fund  created  by  the  proceeds  of  the 
"  Opal,"  a  monthly  magazine  published  by  the  inmates.  3800  volumes 
are  in  English,  254  French,  and  3  Spanish. 


WEST  POINT. 

UNITED  STATES  MILITARY  ACADEMY.     (1856.)     16,392  vols. 

Founded  in  1812.  There  have  been  three  printed  catalogues :  one  in 
August,  1822,  22  pages  octavo;  the  second  in  May,  1830,  132  pages 
8vo. ;  and  the  last  in  1853,  403  pages  8vo. 

20 


306  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

There  are,  in  the  library,  10  volumes  of  manuscripts,  300  maps  and 
charts,  70  volumes  of  engravings,  10  sheets  of  loose  engravings,  6  vo 
lumes  of  music,  3  medals,  4  busts,  and,  temporarily,  10  paintings  (por 
traits),  belonging  to  the  Military  Academy.  Exclusive  of  the  above 
works,  there  are  15,500  volumes  in  the  various  classes.  The  following 
have  been  the  additions  to  the  library  since  1838  : 

1838,  250  volumes.  1846,  25  volumes. 

1839,  602    "  1847,  50    « 

1840,  159    "  1848,  80 

1841,  377    ':  1849,  256    " 

1842,  108    "  1850,  700 

1843,  171    "  1851.  446    " 

1844,  50    "  1852,  577    " 

1845,  130    "  1854,  330    " 

There  is  no  permanent  fund  for  the  increase  of  the  library.  There 
has,  usually,  been  an  appropriation  made  by  Congress,  of  $1000  annu 
ally,  for  the  library;  but  for  the  years  184G,  1847,  and  1848,  no  such 
appropriation  was  made.  The  sum  of  $1500,  however,  was  appropriated 
on  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30th,  1849;  and  the  usual  appropriation 
was  made  by  Congress  for  1850,  1851,  and  1852,  of  $1000  annually. 

Receipts  during  1855,  $1125  30;  expended  for  books,  $787  28; 
binding,  8222  70;  periodicals,  $115  32. 

The  library  occupies  the  east  wing  of  a  granite  building,  of  the 
Elizabethan  style  of  Gothic  architecture,  erected  in  1840-'41.  The 
remaining  portion  of  the  building  contains  four  public  offices,  and  rooms 
for  philosophical  apparatus ;  in  the  east  tower  is  a  transit  instrument, 
in  the  middle  one  an  equatorial  telescope,  and  in  the  west  one  a  mural 
circle.  The  cost  of  the  entire  building  was  $50,216  86.  The  library 
room  is  46  feet  square,  with  a  gallery  and  two  tiers  of  cases.  Height 
of  room,  31  feet. 

The  books  are  arranged  on  the  shelves  alphabetically,  according  to 
subjects.  The  library  is  open  daily,  Sundays  cxcepted,  between  8  and 
12  A.M.,  and  between  1  P.M.  and  sunset.  Only  the  professors,  instruc 
tors,  cadets,  and  officers  residing  at  the  post,  are  entitled  to  the  use  of 
the  books.  Cadets  may  draw  books  on  Saturday,  to  be  returned  on  the 
ensuing  Monday ;  and  they  are  also  allowed  to  take  such  books  during 
the  week  as  are  calculated  to  assist  them  in  their  class  studies,  i.  e.,  one 
volume  of  text,  with  accompanying  plates  (if  any)  at  a  time,  and  to 
be  retained  for  10  days  only;  for  a  longer  period  of  time,  they  must 


NORTH    CAROLINA.  807 

obtain  the  special  permission  of  the  Superintendent  in  writing.  Officers 
may  draw  four  volumes,  and  professors  eight  volumes  at  a  time ;  to  be 
retained  for  a  period  not  exceeding  two  months.  The  annual  number 
drawn  is,  on  an  average,  12,000  volumes. 

The  officers  of  the  library  are,  a  librarian,  who  is  also  a  member  of 
the  Academic  staif  j.  and  an  assistant  librarian,  who  is  a  private  soldier. 
Neither  receive  salaries. 

The  chief  object  of  the  library  is  to  furnish  the  professors  and  instruc 
tors  in  the  institution,  with  the  most  complete  information  on  the  sub 
jects  which  they  teach,  and  the  greatest  facilities  for  imparting  instruc 
tion.  It  is,  in  consequence,  essentially  scientific  and  military;  but 
contains,  likewise,  a  great  number  of  works  on  all  branches  of  litera 
ture. 

During  1855,  5243  volumes  were  lent  to  296  persons.  As  to  the 
character  of  books  read,  those  taken  out  by  professors  and  officers  are 
chiefly  scientific  and  military ;  and  those  by  the  cadets,  chiefly  light 
works,  as  a  relaxation  from  study.  No  newspapers  are  taken ;  but  all  of 
the  best  American,  and  many  foreign  periodicals,  are  regularly  sub 
scribed  for. — Lieut.  Baird. 


NORTH  CAROLINA. 


CHAPEL  HILL, 

UNIVERSITY  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA.     (1851.)     3501  vols. 

Incorporated  December  11,  1789.  The  business  of  education  was 
commenced  early  in  the  year  1795.  At  that  time  the  library  was  begun. 
(See  History  of  the  University  of  North  Carolina,  American  Quarterly 
Register,  November,  1842.)  It  contained,  in  1851,  343  folios,  357 
quartos,  2536  octavos,  and  265  duodecimos;  in  all,  3501  volumes, 
besides  a  collection  of  manuscripts,  principally  relating  to  the  history 
of  North  Carolina.  The  Society  libraries  are  in  buildings  apparently 
connected  with  the  wings  of  the  other  College  buildings;  separated,  how 
ever,  by  a  wall  and  copings  of  some  four  feet  high.  They  were  erected, 
of  brick,  in  1847,  at  an  expense  of  $10,000.  The  rooms  are  fitted  up 


308  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

with  alcoves,  8  by  8  feet  on  each  side.  The  central  aisle  is  20  feet 
wide ;  the  length  of  the  room  is  37  feet.  All  residents  on  the  Hill 
who  seem  to  be  proper  persons  to  have  books,  are  allowed  to  use  them 
without  charge.  The  library  is  open  five  times  a  week,  an  hour  at  a 
time.  The  Faculty  and  the  students  use  the  library  without  fees. 


DIALECTIC  SOCIETY  (UNIVERSITY  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA). 

(1857.)     6000  vols. 

Founded  in  1795.  During  1856,  $300  were  expended  for  books, 
8100  for  binding;  $44  for  periodicals.  The  library  is  free  to  members 
of  the  Society  and  Faculty.  It  is  open  one  hour  every  Wednesday  and 
Saturday.  20  periodicals  are  taken.  During  the  last  five  years  $2150 
were  expended  for  books. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1821,  21  pages  12mo.,  containing  1673 
volumes;  another  in  1835,  26  pages  8vo.,  containing  3060  volumes. 


DAVIDSON  COLLEGE. 

DAVIDSON  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     8000  vols. 

This  institution  took  its  name  from  a  distinguished  patriot,  General 
Davidson,  who  fell  at  Cowan's  Ford,  a  few  miles  distant,  fighting  for 
the  liberties  of  our  country.  The  motto  of  the  College  is,  "  Alenda 
lux  ubi  orta  Libertas." 

During  the  year  1856,  there  were  about  90  students. 


FOEESTVILLE. 

EUZELIAN  SOCIETY  (WAKE  FOREST  COLLEGE). 
(1857.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  in  1835.  Members  only  are  entitled  to  use  the  library. 
The  books  are  arranged  "  according  to  appearance/'  The  library  is 
open  every  Saturday  between  1  and  4  P.M. 

During  1854,  1157  books  were  taken  out  by  78  persons.  During 
1856, 1000  books  were  lent  to  80  persons.  Historical  and  biographical 
works  are  read  most,  Tytler's  Universal  History,  and  Wirt's  Life  of 
Patrick  Henry,  are  most  called  for.  There  is  a  Latin  Bible  in  the 


NORTH    CAROLINA.  309 

library,  printed  in  1560,  at  Frankfort-on-the-Maine ;  also  a  copy  of  Law- 
son's  Voyage  to  Carolina  (1st  edition),  a  very  rare  work. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1853  ;  300  copies  cost  $30.  The  Chris 
tian  Review,  Southern  Literary  Messenger,  and  the  African  Repository, 
are  the  only  periodicals  taken.  400  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During 
the  last  five  years,  $1000  have  been  spent  for  books. 

The  EUZELIAN  Library  has  3386  volumes,  and  the  PHILOMATHE- 
SIAN,  2400  volumes. 

PHILOMATHESIAN  SOCIETY  (WAKE  FOREST  COLLEGE). 
(1857.)     2400  vols. 

Founded  February  14,  1835,  by  James  C.  Dockery.  The  students, 
faculty,  and  citizens,  have  the  use  of  the  library,  which  is  open  one 
hour  on  Wednesday,  and  two  hours  on  Saturday.  Nearly  all  the  books 
are  in  English. 

Receipts  during  1856,  $300;  $200  were  expended  for  books;  $5 
for  binding,  and  $5  for  periodicals.  About  150  volumes  are  added 
yearly.  During  the  last  five  years,  $1000  were  paid  for  books. 


MOUNT  PLEASANT. 

WESTERN  CAROLINA  MALE  ACADEMY. 

Founded  in  1854.  Under  the  supervision  of  the  Evangelical  Luthe 
ran  Synod  of  North  Carolina.  It  is  intended  to  change  this  institution 
into  a  College,  as  soon  as  the  requisite  means  are  obtained. 


MTIRFREESBORO, 

CHOWAN  FEMALE  COLLEGIATE  INSTITUTE. 

Has  a  small  select  library,  and  is  well  supplied  with  periodicals  from 
various  parts  of  the  Union. 

RALEIGH. 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     6693  vols. 
The  capitol  of  the  State,  containing  the  library,  was  destroyed  by  fire 


310  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

in  1831.  The  present  library  was  formed  in  1840,  by  appropriations 
by  the  Legislature.  State  officers  and  members  of  the  Legislature, 
Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  attorneys  practising  therein,  only 
can  take  out  books  for  a  limited  time ;  all  others  can  consult  them  in 
the  library  room. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1854,  classified  as  follows:  1.  Miscella 
neous;  arranged  alphabetically.  2.  History,  Laws,  Journals  of  As 
sembly,  and  State  Documents.  8.  Laws  and  Documents  of  other  States. 
4.  Laws  of  the  United  States,  Congressional  Documents,  &c.  5.  Maps, 
Charts,  &c.  6.  Works  obtained  by  exchange.  7.  Law  Library. 

The  Southern  Literary  Messenger  is  taken.  13  newspapers,  pub 
lished  in  the  State,  one  from  each  Province,  are  received  and  bound 
every  year.  The  librarian  receives  a  salary  of  $300.  About  1000 
volumes  are  added  annually.  An  annual  appropriation  of  §500  is  made 
by  the  State  for  the  use  of  the  library. 


SALEM. 

SALEM  FEMALE  ACADEMY.     (1857.)     1800  vols. 

Founded  in  1804.     New  buildings  have  been  erected  for  the  Aca 
demy;  and  the  library  has  been  rearranged  and  increased. 


0 II 1 0. 


ATHENS. 

OHIO  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     1870  vols. 

Founded  in  1816.  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects,  and  can  be 
used  by  the  officers  and  students  of  the  University.  The  library  is  open 
one  hour  weekly.  In  1854,  3450  volumes  were  lent  to  156  persons.  A 
catalogue  of  12  pages  was  printed  in  1829.  There  is  an  extensive  col 
lection  of  mineralogical  and  geological  specimens  in  the  museum.  The 
ATHENIAN  and  PHILOMATIIEAN  libraries  contain  2772  volumes.  The 
whole  number  in  the  College  has  nearly  doubled  in  the  last  five  years. 


OHIO.  311 

"  The  Ohio  University  is  the  oldest  institution  of  the  kind  in  the 
State.  It  was  chartered  by  the  Legislature  of  Ohio,  in  the  year  1804. 
Its  graduates  arc  found  among  the  most  distinguished  men  in  our  coun 
try.  The  College  edifices  are  large  and  commodious,  and  afford  ample 
room  for  the  accommodation  of  200  students.  The  campus,  in  which 
the  College  buildings  arc  situated,  contains  10  acres,  filled  with  a  great 
variety  of  forest  and  ornamental  trees/' 


ATHENIAN  LITERARY  SOCIETY  (OHIO  UNIVERSITY). 

(1856.)     300  vols. 

Incorporated  December  19,  1836.     Members  pay  81  when  admitted, 
and  50  cents  at  the  commencement  of  each  College  term. 


BEREA. 

BALDWIN  UNIVERSITY. 

"Baldwin  Institute  was  established  in  1846,  by  the  gift  of  a  build 
ing  and  lands  to  the  North  Ohio  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Epis 
copal  Church,  for  educational  purposes,  by  John  Baldwin,  Esq.  This 
grant  included  a  valuable  stone  quarry,  which  has  been  a  regular  source 
of  income. 

"  Considering  that  an  institution  of  still  higher  grade,  under  the 
patronage  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  was  needed  in  the  West 
ern  Reserve,  the  trustees,  acting  under  the  direction  of  the  Conference, 
recently  effected  a  change  of  charter,  by  which  university  powers  were 
secured.  In  addition  to  the  grindstone  quarry,  the  land  fund  and  sub 
scriptions  amount  to  830,000.  This  is  regarded  as  the  beginning  of  a 
permanent  and  liberal  endowment,  which  the  trustees  are  making  active 
and  successful  efforts  to  complete. 

"Three  spacious  buildings  are  now  occupied  by  the  institution.  The 
'  North'  and  l  South'  Halls,  are  three-story  brick  buildings,  40  feet  by 
70.  The  one  to  be  occupied,  during  the  ensuing  year,  by  gentlemen, 
and  the  other  by  ladies,  who  board  in  the  institution.  { Baldwin  HalP 
is  a  four-story  stone  building,  arranged  and  furnished  for  the  accommo 
dation  of  students  who  desire  to  board  themselves.  A  new  brick  build- 


312  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

ing,  'Wallace  Hall/  will  be  ready  for  occupancy  in  the  early  part  of  the 
ensuing  College  year." 


CENTRAL  COLLEGE. 

CENTRAL  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     600  vols. 

Founded  in  1843.  Students  pay  25  cents  a  year  for  the  library.  It 
is  always  open.  588  volumes  are  in  English,  5  German,  2  Hebrew, 
and  5  Oriental.  The  library  of  the  College,  together  with  those  of  two 
Societies,  contains  600  volumes. 


CHILICOTHE. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  GYMNASIUM  AND  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION. 

(1857.)     1000  vols. 

Organized  in  1855.  The  library  was  started  in  1856.  Average 
annual  amount  expended  for  books  in  1856-' 57,  $200.  Average  annual 
number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library  since  commencement,  500. 
Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  including  periodi 
cals,  about  2000. 

Extract  from  a  circular  of  the  Association  : 

"We  are  now  regularly  receiving  forty-two  periodicals,  any  of  which 
members  may  take  from  the  library  any  evening  and  return  any  even 
ing — the  library  room  being  open  every  evening  for  that  purpose — with 
out  charge  ;  provided,  only  that  they  are  not  retained  longer  than  two 
weeks  without  renewal.  Thus,  members  have  the  use  of  the  most  valu 
able  periodicals  of  England  and  America,  costing,  at  publishers'  prices, 
$123  75  per  annum,  while  the  expense  to  members  is  less  than  the  cost 
of  some  single  ones. 

TERMS    OF    MEMBERSHIP. 

To  the  Gymnasium  alone,  .......  $55  00 

To  the  Library  alone,  .          .          .          .          .          .  5  00 

To  the  entire  privileges  of  both,  .          .          .          .  5  00 

"The  above  is  not  a  misprint.  It  is  published  because  there  have  been 
so  many  inquiries  as  to  whether  one  branch  of  the  institution  could  be 
used  without  paying  for  the  other.  If  the  library  is  subscribed  to,  we 


OHIO.  313 

give  the  use  of  the  gymnasium,  without  additional  charge,  and  vice 
versa.     Is  not  $5  a  small  tax  for  the  privileges  of  either  ?" 


CINCINNATI. 

CINCINNATI  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 

Organized  August,  1844.  In  1849,  this  Society  was  united  with  the 
State  Historical  Society.  It  has  a  library  containing  much  very  rare 
and  valuable  historical  material,  books,  maps,  charts,  &c.  It  has  pub 
lished  several  important  works.  (See  Historical  and  Philosophical 
Society  of  Ohio.) 

ECLECTIC  MEDICAL  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     1941  vols. 

Founded  in  1845.  Students  of  the  Institute,  and  physicians  gene 
rally,  have  the  free  use  of  the  library.  It  is  intended  for  reference ; 
and  the  books  are  arranged  by  size.  It  is  open  from  8  A.M.  to  10 
P.M.,  daily.  On  the  1st  of  January,  1857,  there  were  1941  volumes 
in  the  library;  of  which,  1800  were  in  English,  46  French,  16  German, 
4  Spanish,  and  75  Latin.  The  annual  cost  of  supporting  the  library,  is 
about  $1200. 

FAIRMOUNT  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.     (1857.)     4000  vols. 

The  Western  Baptist  Theological  Institute,  at  Covington,  having  been 
discontinued,  this  Seminary  was  founded  in  its  place.  The  library  and 
other  property  was  transferred  to  it,  and  it  is  now  in  a  flourishing  condi 
tion. 

HISTORICAL  AND  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY  OF  OHIO. 

(1857.)     1800  vols. 

Organized  December  31,  1841.  In  1849,  this  Society,  with  its 
books  and  archives,  was  removed  from  Columbus  to  Cincinnati,  in  order 
to  form  a  union  with  the  Historical  Society  of  Cincinnati,  which  would 
prove  materially  advantageous,  and  advance  the  design  and  objects  of 
both.  An  accession  to  the  library  was  thus  attained ;  about  200 
volumes  being  rare  and  valuable  historic  works. 

Receipts  during  1856,  $282  50;  expended  for  books,  $119  45;  in- 


314  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

cidentals,  $133  72.     About  100  books  are  added  annually.     Cost  of 
support,  8200.     Expended  for  books  in  five  years,  $300. 


LANE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.     (1857.)     10,500  vols. 

This  institution  was  incorporated  in  1829,  and  commenced  full  ope 
rations  in  1832.  It  is  under  the  direction  of  the  Presbyterians.  The 
library,  founded  in  1837,  contained,  in  1850, 10,000  volumes,  4  ancient 
manuscripts,  and  33  volumes  of  engravings.  It  is  intended  to  appro 
priate  8500  a  year,  from  the  funds  of  the  Seminary,  for  the  increase  of 
the  library.  There  is  a  manuscript  catalogue.  The  library  is  open 
twice  a  week,  regularly.  It  is  for  the  free  use  of  the  Faculty  and  stu 
dents.  Other  persons  wishing  to  consult  the  library,  are  always  accom 
modated  by  the  librarian. 

LAW  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     2729  vols. 

"  Organized  June  24,  1847.  From  June,  1852,  to  June,  1857,  we 
expended  for  books,  the  sum  of  85445  40.  Before  1852,  our  records 
are  defective,  and  the  information  cannot  be  given.  For  purchases 
since  June  last,  the  debts  are  not  yet  due.  The  average  of  the  five 
years  is  $1089  68. 

"Since  1852,  there  have  been  added  1349  volumes  (that  is,  since  Oc 
tober,  1852),  making  an  annual  average  of  270  volumes.  This  state 
ment  includes  212  volumes  added  since  June  last,  and  not  yet  paid  for. 

"  Our  library  is  in  the  court-house,  at  Cincinnati.  Books  are  never 
lent,  except  for  use  in  the  various  Courts,  where,  perhaps,  100  volumes, 
more  or  less,  are  taken  every  day.  We  keep  no  record  of  books  used 
in  this  way. 

"  One  fact  in  the  history  of  our  library  is  worthy  of  mention.  Our 
books  have  been  three  times  removed — once  in  consequence  of  the  de 
struction  of  the  court-house  by  fire ;  and  yet  we  have  not  lost  over 
half  a  dozen  volumes  in  any  way/' — Gco.  Iloadly. 


MEDICAL  COLLEGE  OF  OHIO.     (1850.)     2129  vols. 
The  library,  founded  in  1826,  contained,  in  1850,  2129  volumes,  50 


OHIO.  315 

volumes  of  engravings,  and  the  manuscript  theses  on  medical  subjects, 
by  the  graduates.  It  occupies  two  rooms  in  the  College  edifice. 

The  books  are  arranged  in  9  chapters,  viz.  :  1.  Anatomy.  2.  Che 
mistry.  3.  Surgery.  4.  Materia  Medica.  5.  Obstetrics.  6.  Theory 
and  Practice  of  Medicine.  7.  Periodicals.  8.  Miscellaneous  Works. 
8.  Engravings. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1832,  but  the  library  has  been  consider 
ably  enlarged  since  that  time.  The  library  is  open  Mondays,  Wednes 
days,  and  Fridays,  from  1£  to  5  o'clock  P.M.  It  is  for  the  use  of  the 
trustees,  professors,  and  students  of  the  College. 


OHIO  MECHANICS'  INSTITUTE. 
(See  Ohio  School  Library.) 

The  first  movement  towards  the  formation  of  this  Institute,  was 
made  by  Dr.  John  D.  Craig,  in  October,  1828.  The  Constitution  was 
adopted  November  20,  1828,  and  a  charter  was  obtained  February  9, 
1829.  A  building  was  purchased  in  1829,  for  $4000;  but  the  Insti 
tute  was  unable  to  meet  the  payments ;  the  number  of  members  was 
small,  and  all  the  expenses  were  borne  by  a  few.  After  great  embar 
rassments,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  funds  to  defray  the  debts  of  the 
Institute,  in  1838,  a  grand  "Mechanics'  and  Citizens'  Ball"  was  given. 
It  went  off  with  eclat,  the  profits  being  $2400.  A  Mechanics'  Fair  was 
held  in  May,  1838,  which  was  also  successful.  In  1839,  a  building, 
erected  by  Mrs.  Trollope,  an  English  lady,  at  an  expense  of  $25,000, 
was  purchased  for  $10,000 ;  and  another  ball  given  to  assist  in  paying 
for  it.  This  was  equally  successful.  In  1843,  however,  this  building 
was  relinquished;  and  after  various  removals,  the  Society  was  located 
in  a  building  of  its  own,  on  the  corner  of  Sixth  and  Vine  Streets. 

In  1843,  the  library  contained  2639  volumes;  in  1850,  7300;  in 
1855,  8000.  During  1833-34,  7900  books  were  circulated.  During 
1854-'55,  15,578.  The  value  of  the  library  in  1855,  was  $6100. 

The  experiment  was  tried  of  keeping  the  reading-room  open  on  the 
Sabbath,  but  it  was  abandoned,  for  the  following  reasons,  stated  in  the 
Report  for  1855 : 

"  The  privilege  became  most  seriously  abused;  in  fact,  it  had  become 
more  a  place  of  resort  for  conversation  and  amusement,  than  for  mental 
culture  and  improvement;  and  the  continued  complaints  from  the  libra 
rian,  of  destruction  of  pamphlets,  newspapers,  and  periodicals,  led  to 


316  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

the  determination  to  close  the  room  entirely  on  that  day,  as  an  experi 
ment  ;  which  has  thus  far  been  productive  of  much  benefit,  and  has  met 
the  almost  unanimous  approbation  of  members  and  visitors." 

In  connection  with  the  history  of  this  Institute,  it  is  proper  to  state 
the  unremitting  labors  of  Miles  Greenwood,  Esq.,  in  its  behalf,  and  his 
donation  of  over  $12,000  to  it;  and  also  that  of  over  §5000  from 
Mars  ton  Allen. 

A  catalogue  was  published  in  1857,  100  pages;  1000  copies.  An 
nual  cost  of  support,  $2500. 

OHIO  SCHOOL  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     13,000  vols. 

"  The  foundation  of  this  library  is  due  to  the  wise  and  liberal  provi 
sions  of  the  School  Law  of  Ohio,  passed  in  1853,  which  appropriates 
the  proceeds  of  a  State  tax  of  one-tenth  of  one  mill  on  the  dollar  valu 
ation  of  property  taxable  for  State  purposes,  to  establish  and  sustain 
libraries  and  apparatus  for  all  the  common  schools  in  the  State. 

"  The  law  would  have  given  a  library  to  every  School  District  in  the 
city  of  Cincinnati,  but  the  Board  of  Education  regarded  this  as  an  un 
necessary  and  unprofitable  diversion  of  the  fund,  and  an  arrangement 
was  made,  by  which  the  entire  quota  annually  distributed  to  the  city 
of  Cincinnati,  was  appropriated  to  establish  and  maintain  a  single  library, 
common  to  all  the  districts." 

On  the  31st  of  July,  1856,  the  Ohio  Mechanics'  Institute,  for  the 
sum  of  $10,000,  granted  a  perpetual  lease  to  the  Board  of  Common 
Schools  of  Cincinnati,  of  the  second  and  part  of  the  first  story  of  its 
building,  together  with  the  entire  use  of  the  library. 

During  1856,  $157  were  expended  for  books,  for  the  common  school 
and  family  library.  The  library  is  open  from  9  A.M.  to  8  P.M.;  and 
the  most  liberal  arrangements  are  made  for  the  use  of  the  books.  A 
catalogue  of  114  pages  Svo.  was  printed  in  1856. 

II.  H.  Barney,  State  Commissioner  of  Common  Schools,  published  a 
catalogue  of  books  distributed  by  the  authority  of  the  State  to  each 
Township  Board ;  in  which,  in  addition  to  the  titles,  is  given  a  brief 
notice  of  the  character  of  the  work. 


PHYSIO-MEDICAL  COLLEGE  OF  OHIO.     (1855.)     442  vols. 
Founded  by  A.  Curtis,  M.D.,  in  1848,  and  supported  by  voluntary  con- 


OHIO.  317 

tributions.  The  library  is  open  every  week-day  from  7  to  8  A.M.,  and  4 
to  7  P.M.  There  are  numerous  skeletons,  models,  and  wet  and  dry  pre 
parations  in  the  institution;  also  large  herbariums  of  American  and 
English  plants;  and  a  small,  but  choice,  geological  and  mineral  collec 
tion.  A  monthly  journal  of  medicine,  entitled  "The  Physio-Medical 
Recorder,"  is  published  as  the  organ  of  the  College. 

"The  professors  in  this  College  teach  the  doctrine  that  irritation, 
fever,  and  inflammation,  are  not  diseases,  but  simply  manifestations  of 
vital  efforts  to  restore  diseased  organs  to  the  performance  of  their  func 
tions.  They  reject,  in  their  curative  treatment,  all  poisons,  or  intrin 
sically  injurious  agents,  and  recommend  only  those,  the  tendency  of 
which,  in  the  degree,  mode,  or  measure  used,  is  to  harmonize  with  and 
promote  the  physiological  actions.  In  surgical  operations,  they  advise 
only  those  escharotics  that  are  incapable  of  entailing  permanent  injury 
on  the  constitution. " 

ST.  XAVIER  COLLEGE.     (1850.)     5600  vols. 

The  library  was  founded  in  November,  1841.  It  increases  at  the 
rate  of  about  400  volumes  a  year.  The  College  having  no  endowment, 
nor  any  established  fund,  there  is  no  permanent  appropriation  for  the 
library,  but  only  such  as  occasion  justifies.  The  library  is  in  a  hall  of 
the  College  building,  40  feet  by  25.  There  is  a  manuscript  catalogue. 
The  library  is  open  daily  from  7  to  8  A.M.,  and  from  4?  to  5  P.M.  ;  on 
Thursdays  from  9  to  12.  The  use  of  the  books  is  confined  to  those  be 
longing  to  the  College ;  but  by  courtesy  any  literary,  or  other  respect 
able  person,  may  have  access  upon  application.  There  are  two  Socie 
ties  of  students  possessing  libraries :  the  PHILOPEDIAN  has  800  well- 
selected  books ;  and  the  PHILHERMENIAN,  nearly  the  same  number. 


WESTERN  ACADEMY  OF  NATURAL  SCIENCES. 
(1855.)     200  vols. 

Founded  April  25,  1835,  by  R.  Buchanan,  J.  Hall,  Drs.  Shotwell, 
Drake,  Wood,  Gross,  Riddell,  Whitman,  Colby,  McDowell,  Marshall, 
Mason,  Locke,  Flagg,  Joseph  Clark,  W.  Ellis,  P.  S.  Symms,  W.  D. 
Gallagher,  G.  Graham,  Rev.  J.  H.  Perkins,  and  J.  S.  Armstrong.  In 
corporated  February  5,  1836.  The  library,  though  small,  consists  of 
valuable  scientific  works. 


818  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  UNION.     (1857.)     530  vols. 

The  following  statement  is  from  the  Annual  Report  of  the  Correspond 
ing  Secretary,  delivered  at  the  eighth  Anniversary  meeting,  held  in 
October,  1856  : 

"In  speaking  of  the  Society  itself,  before  referring  to  its  operations, 
it  may  be  well  to  premise  that,  although  one  of  the  oldest  Societies  of 
the  kind  in  the  country  and  in  the  world — having  been  organized  and 
in  operation  upwards  of  eight  years, — it  has  never  been,  and  is  not  now, 
conspicuous  for  its  size,  having  fewer  members  than  many  Associations 
of  much  more  recent  birth  and  in  much  less  populous  cities.  Its  effi 
ciency  and  the  extent  of  its  operations  are  chiefly  owing  to  the  simpli 
city  and  thoroughness  of  its  organization,  by  which  a  large  part,  if  not 
all,  of  its  members  are  made  to  become  in  reality  active  members. 
Thus,  although  the  number  of  members  is  but  250,  yet  a  large  majo 
rity  of  them  may  be  depended  upon  as  efficient  working  members,  it 
being  the  aim  of  the  Society  to  furnish  every  one  of  its  members  with 
something  to  do,  and  to  impress  upon  him  that  he  is  expected  to  do  it. 

"  At  the  time  of  the  presentation  of  the  Annual  Report  above  re 
ferred  to,  the  Society  was  contemplating  a  change  of  rooms,  those  then 
occupied  being  found  inconveniently  small,  and  not  sufficiently  ac 
cessible.  The  proposed  change  has  since  been  made,  and  the  Society 
has  great  reason  to  congratulate  itself  on  the  superior  accommodations 
afforded  by  their  new  rooms.  The  rooms  are  open,  as  heretofore,  every 
evening  to  the  public,  and  some  50  papers  and  periodicals  are  to  be 
found  on  our  tables.  Our  library  is  not  large,  as  the  Society  does  not 
feel  able,  with  its  limited  means,  to  do  much  in  that  way;  but  has  been 
increased,  during  the  past  year,  130  volumes,  and  now  numbers  520 
volumes,  and  is  steadily  increasing. 

"  The  regular  meetings  of  the  Society  are  held  bi-monthly,  in  their 
rooms.  At  these  meetings,  all  the  business  of  the  Association  is  trans 
acted  by  the  Society  as  a  body,  each  member  having  a  voice  and  a  vote 
in  all  matters  of  business.  In  addition  to  the  transaction  of  business, 
reports  are  read  from  the  Sabbath-schools,  under  charge  of  the  Society, 
and  two  reports  on  different  missionary  fields,  together  with  an  essay,  are 
also  read  by  members  appointed  for  that  purpose.  The  only  other  meet 
ing  the  Society  is  called  on  to  sustain  as  a  body,  is  the  prayer-meeting 
held  every  Saturday  evening,  which  was  established  some  months  since, 


OHIO.  819 

and  has  been  growing  in  interest  and  in  the  estimation  of  members 
ever  since,  regarding  it  as  they  do  as  the  chief  source  of  their  pros 
perity. 

"  The  prominent  features  of  the  Society's  operations  are  its  Sabbath- 
schools  and  Bible-classes  for  young  men.  The  Sabbath-schools,  nine  in 
number,  are  located  in  various  parts  of  the  city,  as  far  as  possible  in 
those  districts  most  destitute,  and  not  reached  by  church  Sabbath- 
schools,  and  it  is  believed  that  a  large  majority  of  the  children  taught 
in  these  schools  would  never,  in  all  human  probability,  be  reached  by 
church  schools.  The  average  attendance  of  scholars  in  these  schools 
for  the  year  past,  has  been  802,  although  nearly  twice  that  number 
have  been  enrolled,  and  have  received  partial  religious  instruction  during 
the  year. 

"  One  of  the  most  interesting  objects  of  the  Society's  care,  is  the  Bible- 
class  for  young  men,  held  every  Sabbath  afternoon  in  the  rooms  of  the 
Association.  This  class  is  conducted  by  a  member  of  the  Society,  himself 
a  young  man,  and  although  organized  on  its  present  basis  only  some 
three  months  since,  and  commenced  with  15  members,  it  now  numbers 
over  100  young;  men  in  regular  attendance  upon  its  exercises,  and  is 
increasing  steadily  in  numbers  and  in  interest.  Here  again  it  is  believed 
that  the  Society,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  has  been  enabled  to  reach  a 
portion  of  the  community  who  in  this  class  receive  their  only  religious 
instruction. 

"  In  addition  to  these,  its  regular  operations,  the  Society  has,  within 
the  last  few  months,  been  instrumental  in  organizing  a  Christian  Asso 
ciation  among  the  German  young  men  of  this  city.  The  large  German 
population  of  this  city,  constituting  nearly  or  quite  one-third  of  its  whole 
population,  and  the  great  prevalence  of  infidelity  amongst  the  Germans, 
rendered  the  formation  of  such  a  society  a  matter  of  vast  importance. 
A  committee  from  the  Society  succeeded,  some  months  since,  in  esta 
blishing  an  Association  of  German  young  men,  as  a  branch,  partially 
under  its  control.  It  has  its  own  rooms  and  peculiar  exercises  in  the 
German  language,  and  bids  fair  to  become  a  large  and  influential  body. 
"The  Society,  this  fall,  determined  to  attempt,  for  the  first  time,  a 
regular  course  of  popular  lectures  on  a  Christian  basis.  A  course  of 
eight  lectures  has  been  arranged,  and  promises  to  be  eminently  success 
ful.  A  course  of  lectures  will  probably  hereafter  be  a  part  of  the  regular 
winter  operations  of  the  Society. 


320  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


GERMAN    BRANCH. 

"The  first  steps  towards  the  formation  of  this  Society,  were  taken  in 
September  last,  when,  at  the  request  of  a  committee  of  the  Cincinnati 
Association,  about  30  young  Germans,  from  the  different  Evangelical 
Churches,  met  to  consider  the  expediency  of  such  an  organization.  The 
project  was  received  with  great  favor,  and  several  meetings  were  after 
wards  held,  at  which  a  Constitution  was  adopted,  and  other  arrangements 
made.  The  organization  was  finally  completed,  September  29th,  by 
the  election  of  officers.  By  the  Constitution,  the  business  affairs  are 
directed  by  a  Board  of  Managers,  composed  of  the  executive  officers, 
one  member  from  each  denomination  represented  in  the  Society,  and 
three  members  appointed  by  the  parent  Association.  The  number  of 
members,  at  present,  is  about  60.  Through  the  generosity  of  some 
friends,  rooms  have  been  procured  and  fitted  up  for  reading  and  class 
rooms,  and  the  former  contains  quite  a  number  of  papers  and  periodicals. 
A  class  has  been  formed  for  the  study  of  the  English  language,  and  one 
in  vocal  music.  Each  meets  twice  a  week,  and  both  are  well  attended. 
The  remaining  two  evenings  are  spent  by  the  members  in  reading  and 
study,  and  in  conversation  on  religious  experience,  and  other  interest 
ing  topics.  All  business  is  transacted,  and  exercises  conducted,  in  the 
German  language,  and  a  monthly  report  is  furnished  the  parent  Society 
by  the  Corresponding  Secretary.'7 — Quarterly  Reporter,  January,  1857. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  MERCANTILE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION. 
(1857.)     17,541  vols. 

Founded  April  18,  1835.  In  July,  1836,  the  Board  reported  sub 
scriptions  of  81800  for  the  purchase  of  books,  and  other  purposes.  In 
January,  1840,  the  Association  procured  the  use  of  rooms  in  the  old 
Cincinnati  College.  In  1841,  the  Annual  Report  was,  for  the  first  time, 
published.  A  catalogue  was  printed,  showing  2800  volumes  in  the 
library.  The  number  of  books  added  was  unusually  large,  being  1076, 
and  the  circulation  reached  15,000.  On  the  19th  of  January,  1845, 
the  Cincinnati  College  building  was  destroyed  by  fire. 

"  In  1846,  the  third  catalogue,  containing  the  titles  of  4700  volumes, 


OHIO. 


321 


was  published,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Charles  E.  Cist,  at  an  expense 
of  $257.  In  1848,  2089  volumes  were  added  to  the  library.  In  1853, 
the  Association  took  possession  of  the  rooms  which  it  now  occupies. 
The  library  is  45  by  60  feet;  reading-room  same  size;  connecting  cor 
ridor,  14  by  18  feet;  height  throughout  to  ceiling,  17  feet.  The  shelves 
will  accommodate  20,000  volumes.  The  books  are  arranged  in  cases, 
protected  by  light  wire  screen-work. 

In  the  reading-room,  the  wall  surface  of  one  end  of  the  apartment 
is  neatly  shelved  for  files  of  bound  newspapers,  with  capacity  of  accom 
modating  some  1500  bound  volumes  of  the  largest  size.  A  new  and 
very  splendid  set  of  reading-desks  has  been  constructed  after  original 
designs  of  the  architect,  light  and  ornamental  iron  framework,  with  ma 
hogany  tops  and  silver  mountings,  accommodating  120  files  of  newspapers. 

A  catalogue,  printed  in  June,  1855,  750  pages  8vo.,  contains  the 
titles  of  15,450  volumes.  Its  cost  was  $1191  for  1000  copies. 

The  following  table  exhibits,  at  a  glance,  the  progressive  growth  of 
the  Association,  as  indicated  by  the  membership  list  and  library  catalogue 
at  the  several  periods  named  : 


Month. 
April, 
January, 


Year. 
1835 
1836 
1837 
1838 
1839 
1840 
1841 
1842 
1843 
1844 
1845 
1846 
1847 
1848 
1849 
1850 
1851 
1852 
1853 
1854 
1855 
1856 
1857 


No.  of  Members. 
45 

169 

207 

346 

480 

500 

541 

550 

700 

592 

625 

722 
1007 
1144 
1517 
1697 
1782 
1956 
2157 
2381 
2550 
2714 
3113 


No.  of  Volumes. 

none. 

767 

913 

1,159 

1,343 

1,660 

1,809 

2,885 

3,299 

3,626 

3,998 

4,250 

4,786 

6,106 

8,195 

9,804 

11,096 

11,769 

12,641 

13,839 

14,841 

16,423 

17,541 


21 


322 


PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


Annual 
;    Statement. 

Total 
Receipts. 

Total 

Expenditures. 

Receipts  from 
Members. 

Receipts  from 
Lectures. 

Receipts  from 
Classes. 

1856 

$13,022   10 

$12,588  88 

§9,311   00 

$2844  50 

§497   00 

1855 

10,011   91 

9,084  64 

7,246  00 

2236  00 

225  00 

1854 

9,501  93 

9,478  77 

6,512  00 

1561   54 

1057  00 

1853 

9,243  55 

8,985  93 

6.804  50 

1929  75 

.... 

18521 

15,740  74 

15,570  50 

10,651  00 

2424  55 

.... 

The  circulation  of  books  during  1854,  amounted  to  25,000  volumes 
to  2000  persons;  in  1855,  30,000;  in  1856,  35,000. 

The  directors  find  that  many  of  their  newspapers  are  mutilated,  and 
that  engravings  are  frequently  taken  from  magazines,  &c. 

In  the  year  1856,  a  marble  statue  of  "Silence/'  from  the  chisel  of 
J.  Mosier,  executed  at  Rome,  was  presented  to  the  Library  by  Davis  B. 
Lawler,  Esq.  The  department  of  classes  for  instruction  is  not  well  sus 
tained. 

The  library  is  open  every  day,  except  Sundays  and  holidays,  from  9 
A.M.  to  10  P.M.  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  1500  volumes 
are  added  yearly.  During  the  last  five  years,  $5000  were  expended  for 
books.  Terms  of  membership,  83  per  annum.  160  newspapers  and 
65  magazines  are  received  from  all  parts  of  the  world. 


CLEVELAND. 

BOARD  OF  EDUCATION.     (1857.)     1500  vols. 

The  city  received  from  the  State  the  following  sums  for  the  purchase 
of  a  library  and  apparatus  : 


1854 
1855 
1856 


§766  59 
1191  44 
1322  00 

§3280  03 


Of  this  there  was  expended  for  maps,  charts,  and  apparatus,  $2087  79, 
and  for  a  library  of  miscellaneous  books,  §1192  24.  About  1500  vols. 

1  The  heavy  receipts  and  expenditures  of  1852,  indicated  above  (as  compared 
with  previous  years),  were  occasioned  by  the  extensive  improvements  of  that  year 
to  the  property  of  the  Association;  the  heavy  liabilities  being  anticipated  by  the 
addition  of  a  large  number  of  life-members. 


OHIO.  323 

have  been  procured  of  books  that  will  be  read.     If  the  appropriation  is 
continued,  works  of  reference  will  hereafter  be  added. 


COLUMBUS, 

CENTRAL  OHIO  LUNATIC  ASYLUM.     (1856.)     275  vols. 

In  1846,  there  were  over  GOO  vols.  In  1856,  the  number  had 
dwindled  down  to  275,  of  which  only  31  had  any  reference  to  the  sub 
ject  of  insanity.  Those  on  medical  and  scientific  subjects  are  37  vols. 
The  Superintendent  earnestly  invites  the  attention  of  the  Legislature  of 
the  State  to  the  deficiency  now  existing,  and  urges  the  establishment  of 
not  only  an  extensive  collection  of  miscellaneous  books,  for  the  diversion 
of  the  minds  of  the  patients,  but  full  and  ample  collections  on  the  subject 
of  insanity,  on  the  profession  of  medicine,  jurisprudence,  and  the  general 
sciences. 

INSTITUTION  FOR  THE  DEAF  AND  DUMB.     (1855.)     300  vols. 

The  library  of  this  Institution  has  been  but  recently  commenced,  and 
consists  mainly  of  standard  miscellaneous  works,  and  those  relating  to 
the  subject  of  the  instruction  of  the  deaf  and  dumb.  It  is  increased  by 
annual  appropriations  from  the  funds  of  the  Institution,  which  are  derived 
directly  from  the  treasury  of  the  State. 

OHIO  STATE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     18,123  vols. 

Founded  in  1817.  "The  librarian  is  appointed  by  the  Governor  for 
two  years.  He  gives  a  bond  for  310,000,  for  the  faithful  discharge  of 
his  duties.  The  State  Library  is  under  the  management  of  a  Board  of 
Commissioners,  consisting  of  the  Governor,  Secretary  of  State,  and 
State  Librarian. 

"  Members  and  ex-members  of  the  General  Assembly,  Judges  of  the 
Supreme  Court  and  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  officers  of  the  State  and 
their  clerks  actually  engaged  in  the  service  of  the  State,  and  clerks  and 
sergeants-at-arms  of  the  General  Assembly,  have  free  access  to  the  use 
of  the  books  of  the  library,  and  have  the  liberty  of  taking  the  same 
out;  but  no  public  officer,  or  other  person  having  this  right,  can  delegate 
it  to  another/'-—  Act,  January  27th,  1853. 


324  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

The  librarian,  during  the  year  1855,  had  all  the  MS.  returns  of  the 
census  bound  and  preserved.  A  valuable  donation  of  files  of  the  "  Con 
necticut  Mirror"  was  received.  The  librarian  remarks  :  "There  are  no 
volumes  which  are  consulted  more  frequently  or  eagerly  than  bound 
newspapers,  especially  of  early  dates/'  The  librarian  is  anxious  to 
obtain  copies  of  all  newspapers,  even  if  the  files  are  imperfect,  which 
were  published  in  Ohio,  prior  to  1830. 

Every  pamphlet  printed  in  the  State  is  carefully  preserved.  During 
1854-'55,  the  State  appropriated  $4000  for  the  purchase  of  books. 

The  receipts  during  1856,  were  $1400.  All  citizens  have  access  to 
the  Library.  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  Nearly  all  the  books 
are  in  English.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1849,  12mo.  96  pages. 
The  librarian  receives  a  salary  of  8600  per  annum.  18  periodicals  and 
16  newspapers  are  received. 

During  the  last  five  years,  about  88000  have  been  expended  for  books. 
The  annual  cost  of  supporting  the  library  is  $1000. 


DELAWARE. 

OHIO  WESLEYAN  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     G300  vols. 

Founded  in  1845.  In  1846,  there  were  1000  volumes;  in  1847, 
1300;  in  1848,  1800;  in  1849,  2000;  in  1850,  2000.  5670  volumes 
are  in  English,  147  French,  58  German,  289  Latin,  120  Greek,  16 
Oriental.  There  is  no  printed  catalogue.  5  reviews  and  12  papers  arc- 
taken.  During  the  last  five  years,  $7500  were  expended  for  books. 

"  The  library  building  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  about  $17,500 ;  and 
is  heated  by  a  furnace  in  the  basement  story.  There  are  four  halls,  besides 
the  library  room,  at  present  devoted  to  the  use  of  the  students'  societies. 
The  library  room  proper  is  about  70  feet  by  60  in  size,  and  25  feet  high, 
with  double  galleries  and  alcoves.  It  is  well  lighted,  and  is  conveni 
ently  arranged  for  comfort  and  use.  The  majority  of  the  books  are 
recent  purchases,  made  on  the  foundation  of  William  Sturges,  Esq.,  of 
Putnam,  Ohio." 


DAYTON. 

DAYTON  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     3724  vols. 
"This  Association  was  organized  in  December,  1846,  and  now  pos- 


OHIO.  325 

sesses  one  of  the  best  miscellaneous  public  libraries  in  the  West.  It 
contains  more  than  3700  volumes,  all  of  which  have  been  selected  with 
discriminating  judgment,  and  comprise  the  best  standard  works  upon 
history,  biography,  the  natural  sciences,  mechanic  arts,  and  fiction, 
together  with  a  large  number  of  books  upon  miscellaneous  subjects. 

"  It  is  located  in  an  elegant  and  commodious  room,  especially  built 
for  the  purpose,  in  Phillips's  Building,  on  the  corner  of  Main  and 
Second  Streets,  and  furnished,  originally,  by  subscription,  at  an  expense 
of  $2000. 

"  In  connection  with  the  library,  and  in  the  same  apartment,  there  is 
a  reading-room  department,  where  all  the  leading  newspapers  of  the 
country  are  kept  on  file,  and  all  the  foreign  and  home  publications  are 
regularly  received. 

"These  rooms  are  open  daily,  except  Sundays,  from  8  o'clock  A.M. 
to  9  o'clock  P.M.,  and  a  librarian  is  in  constant  attendance  at  an  annual 
salary. 

11  The  price  of  membership  of  the  Association,  with  the  privileges  of 
the  library  department  alone,  is  $3  per  annum ;  and  with  the  privileges 
of  the  library  and  reading-room  together,  $5  per  annum. 

"  The  $3  membership  entitles  a  person  to  draw  two  books  from  the 
library  every  week  for  the  entire  year,  or  they  may  be  drawn  by  any 
member  of  his  family.  In  addition  to  this,  it  gives  the  privilege  of 
guaranteeing  for  any  minor,  who  may  draw  books,  under  certain  regula 
tions,  for  the  same  length  of  time. 

"  The  $5  membership,  in  addition  to  the  above  privileges,  gives  the 
subscriber  access  to  all  the  newspapers  and  periodicals  received  at  the 
library  rooms. 

"  The  number  of  members  of  the  Association  is  now  about  458  ;  but 
in  a  city  containing  so  large  and  intelligent  a  population  as  that  of  Day 
ton,  it  is  not  doubted  that  the  membership  can  be  increased  at  least 
threefold  by  properly  bringing  the  merits  of  the  institution  before  the 
people. 

"Not  less  than  250  minors  are  now  enabled,  every  week,  to  avail 
themselves  of  the  incalculable  benefits  of  this  institution.  Its  beneficial 
influence,  in  this  respect  alone,  ought  to  commend  it  at  once  to  the 
hearty  support  of  every  good  citizen. 

"  Every  subscriber,  in  effect,  purchases  a  library  of  nearly  4000  vo 
lumes,  and  has  it  taken  care  of  for  him,  for  the  trifling  sum  of  $3  a 
year — less  than  he  pays  for  a  single  newspaper. 


326  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

"  As  an  institution  conferring  honor  and  reputation  upon  the  city,  it 
commends  itself  to  the  favor  of  the  people.  Any  member  may  intro 
duce  a  visitor  from  abroad,  who  thereby  becomes  entitled  to  the  privi 
leges  of  the  room  during  his  temporary  stay." 

Receipts  during  1856,  $2100;  expenditures,  $1950.  Annual  cost 
of  support,  about  $1000.  During  the  last  five  years,  $800  have  been 
expended  for  books.  About  100  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During 
1856,  10,000  volumes  were  lent  to  500  persons.  All  the  books  are  in 
English.  No  catalogue  has  been  printed. 


GAMBIER. 

KENYON  COLLEGE  AND  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  OF  THE 
DIOCESE  OF  OHIO.     (1857.)     6000  vols. 

"The  original  object  in  founding  these  institutions  was  the  rearing 
up  of  ministers  of  the  Gospel  in  the  midst  of  the  habits  and  circum 
stances,  and  with  all  the  facilities  of  economy  peculiar  'to  the  Western 
country,  with  especial  reference  to  Western  wants.  The  first  incorpora 
tion,  therefore,  was  under  the  name  of  the  l  Theological  Seminary  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocese  of  Ohio;"  and  in  this  cha 
racter,  the  institution  was  opened  for  elementary  instruction,  at  Worth- 
ington,  near  Columbus,  in  1825. 

"  Subsequently,  as  pupils  in  elementary  science  and  the  classics  in 
creased,  an  act  of  the  Legislature  was  obtained,  by  which  the  president 
and  professors  of  said  Seminary,  were  constituted  the  Faculty  of  a  Col 
lege,  by  the  name  of  Kenyon  College ;  and  by  a  concurrent  act  of  the 
Convention  of  1826,  the  institution,  thus  modified  and  enlarged,  was 
transferred  from  Worthington  to  Gambler,  its  present  site. 

"In  this  arrangement,  however,  the  original  object  of  the  institution 
was  not  changed.  Its  aim  was  still  to  furnish,  on  the  most  economical 
plan,  such  an  education,  whether  in  elementary  or  other  branches,  as  is 
required  in  a  thorough  preparation  for  the  ministry;  and  as  a  College 
course  became  necessary  for  this  purpose,  it  was  believed — and  the  belief 
has  been  fully  realized,  that  by  throwing  open  the  College  and  its 
auxiliary  institutions  for  the  reception  of  pupils  at  large,  the  two  de 
partments  would  mutually  aid  and  promote  each  other. 

"  The  operations  of  the  institution,  as  a  Seminary  of  learning,  for 
some  years  after  its  transfer  to  Gambler,  as  well  as  at  Worthington 


OHIO.  327 

before,  were,  under  the  circumstances  of  its  organization,  almost  exclu 
sively  academic;  and  in  this  department,  therefore,  were  instituted  the 
first  professorships.  That  of  Latin  and  Greek,  the  first  in  order,  was 
filled  as  early  as  the  year  1825,  while  the  institution  was  still  at  Worth- 
ington;  that  of  Intellectual  and  Moral  Philosophy  in  1829;  Mathema 
tics  and  Natural  Philosophy,  and  Chemistry,  in  1830;  and  Rhetoric, 
History,  &c.,  in  1834. 

"  In  the  Theological  Department  the  first  professorship,  that  of  Sys 
tematic  Divinity,  was  filled  in  1830;  Ecclesiastical  Polity,  Pastoral 
Divinity,  and  Sacred  Literature,  in  1838;  and  Ecclesiastical  History 
in  1837." 

"  There  is  no  library  peculiarly  belonging  to  Kenyon  College,  though, 
at  some  future  day,  a  division  will  take  place,  giving  to  the  Collegiate 
department  of  the  Seminary,  a  share  of  the  books. 

u  Kenyon  College  is  merely  one  of  the  departments  of  the  Theological 
Seminary.  Connected  with  Kenyon  College  are  two  society  libraries  : 
the  PHILOMATHESIAN  SOCIETY,  3040  volumes;  and  the  Nu  Pi  KAPPA 
SOCIETY,  3000  volumes. 

"  The  Theological  Seminary  and  College  library  was  collected  in  Eng 
land,  by  Bishop  Chase.  One  matter  worthy  of  note  :  we  have  the  Bible 
in  56  languages,  ancient  and  modern." — Rev.  J.  II.  C.  Bonte. 

2000  volumes  were  lent  during  1854,  to  150  persons.  6000  volumes 
are  in  English,  40  French,  20  German,  10  Spanish,  2  Indian,  100  Latin, 
90  Greek,  50  Hebrew,  and  20  Oriental. 

The  library  is  kept  in  the  building  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  and 
occupies  a  room  40  feet  long,  18  feet  wide,  and  12  feet  high.  A  cata 
logue  was  printed  in  1837,  containing  76  pages  8vo.  The  library  is 
open  one  hour  each  week,  and  is  free  to  the  members  of  the  College  and 
Seminary. 


PHILOMATHESIAN  SOCIETY  (KENYON  COLLEGE). 
(1857.)     3040  vols. 

Founded  December,  1828.  Members  of  the  Society,  the  faculty  and 
ladies  have  the  use  of  the  library  gratis,  but  members  of  all  other  so 
cieties  and  male  residents  of  Gambier,  pay  25  cents  per  College  term  of 
3  months.  The  library  is  open  on  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays  from  1 
to  2  P.M.  In  1854,  1633  vols.  were  taken  out  by  120  persons.  The 


328  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

books  are  of  a  miscellaneous  character,  and  arranged  "  according  to  the 
style  of  binding."  About  200  vols.  are  added  yearly. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1853,  600  copies  8vo.,  at  a  cost  of  $125. 
Two  catalogues  had  been  printed  previously,  in  1834  and  1850. 

The  receipts  during  1854  were,  $90  37 ;  and  expenditures  nearly  the 
same.  A  number  of  the  leading  periodicals  are  taken. 


NU  PI  KAPPA  SOCIETY  (KENYON  COLLEGE). 

(1857.)     3000  vols. 

Founded  in  1832.  The  library  is  open  on  Wednesday  and  Saturday 
from  1  to  2  P.M.,  free  to  the  students,  $1  per  annum  to  citizens.  The 
books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  During  1856,  7000  vols.  were  lent  to 
150  persons.  This  Society  was  founded  by  the  students  in  the  College 
from  Southern  States,  at  a  time  of  great  excitement  and  party  feeling. 


GRANVILLE. 

DENISON  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  in  1832.  Formerly  G-ranville  College.  The  faculty  and  stu 
dents  have  the  free  use  of  the  library,  which  is  open  one  hour  a  week. 
The  books  are  arranged  according  to  size  and  appearance.  About  100 
volumes  are  added  yearly.  $500  have  been  expended  for  books  during 
the  last  five  years.  The  annual  cost  of  supporting  the  library  is  $100. 


HILLSBOROUGH. 

OAKLAND  FEMALE  SEMINARY.     (1856.)     G50  vols. 

Founded  in  1840  by  the  teachers  and  pupils  of  the  Oakland  Female 
Seminary.  All  who  pay  $1  in  advance  and  afterwards  75  cents  a  year, 
are  entitled  to  use  the  library.  A  catalogue,  8  pages,  was  printed  in  1848. 

SIGOURNEY  LIBRARY.     (1856.)     100  vols. 
This  is  also  in  connection  with  the  Oakland  Female  Seminary. 


oino.  329 

HUDSON. 

WESTERN  RESERVE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     7634  vols. 

The  college  library  was  founded  in  1826.  The  average  annual  increase 
for  the  last  ten  years  has  been  133  volumes,  mostly  donations.  About 
$50  a  year  have  been  appropriated  for  books.  A  brick  building,  62  feet 
by  42,  was  erected  for  a  chapel  and  library.  The  library-room  is  40  feet 
square.  The  library  is  open  each  Saturday  afternoon.  The  faculty  use 
the  books  without  charge.  The  students  pay  $1  50  per  annum.  About 
1000  books  are  lent  out  each  year. 


PHI  DELTA  SOCIETY  (WESTERN  RESERVE  COLLEGE). 

(1857.)     2204  vols. 

Founded  March,  1840.  Members  pay  $1  50  a  year  for  the  use  of 
the  library.  It  is  open  on  Saturday  from  1  to  2  P.M.  1580  vols.  are 
in  English,  11  French,  18  German,  6  Spanish,  1  other  modern  lan 
guage,  53  Latin,  51  Greek,  3  Hebrew. 

No  catalogue  has  been  printed.     Four  reviews  are  taken. 


PHILOZETHIAN  SOCIETY  (WESTERN  RESERVE  COLLEGE). 

(1857.)     2000  vols. 

Founded  in  1828.  All  persons  connected  with  the  College  are  entitled 
to  use  the  library,  which  is  open  an  hour  every  Saturday  afternoon.  Terms 
50  cents  each,  per  term.  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  588  volumes 
were  lent,  during  1854,  to  62  persons.  The  secretary,  T.  J.  McLain,  Jr., 
states,  "  We  think  we  speak  not  extravagantly  nor  unadvisedly  when  we 
say,  that  in  point  of  the  number  of  volumes,  and  the  general  character  of 
the  works,  it  will  compare  favorably  with  any  of  the  other  Society  libra 
ries  to  be  found  in  Western  colleges.  Upon  the  library  shelves  are  to 
be  found  many  of  the  best  works  now  extant,  comprising  bound  numbers 
of  the  most  prominent  English  and  American  Reviews,  various  maga 
zines,  valuable  encyclopedias,  together  with  a  fine  collection  of  the  stan 
dard  productions  of  English,  French,  and  German  authors/'  90  vols. 
are  added  yearly.  During  the  last  five  years  $200  have  been  expended 
for  books. 


330  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

IRONTON. 

IRONTON  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     445  vols. 
Organized,  December  5th,  1856. 

Number  of  members  at  that  time,         .          .          .          .          .          .10 

Present  number  of  members,  1857,      ......        78 

Number  of  volumes  in  library,     .......     445 

Value  of  Association's  property,  ......       §586  59 

"The  original  design  of  the  institution  was  to  establish  a  well-furnished 
library  and  reading-room,  where  every  one,  at  a  small  cost,  could  possess 
the  means  of  informing  himself.  To  aid  in  this  object,  the  members  of 
the  former  Library  Association — with  the  exception  of  six,  who  received 
memberships  in  this  for  their  shares — very  generously  transferred  their 
interest  in  the  books  and  other  property  of  that  society  to  this,  by 
means  of  which  we  were  immediately  supplied  with  a  good  library 
of  about  400  volumes.  The  Ironton  Athenaeum  also  transferred  all 
their  property,  consisting  of  the  principal  magazines,  reviews,  &c.,  for 
1855-6,  and  furniture,  books,  and  money,  to  the  amount  in  all  of  $83 
in  value,  to  this  Association.  From  these  sources  we  have  been  able 
to  commence  under  more  prosperous  circumstances  than  had  we  de 
pended  alone  upon  the  receipts  for  membership,  to  purchase  books, 
papers,  &c.,  and  defray  the  general  expenses  of  the  society. 

"The  Board  hope  to  be  able  in  a  short  time,  if  aided  by  the  liberality 
of  the  members  and  of  the  citizens  of  Ironton,  who  have  thus  far  mani 
fested  great  interest  in  our  success,  to  make  large  additions  to  the  library 
during  the  year." 

JEFFERSON. 

HISTORICAL  AND  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY  OF  ASHTABULA 

COUNTY. 

Organized  July,  1838.  This  Society  has  diligently  sought  out  every 
thing  in  relation  to  the  history  of  the  country,  together  with  much  of 
the  Western  Reserve  and  Northern  Ohio,  and  has  several  valuable  MSS., 
and  a  cabinet  of  natural  history. 


OHIO.  331 

MARIETTA. 

MARIETTA  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     9200  vols. 

The  College  library  was  founded  in  1835,  when  the  present  College 
charter  was  obtained.  Its  average  rate  of  increase  has  been,  of  late, 
about  120  volumes  annually.  The  library  is  open  for  one  hour  every 
Saturday.  The  use  of  the  books  is  free  of  charge  to  the  trustees  and 
faculty  ;  the  students  pay  $1  per  year. 

"  The  first  class  graduated  at  Marietta,  in  1838.  Only  one  College 
in  the  West  has  equalled  Marietta  in  its  annual  average  number  of  gra 
duates,  and  that  one  is  situated  in  a  populous  country,  near  a  large  city. 

"  A  fact  worthy  of  note  is,  that  Marietta  College  has  devoted  but  a 
small  portion  of  its  funds  for  show,  but  a  large  portion  for  substance.  Fine 
buildings  are  tempting,  and  colleges  sometimes  expend  $20,000,  $30,000, 
$50,000,  even  more,  in  the  erection  of  a  '  show-case/  and  then  have  but 
little  of  value  to  exhibit  inside.  Prudence  and  economy  indicate  the 
substantials  first,  luxuries  afterwards.  Marietta  College  has  not  expended 
over  $15,000  in  buildings  ;  but  its  apparatus,  its  cabinet  of  minerals, 
&c.,  are  very  valuable,  and  probably  no  Western  college  has  so  large  and 
so  good  libraries, — 15,000  volumes,  steadily  increasing. 

"  The  present  property  of  Marietta  College  is  about  $90,000 ;  but  one- 
half  of  this,  in  libraries,  apparatus,  &c.,  is  unproductive." 

The  library  room  is,  say  53  by  25  feet,  and  14  feet  high.  A  cata 
logue  of  the  library,  42  pages  Svo.,  was  printed  in  1840. 

"  The  College  library  embraces,  in  addition  to  works  of  general  lite 
rature,  a  valuable  collection  of  philological  works,  procured  in  Europe. 

"  It  also  contains  a  large  collection  of  text-books,  which  furnishes,  at 
a  trifling  percentage,  nearly  all  the  text-books  used  in  the  preparatory 
and  College  courses;  and  a  considerable  portion  of  these  are  the  best 
German  editions  of  entire  works. 

"  In  addition  to  these,  there  are  three  libraries  belonging  to  the  College 
societies,  carefully  selected,  and  placing  within  the  reach  of  students  a 
considerable  amount  of  useful  reading. 

"The  present  number  of  volumes  in  the  several  libraries,  in  1856,  is 
as  follows:  COLLEGE  LIBRARY,  9200;  Psi  GAMMA  SOCIETY,  2400 ; 
ALPHA  KAPPA  SOCIETY,  2730;  SOCIETY  OF  INQUIRY,  815;  total, 
15,145." 

Dr.  S.  P.  Hildreth  has  lately  presented  his  valuable  cabinet  to  the 


332  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

College.  This  cabinet  contains  "  more  than  4000  specimens  in  the 
various  departments  of  natural  history,  arranged  in  cases  and  drawers, 
labelled,  numbered,  and  entered  in  a  catalogue  under  their  respective 
heads/' 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1840;  8vo.  42  pages;  another  in  1857. 

COOO  volumes  are  in  English,  1100  French,  1000  German,  25  Italian, 
700  Latin,  350  Greek,  and  25  other  languages. 


ALPHA  KAPPA  SOCIETY  (MARIETTA  COLLEGE). 

(1857.)     2730  vols. 

Founded  in  1840.  Officers  and  students  can  use  the  library  without 
charge ;  others  pay  81  per  annum.  The  books  are  arranged  partly  by 
subjects  and  partly  by  binding.  2000  volumes  were  lent,  during  1854, 
to  65  persons.  Biography,  history,  and  poetry,  are  most  called  for. 
200  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During  the  last  five  years,  $504  77 
were  expended  for  books.  6  periodicals  are  taken,  Receipts  during 
1856,  $172  37;  expenditures  for  books,  $116  47;  binding,  $12  75; 
periodicals,  815  25;  incidentals,  827  90. 

PSI  GAMMA  SOCIETY  (MARIETTA  COLLEGE).     (1857.)     2400  vols. 

Founded  in  1840.  The  annual  fee  for  the  use  of  the  library,  is  81. 
The  library  is  open  half  an  hour  on  Wednesday,  and  one  hour  every  Satur 
day.  All  the  volumes  are  in  English.  During  1856,  2700  volumes 
were  lent  to  115  persons.  Of  these,  there  were  876  works  of  fiction, 
555  history,  489  essays,  312  biography,  239  poetry,  85  travels,  54 
philosophy,  21  translations  of  Greek  and  Latin. 

SOCIETY  OF  INQUIRY  (MARIETTA  COLLEGE). 

(1857.)     815  vols. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1850,  32  pages  Svo. 

MARIETTA  HISTORICAL  ASSOCIATION.     (1850.)     150  vols. 

Organized  November  21st,  1841.  In  1850,  this  Association  had  a 
library  of  150  rare  old  books,  a  few  volumes  of  old  newspapers,  and  a 
quantity  of  old  MSS. 


MARIETTA  LIBRARY.     (1855.)     1903  vols. 

Founded  in  1829.  The  funds  for  the  establishment  of  the  library 
were  originally  raised  in  the  form  of  stock;  it  is  now  supported  by  a  tax 
on  shares,  and  rent  of  part  of  the  Library  building.  This  edifice  was 
erected  expressly  for  the  purpose  about  25  years  ago;  and  is  of  brick, 
two  stories  high,  38  by  30  feet,  and  cost  upwards  of  $1800. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1855;  300  copies,  at  a  cost  of  860.  The 
library  is  open  every  Saturday  from  2  to  5  P.M.  Persons  entitled  to  use 
the  library,  are  the  shareholders,  about  150  in  number;  and  the  number 
of  shares  held  by  them  is  530  ;  the  price  of  each  share  is  $5,  and  transfer 
able.  Others  thjjin  shareholders,  by  paying  $1  per  year,  are  entitled  to 
draw  one  book  at  a  time.  About  3500  books  are  taken  out  in  a  year. 


OBEELIN. 

OBERLIN  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     5208  vols. 

Founded  in  1834.  Students  pay  50  cents  per  annum  for  the  use  of 
the  library.  It  is  open  one  hour  every  Wednesday.  The  books  are 
arranged  by  subjects. 

The  yearly  increase  of  the  library  is  200  volumes.  During  five  years 
ending  1856,  8400  were  expended  for  books. 

"The  number  of  students  in  1834,  was  101 ;  in  1852,  1050 ;  and  in 
1856, 1216.  The  average  number  reported  by  the  annual  catalogues  of 
the  last  five  years  has  been  over  1150  each  year.  Of  the  whole  number 
of  students,  26  per  cent,  were  ladies,  in  1835,  33  per  cent,  in  1839,  37 
per  cent,  in  1843,  40  per  cent,  in  1848,  44  per  cent,  in  1853,  and  46 
per  cent,  in  1855.  The  number  of  graduates  from  the  college  depart 
ment  has  been  264,  of  whom  36  have  been  ladies.  The  number  of 
graduates  from  the  ladies'  department  has  been  143. 

"  Of  the  228  male  graduates  from  the  college  department,  134  have 
entered  the  ministry,  or  are  preparing  for  it,  23  have  become  lawyers, 
9  physicians,  and  20  have  held  appointments  as  presidents,  professors, 
or  tutors  in  colleges. 

"  The  whole  number  of  Alumni  in  the  theological  department  has  been 
152  ;  of  these  11  are  deceased.  Of  the  141  now  living,  more  than  100 
are  living  in  the  Western  or  Northwestern  States. 


334  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

"  The  whole  number  of  missionaries,  male  and  female,  who  were  stu 
dents  at  Oberlin,  has  been  from  70  to  100. 

"  During  the  year  ending  1856,  330  gentlemen  and  200  ladies,  530  in 
all,  were  employed  more  or  less  in  teaching.  The  demand  is  usually 
greater  than  the  supply. 

"The  whole  number  of  accessions  to  the  church  in  Oberlin,  from  1834 
to  September,  1856,  was  1070.  Of  these  a  great  portion  were  students. 

"  The  whole  number  of  pupils  who  have  ever  attended  school  at  Oberlin 
cannot  be  told.  The  aggregate  sum  of  all  the  annual  catalogues  since 
1834,  is  more  than  13,000.  As  a  fact  in  the  history  of  Oberlin  Col 
lege,  it  may  be  mentioned  that  for  more  than  twenty  years  colored 
pupils  have  been  admitted  to  its  classes.  Several  colored  persons  have 
graduated  from  different  departments.  Many  others  have  secured  a 
good  general  education,  and  some  have  attained  honorable  distinction  as 
men  of  thought  and  culture." — W.  T.  Independent. 


OXFORD, 

MIAMI  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     6500  vols. 

Founded  in  1809.  A  grammar  school  was  established  in  1818.  The 
library  of  the  University  was  founded  in  1812.  It  increases  at  the  rate  of 
about  200  volumes  a  year.  Some  appropriation  is  generally  made  for  each 
year  to  purchase  books  :  for  five  years  previous  to  August,  1847,  it  was 
about  8250  a  year.  Now,  it  is  $150.  The  University  library  and  the  two 
society  libraries  occupy  three  separate  rooms,  each  32  feet  in  length,  18  feet 
in  breadth,  and  18  feet  high.  The  University  library  is  open  every  Satur 
day  morning  for  half  an  hour,  and  generally  for  two  or  three  hours  every 
afternoon.  Persons  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  books  are, — the  faculty, 
free ;  students,  who  pay  fifty  cents  a  session ;  also  the  inhabitants  of 
Oxford,  on  the  same  terms  as  the  students.  The  number  of  volumes 
lent  out  of  the  library  during  the  year  ending  October  1st,  1848,  is  489. 
This  is,  perhaps,  about  the  average. 

During  1856,  152  volumes  were  added  to  the  library. 

ERODELPHIAN  SOCIETY  (MIAMI  UNIVERSITY). 
(1857.)     1550  vols. 

Founded  in  1825.     "  The  library  was  continued  from  year  to  year,  and 


OHIO.  835 

enlarged  by  taxes  on  the  members  of  the  Society,  who  generally  number 
from  50  to  100.  The  tax  laid  was  different  at  different  times,  from  50 
cents  to  $2  on  each  member.  In  1853,  the  College  took  charge  of  the 
library,  and  the  Society,  knows  very  little  of  the  arrangements  that 
govern  it  (which  are  none  of  the  best).  The  College  is  bound,  by  a 
bond,  to  give  back  our  books  as  we  gave  them  to  it;  and  we  hope,  when 
the  University  edifice  will  allow  of  it,  to  restore  our  library.  It  is  com 
posed  mostly  of  standard  histories,  reviews,  poetry,  theology,  and  a  few 
works  of  fiction,  together  with  such  public  documents  as  the  members 
of  the  Society,  who  are  in  Congress,  have  given  it. 

"  Although  our  library  is  not  under  our  control,  yet  the  Society  takes 
an  interest  in  all  things  pertaining  to  it." — Report  from  Society. 


SPRINGFIELD, 

WITTENBERG  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2000  vols. 

Founded  in  1846.  Open  to  the  students,  for  reference,  at  all  times, 
and  once  a  week  for  exchange  of  books.  The  library  consists  chiefly  of 
works  in  German.  About  150  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During  the 
last  five  years  $600  have  been  expended  for  books.  No  catalogue  has 
been  printed. 


EXCELSIOR  SOCIETY  (WITTENBERG  COLLEGE). 
(1857.)     2500  vols. 

"This  Society  was  organized  November  20,  1845.  The  founders 
were  thirteen  in  number;  two  from  Pennsylvania,  the  rest  from  Ohio. 

"  During  the  first  session  of  College,  only  a  few  members  were  added, 
in  consequence  of  there  being  but  a  small  number  of  students.  The 
meetings,  however,  were  interesting  and  profitable,  manifesting  that  love 
of  improvement  which  has  conducted  the  Society  to  its  present  position. 
There  were  ajso  other  discouragements  besides  the  fewness  of  members. 
The  place  of  meeting  was  not  very  suitable,  and  as  yet  the  Society  had 
no  library,  and  but  very  limited  funds.  The  opening  of  the  second 
session  added  an  additional  number  of  members.  About  the  middle  of 
this  session,  some  of  the  members  of  the  Society,  together  with  several 
students  who  were  not  members,  thought  proper  to  form  a  rival  society. 


336  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

Accordingly,  June  26,  1846,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Society,  a  petition  was 
presented  by  those  members  wishing  to  withdraw,  stating  their  reasons 
for  so  doing.  Dr.  Keller,  the  president  of  the  institution,  being  present, 
offered  the  following  resolution  :  l  Resolved,  That  the  petition  be  granted, 
on  condition  that  the  funds  and  credits  of  the  Society  be  equally  divided/ 
which  was  passed.  Accordingly,  thirteen  (among  whom  were  six  of  the 
founders  of  the  Excelsior  Society)  withdrew,  and  on  the  4th  of  July, 

1846,  organized  themselves  into  a  new  society.     There  were  now  rival 
societies,  with  about  an  equal  number  of  members,  and  nearly  on  an 
equality  in  other  respects.     Both  vigorously  applied  themselves  in  the 
advancement  of  their  respective  interests.     The  Excelsior  Society,  at 
the  time  of  division,  had  not  more  than  20  or  25  volumes  of  books. 
At  the  session  of  the  26th  of  June,  1846,  it  was  made  the  duty  of  the 
vice-president  to  collect  and  take  care  of  the  books  belonging  to  the 
Society ;  a  motion  was  also  made  for  purchasing  a  book-case.     By  the 
energy  of  the  members,  this  was  filled  in  a  little  more  than  a  month, 
and  a  second  partly  filled  before  the  close  of  the  summer  session.     The 
number  of  volumes  was  about  500.     This  was  the  result  of  only  two 
months.     The  library  was  now  permanently  established,  and  the  Society, 
by  the  spirit  of  its  members,  and  timely  aid  of  its  friends,  having  suc 
ceeded  in  founding  a  library,  felt  encouraged  to  go  on  in  its  successful 
career. 

"  The  vacation  was  employed  to  such  advantage,  that,  at  the  begin 
ning  of  the  next  session,  October  19,  1846,  the  members  reported  $250 
in  books  and  money.  The  Society,  now  having  greater  facilities  for  im 
provement,  increased  in  numbers  and  interest. 

"For  the  first  year  and  a  half,  the  meetings  were  held  in  the  school 
room  in  the  basement  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  On  the  12th  of  May, 

1847,  the  Society  first  met  in  the  hall  of  the  College  building,  where 
it  still  holds  its  sessions,  every  Wednesday  afternoon.     The  object  of 
the  Society  is  the  mental,  moral,  and  social  improvement  of  its  members. 
The  advancement  of  this  Literary  Association  has  surpassed  the  expec 
tations  of  its  most  sanguine  friends. 

The  books  are  arranged  according  to  size.  The  library  is  open  once 
a  week  for  two  hours.  During  1854,  1680  volumes  were  lent  to  70 
persons.  Receipts  in  1854,  81163  72.  201  volumes  are  in  German, 
and  a  few  in  other  languages;  1908  in  English.  A  catalogue  was 
printed  in  1850.  About  30  volumes  are  added  yearly. 


OHIO.  337 


PHILOSOPHIAN  SOCIETY  (WITTENBERG  COLLEGE). 

(1855.)     2500  vols. 

Founded  July,  1846.     The  annual    receipts  and    expenditures   are 
about  S200.     2179  volumes  were  lent,  during  1854,  to  213  persons. 


STEUBENVILLE. 

CITY  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     1336  vols. 

In  1846,  a  library  was  formed,  under  the  name  of  the  Steubenville  In 
stitute;  but  in  1848,  this  was  transferred  to  the  organization  known  as 
the  City  Library.  Members  pay  $2  as  an  initiation  fee,  and  10  cents  a 
month;  others  pay  25  cents  a  month.  A  Board  of  Directors  is  elected 
annually,  who  control  the  affairs  of  the  Library.  The  room  is  open  from 
6  to  8  P.M.,  on  Tuesdays  and  Saturdays.  During  1855,  163  persons 
borrowed  1882  volumes. 

In  1850,  a  catalogue  of  24  pages  was  printed,  at  a  cost  of  $12  for 
500  copies.  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  The  annual  receipts 
and  expenditures  are  about  $300.  The  library  association  is  entirely 
free  from  debt;  had,  in  1857, 125  members,  and  is  in  a  very  prosperous 
condition.  About  136  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During  the  last  five 
years,  $350  were  expended  for  books.  Annual  cost  of  support,  $50. 


TIFFIN, 

HEIDELBERG  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     420  vols. 

"This  institution  was  founded  in  the  year  1850,  by  direction  of  the 
Synod  of  Ohio  of  the  German  Reformed  Church,  and  was  subsequently 
organized  under  a  charter  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of 
Ohio,  passed  during  its  sessions  of  1850-' 51.  Its  first  session  com 
menced  on  the  llth  of  November,  1850,  and  it  at  once  met  with  most 
encouraging  patronage  and  success/' 

During  the  last  five  years,  $50  have  been  expended  for  books.     The 

increase  is  very  small. 

22 


338  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  OF  THE  GERMAN  REFORMED 
CHURCH.     (1857.)     2100. 

Founded  in  1853.  Receipts  during  1854  about  §50.  The  library  is 
free  to  all,  open  once  a  week  for  an  hour.  During  1854,  350  volumes 
were  lent  to  25  persons.  1800  volumes  are  in  English,  10  French,  150 
German,  20  Latin,  20  Greek. 

No  catalogue  has  been  printed.  There  are  about  500  pamphlets  in 
the  library.  During  the  last  five  years  $600  •  have  been  expended  for 
books. 


URBANNA. 

URBANNA  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     3100  vols. 

Founded  in  1853.  The  library  is  open  at  all  times  when  the  University 
is  in  session  for  the  use  of  the  students.  Very  few  books  are  in  foreign 
languages.  As  each  book  is  received  it  is  numbered,  and  the  title-page 
in  full  is  entered  in  the  general  register ;  in  the  ordinary  record  the  title 
only  is  given.  During  1856,  1000  volumes  were  added.  During  the 
last  three  years  $500  have  been  expended  for  books. 

The  University  museum  contains  a  good  collection  of  the  Phanero- 
gamia  of  the  United  States,  especially  of  the  West,  with  a  few  hundred 
European  species,  a  collection  of  the  fresh-water  and  land  shells  and 
2000  marine  species,  besides  minerals,  fossils,  and  specimens  of  ancient 
remains  of  the  West. 


WASHINGTON. 

MILLER  ACADEMY.  (1857.)  400  vol.s. 

Incorporated  in  1852.  The  PHILO  and  JEFFERSON  LITERARY  SO 
CIETIES  have  libraries  of  200  volumes  each.  About  320  are  expended 
annually,  and  20  volumes  added  by  each  library. 


WESTERVIILE, 

OTTERBEIN  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     1500  vols. 

11  The  Otterbein  University  is  a  young  and  thriving  institution,  located 
at  Westerville,  Franklin  County,  Ohio,  twelve  miles  north  of  Columbus. 


OHIO.  339 

It  is  under  the  auspices  of  the  United  Brethren,  a  rigidly  anti-slavery 
denomination.  A  fine  college  building  is  in  course  of  erection,  and  will 
be  completed  the  coming  summer.  The  institution  is  to  have  an  endow 
ment  of  $150,000,  and  agents  are  now  vigorously  prosecuting  the 
scheme." — New  York  Independent,  1857. 

This  college  had  no  library  until  1857.  During  the  summer  of  that 
year,  the  institution  accepted  the  overtures  of  the  officers  of  Mount 
Pleasant  College,  Pa.,  to  unite  with  it,  taking  its  library,  apparatus,  &c. 


XENIA. 

ASSOCIATE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.     (1857.)     2050  vols. 

Founded  in  1794,  at  Canonsburg,  Pennsylvania,  by  the  Associate 
Presbyterian  Synod.  In  1855,  the  Seminary  was  removed  to  Xenia, 
Greene  County,  Ohio,  and  new  buildings  were  erected  for  the  accommo 
dation  of  the  institution.  The  annual  expenditures  for  the  library 
amount  to  about  $200;  the  librarian  receiving  a  salary  of  $25.  The 
books  are  arranged  partly  by  subjects,  and  partly  by  size.  The  library 
is  open  every  Saturday,  from  8  to  10  A.M.,  and  at  other  times,  at  the 
option  of  the  librarian.  There  are  10  French,  4  German,  1  Spanish, 
1  Persian,  293  Latin,  37  Greek,  and  73  Hebrew  books  in  the  library; 
all  the  rest  being  in  English.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1854,  at  a 
cost  of  $28  for  395  copies.  About  15  newspapers  are  taken. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  $75. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  100. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  1500. 

The  following  historical  sketch,  from  a  recent  Report,  is  interesting, 
as  giving  an  account  of  the  establishment  of  the  first  Protestant  Theo 
logical  Seminary  in  America. 

"  We  are  not,  at  present,  in  possession  of  such  materials  as  would  be 
requisite  in  giving  a  minute  detail  of  the  early  history  of  the  Associate 
Theological  Seminary.  It  is  a  subject  which  appears  to  have  engaged 
the  attention  of  the  Church  at  an  early  period.  In  the  year  1764,  it 
was  agitated  in  the  Associate  Presbytery  of  Pennsylvania,  and  in  No 
vember  of  that  same  year,  the  Presbytery  agreed  to  petition  the  Synod 
in  Scotland  to  send  them  some  one  qualified  to  teach  the  l  Languages 
and  Philosophy/  In  1778,  the  llev.  John  Smith  was  appointed  to 
( direct  the  studies  of  such  young  men  as  were  preparing  to  pursue  their 
studies  with  a  view  to  the  holy  ministry/  The  Seminary  was  disecn- 


340  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

tinued  in  1782,  in  consequence  of  the  union  which  gave  rise  to  the 
Associate  Reformed  Synod,  and  greatly  reduced  the  number  of  the 
Associate  Presbytery  of  Pennsylvania.  But  in  1794,  the  Rev.  John 
Anderson,  D.D.,  was  appointed  Professor  of  Theology,  and  the  location 
of  the  Seminary  selected  to  suit  his  convenience.  This  was  Service 
Creek,  Beaver  County,  Pennsylvania.  There  a  building  was  erected; 
a  professor  appointed ;  a  library  collected,  quite  extensive  for  those  days, 
comprising  about  800  volumes.  Theology  ivas  made  the  exclusive  study 
and  an  institution  was  founded  possessing  every  requisite  to  entitle  it  to 
the  name  of  a  Theological  Seminary;  and  thus,  in  the  woods  of  West 
ern  Pennsylvania,  was  established  the  first  Protestant  Theological  Semi 
nary  founded  on  the  Western  Continent.  To  show  that  this  assertion 
is  historically  correct,  we  subjoin  the  following  account  of  the  public 
organization  of  the  seminaries  of  other  churches,  taken  from  a  sermon 
preached  by  Dr.  Bradford,  of  Albany,  before  the  Superintendent  of  the 
Seminary  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  in  1813.  He  gives  the 
dates  as  follows :  Seminary  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church,  1804, 
Reformed  Dutch  Church,  1810;  General  Assembly,  1812;  and  An- 
dover,  1808. 

"  Dr.  Anderson  continued  to  fill  the  chair  of  Professor  of  Theology, 
till  the  year  1818,  when  the  gathering  infirmities  of  age  induced  him 
to  resign.  At  the  next  meeting  of  Synod,  held  in  Huntingdon,  May, 
1819,  it  was  agreed  that  two  Theological  Seminaries  should  be  esta 
blished,  to  be  called  the  Eastern  and  Western.  Philadelphia  was 
selected  as  the  site  of  the  Eastern,  and  the  Rev.  John  Banks,  D.D., 
was  chosen  Professor.  At  the  next  meeting  of  Synod,  in  1821,  Canons- 
burg  was  selected  as  the  location  of  the  Western  Seminary,  and  the 
Rev.  James  Ramsey,  D.D.,  was  appointed  Professor.  After  the  death 
of  Dr.  Banks,  which  occurred  in  1826,  it  was  agreed  to  unite  the  Semi- 

/  /  o 

naries,  and  Dr.  Ramsey  was  chosen  Professor  of  the  united  institution. 
He  continued  to  have  the  entire  care  of  directing  the  instruction  of  the 
students,  till  the  year  1833,  when  the  Synod  established  a  Professorship 
of  Biblical  Literature  and  Ecclesiastical  History,  and  elected  the  Rev. 
David  Carson  to  fill  this  chair.  It  pleased  God,  however,  in  his  myste 
rious  providence,  to  remove  him  by  death  before  he  entered  upon  his 
office.  In  1835,  the  Rev.  Thomas  Bcvcridge,  D.D.,  was  chosen  to  fill 
the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  death  of  Mr.  Carson.  In  1841,  Dr. 
Ramsey,  owing  to  his  advanced  age,  tendered  his  resignation  as  Pro 
fessor  of  Didactic  Theology,  and  in  1842, -the  Rev.  James  Martin,  D.D., 


onio.  341 

was  chosen  his  successor.  This  chair  was  again  left  vacant,  by  the 
death  of  Dr.  Martin,  in  1846.  The  whole  charge  of  the  Seminary 
then  devolved  upon  Dr.  Beveridge  during  the  ensuing  year.  At  the 
next  meeting  of  Synod,  in  1847,  the  Rev.  Abraham  Anderson,  D.D., 
was  appointed  to  fill  the  chair  of  Didactic  Theology ;  since  which  no 
changes  have  been  made. 

"  There  is  a  very  valuable  library  belonging  to  the  institution,  com 
prising  between  2000  and  3000  volumes,  furnished  through  the  libe 
rality  of  the  Church,  for  the  use  of  the  students.  Many  of  the  most 
valuable  of  these  books,  it  is  believed,  were  sent  by  the  Mother  Church 
in  Scotland,  while  the  Seminary  was  in  its  infancy.  It  is  confidently 
expected  that  the  Synod  will  soon  greatly  enhance  the  value  of  the  library 
by  the  addition  of  many  rare  and  standard  works." 


YELLOW  SPRINGS. 

ANTIOCH  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     3018  vols. 

Founded  in  1853.  Students  pay  50  cents  each  term  for  the  use  of  the 
library.  It  is  open  three  times  every  day. 

2800  volumes  are  in  English,  45  French,  10  German,  3  Spanish,  3 
other  modern  languages,  85  Latin,  62  Greek,  2  Hebrew,  3  Oriental. 
No  periodicals  or  papers  are  taken.  $5000  have  been  expended  for 
books.  Salary  of  librarian  $75. 


ZANESVILLE. 

ATHENAEUM.     (1857.)     4054  vols. 

Founded  in  1828.  The  annual  subscription  is  $3 ;  or  30  cents  a 
month  for  a  less  period.  The  reading-room  is  open  every  day  from  7 
A.M.  to  9  P.M.,  and  the  library  on  Wednesday  and  Saturday,  from  2  to 
9  P.M.  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  15  newspapers  and  13 
periodicals  are  regularly  received. 

The  receipts  during  1855,  were  $769  93.  The  librarian  receives 
a  salary  of  $125;  and  the  Secretary  5  per  cent,  upon  collections. 

Three  catalogues  have  been  printed;  one  in  1831,  of  20  pages  12mo., 
another  in  1843,  of  72  pages  8vo.,  and  the  last  in  December,  1855,  at 
a  cost  of  $60  for  250  copies. 

"  The  books  are  classed  according  to  the  nature  of  the  subject  treated 


342  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

of  in  chief,  and  are  catalogued  in  each  of  such  classes  alphabetically, 
according  to  the  name  of  the  author.  When  the  author  is  not  known, 
then  according  to  the  title  of  the  book  itself." 

The  library  increases  at  the  rate  of  about  100  volumes  a  year. 

During  1855,  4289  volumes  were  taken  out  by  164  persons ;  and  of 
the  following  classes  :  Biography,  643  ;  ethics,  6 ;  geography,  478 ; 
history,  276;  natural  history,  101 ;  novels,  1423;  oratory,  12;  perio 
dicals,  874;  poetry,  142;  politics,  18;  theology,  67;  technical  arts,  6; 
all  others,  243. 

The  following  books  have  been  most  read  in  their  respective  classes : 

NOVELS. — Ruth  Hall,  26;  The  Attorney,  20;  Lofty  and  Lowly,  19; 
Ida  May,  19;  Lamplighter,  17;  David  Copperfield,  17;  Bleak  House, 
14;  Queechy,  14;  Wide,  Wide  World,  15;  Pendennis,  9. 

BIOGRAPHY. — Life  of  Barnum,  24;  Life  of  Greeley,  15;  Pardoe's 
Louis  XIV,  11 ;  Queens  of  England,  10. 

HISTORY.—  Prescott's  Mexico,  16 ;  Prescott's  Peru,  13  ;  Hildreth's 
United  States,  13;  Hume's  History,  15;  Macaulay's  England,  13; 
Bancroft's  United  States,  10. 

TRAVELS. — Bayard  Taylor's  Central  Africa,  12  ;  Bayard  Taylor's 
Lands  of  the  Saracen,  12  ;  Bayard  Taylor's  Views  Afoot,  8  ;  Yusef,  8. 

POETRY,  &c. — Tennyson,  8;  British  Drama,  14;  Joanna  Bailey,  5. 

There  is  a  small,  miscellaneous  collection  of  geological  and  mineralo- 
gical  specimens ;  also  some  bones  of  a  mastodon  found  in  the  neighbor 
hood. 


PENNSYLVANIA. 


ALLEGHANY. 

WESTERN  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.     (1857.)     9000  vols. 

"  Established  by  a  Resolution  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby 
terian  Church  in  1825.  Under  this  Resolution,  Gen.  Andrew  Jackson, 
of  Tennessee,  Hon.  Benjamin  Mills,  of  Kentucky,  Hon.  John  Thompson, 
of  Ohio,  the  Rev.  Obadiah  Jennings,  and  the  Rev.  Andrew  Wylic,  of 
Pennsylvania,  were  appointed  a  committee,  to  report  on  a  favorable  loca 
tion  for  the  Institution.  Several  sites  were  offered  to  the  committee,  and 


PENNSYLVANIA.  348 

by  them  reported  to  the  Assembly.  After  very  full  discussion  and  de 
liberation,  the  present  location  was  determined  upon  by  the  Assembly  of 
1827.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  (1827),  the  Institution  was  opened 
with  a  class  of  four  young  men.  Since  that  period  to  the  present  (1856), 
over  four  hundred  students  have  prosecuted  their  Theological  Course,  in 
whole  or  in  part,  at  this  Seminary. 

"  Many  valuable  modern  works  have  been  lately  added  to  the  library. 
The  greater  part  of  the  large  private  library,  2300  volumes,  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Halsey  formerly  Professor  in  the  Seminary,  has  also  been  deposited 
in  the  Institution,  for  the  special  use  of  the  faculty/' 

The  library  is  in  one  of  the  wings  of  the  Seminary  edifice,  on  the 
third  story.  The  base  of  the  library  is  a  floor  projecting  some  six  feet 
from  the  wall,  with  a  railing  on  its  margin.  The  centre  is  open  from 
the  floor  of  the  second  story.  It  was  designed,  in  the  construction  of 
the  building,  for  a  library-room.  Its  material  is  brick,  and  its  dimensions 
are  50  by  30  feet;  height,  11  feet  from  the  floor,  and  23  or  24  feet  from 
the  floor  of  the  second  story  in  the  centre. 

The  books  are  arranged  upon  the  shelves  according  to  size.  Around 
the  ceiling,  above  the  shelves,  is  a  broad  border,  on  which  the  letters  of 
the  alphabet  are  printed — one  above  each  tier  of  shelves.  On  the  mar 
gin  of  each  shelf,  small  letters  are  placed  in  alphabetical  order.  On  the 
back  of  each  book  is  inscribed  its  number  on  its  appropriate  shelf.  On 
the  inside  of  the  cover  is  this  same  number,  together  with  the  large  and 
small  letters,  and  the  whole  number  as  it  advances,  with  the  name  of 
the  institution.  In  the  catalogue  the  books  are  arranged  according  to 
subjects ;  each  book  under  its  appropriate  division,  having  the  number 
and  letters  referring  to  its  tier  and  shelf.  Thus,  by  a  reference  from  the 
catalogue,  every  book  may  readily  be  found,  and,  by  the  marks  on  the 
book,  may  quickly  be  returned  to  its  place.  The  whole  number  is  of 
no  further  use  in  the  plan  than  to  indicate  the  number  of  books  in  the 
library.  There  is  as  yet  no  printed  catalogue,  but  a  good  one  in  manu 
script. 

The  library  is  opened,  statedly,  once  a  week,  and  kept  open  one  hour 
each  time.  The  professors  and  students  only  are  entitled  to  its  use. 
By  courtesy  the  use  may  be  allowed  to  others.  The  faculty  have  the 
supervision  of  the  library  :  they  appoint  one  of  the  students  annually  to 
attend  to  the  duties  of  librarian.  Average  annual  amount  expended  for 
books  since  1851,  $420. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  630. 


341  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

BYBERRY. 

BYBERRY  LIBRARY.     (23d  Ward,  Philadelphia.)     (1857.)     1738  vols. 

Founded  December  29th,  1794,  by  a  number  of  young  men,  the 
principal  movers  of  which,  were  Ezra  Townsend,  John  Comly,  Benjamin 
Walrnsley,  Thomas  Townsend,  James  Walton,  and  Asa  Walmsley.  It 
is  supported  by  an  annual  tax  on  the  members.  The  books  are  arranged 
by  size.  The  library  is  open  every  day  from  8  A.M.  to  6  r.M  In  1854, 
there  were  410  volumes  lent  to  41  persons.  The  last  catalogue  was 
printed  in  1849.  This  library  "  contains  many  ancient  works  of  ster 
ling  merit,  and  valuable  works  of  more  recent  date,  altogether  forming  a 
very  useful  and  interesting  collection.  It  is  steadily  increasing  in  size, 
and  is  in  a  very  prosperous  condition." 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  $35  78. 

Average  number  of  volumes  added  by  purchase  and  donation  for  the 
past  6  years,  42  per  annum. 

Average  annual  numbter  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  about  455. 

BYBERRY  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY. 

This  Society  has  a  complete  and  interesting  collection  of  the  birds, 
animals,  minerals,  &c.,  of  this  locality. 


CANONSBURG. 

JEFFERSON  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2000  vols. 

"  The  College  library  is  not  large,  but  contains  a  considerable  number 
of  rare  and  valuable  books.  The  whole  number  of  volumes  in  the 
various  libraries  connected  with  the  College  is  about  10,000.  Nothing- 
has  been  expended  for  books  lately. 

"  Jefferson  College  is  the  oldest  literary  institution  west  of  the  moun 
tains.  It  is  almost  coeval  with  the  first  settlement  of  Western  Pennsyl 
vania.  It  had  its  origin  in  a  small  'Latin  School/  which  was  formed 


PENNSYLVANIA.  345 

by  the  Rev.  John  McMillan,  about  the  year  1780.  This  school  was 
originally  intended  to  prepare  pious  young  men  for  the  Gospel  ministry- 
and  some  of  the  most  eminent  ministers  of  that  early  day  received  their 
academical  and  theological  education  in  this  humble  institution. 

a  After  remaining  for  about  eleven  years  in  ( the  log  cabin/  which 
its  pious  founder  had  built  for  its  accommodation  near  to  his  own  dwell 
ing,  this  primitive  school  was  removed,  in  1701,  to  Canonsburg,  where 
it  was  permanently  established,  and  where  a  large  and  substantial  build 
ing  was  erected  for  its  use.  Here,  also,  were  educated  many  distin 
guished  men  and  useful  ministers,  wrho  may  be  ranked  among  the 
honored  Alumni  of  the  institution,  although  their  names  do  not  appear 
among  the  graduates  under  the  College  charter.  The  '  Canonsburg 
Academy'  grew  up,  at  length,  into  '  Jefferson  College/  which  was 
chartered  in  1802.  The  whole  number  of  graduates  since  that  time, 
is  1362.  Of  these,  not  less  than  575  have  devoted  themselves  to  the 
Christian  ministry,  and  35  to  the  work  of  Foreign  Missions. 

"  The  whole  number  of  students  who  have  been  in  attendance  at  the 
College,  is  not  less  than  4000." 


FRANKLIN  LITERARY  SOCIETY  (JEFFERSON  COLLEGE). 

(1856.)     3679  vols. 

Founded  November  14,  1797.  Chartered  April  11,  1848.  About 
$150  are  annually  expended  for  the  library.  A  catalogue  of  83  pages 
was  printed  in  1854,  at  a  cost  of  8115  for  400  copies.  The  Society 
had,  in  1856,  121  "  present/'  1649  regular,  and  264  honorary  members. 

*PHILO  LITERARY  SOCIETY  (JEFFERSON  COLLEGE). 

(1857.)     4029  vols. 

Founded  in  1805.  Members  of  the  Society  are  entitled  to  the  use 
of  the  library,  free  of  charge.  Open  three  days  every  week  for  half  an 
hour.  About  $300  were  expended  for  the  library  in  1854;  8250  in 
1856.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  July,  1854.  400  copies,  87  pages, 
cost  882.  4000  volumes  are  in  English,  4  French,  12  German,  12 
Latin,  and  1  Chinese.  During  the  last  five  years,  81000  were  expended 
for  books.  About  200  volumes  are  added  annually.  Salary  of  libra 
rian,  875. 


346  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


CARLISLE. 

DICKINSON  COLLEGE.     (1S56.)     6250  vols. 

The  library  was  founded  in  1782.  The  increase  is  about  200  books 
per  annum.  The  books  are  arranged  according  to  subjects,  following 
the  system  of  Brunei.  The  library  is  open  once  a  week  for  an  hour, 
and  is  free  to  all  connected  with  the  College.  There  is  no  printed  cata 
logue. 

The  BELLES-LETTRES  SOCIETY  has  a  library  of  6583  volumes;  and 
the  UNION  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY,  one  of  7563  volumes.  The 
latter  has  increased  about  3000  volumes  in  five  years. 


UNION  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY  (DICKINSON  COLLEGE). 

(1856.)     7563  vols. 

"  The  Union  Philosophical  Society,  of  Dickinson  College,  owes  its 
origin  to  the  enterprise  of  some  students  of  the  institution,  who  felt  the 
need  of  such  an  association  to  qualify  themselves  fully  for  the  duties  of 
active  life.  They  accordingly  met  together,  and  resolved  to  form  them 
selves  into  an  association  for  '  mutual  improvement  in  science  and  lite 
rature/  and  appointed  a  committee,  consisting  of  John  Chew,  Robert 
Smith,  Thomas  Peachy,  and  Thomas  McComb,  to  prepare  a  constitution 
and  code  of  laws.  At  a  subsequent  meeting,  this  committee  presented 
a  report,  which  was  adopted,  and  the  organization  was  fully  completed 
on  the  31st  of  August,  1789,  by  the  election  of  proper  officers. 

a  At  an  early  day,  the  nucleus  of  a  library  was  formed  by  the  pur 
chase  of  books,  and  by  donations  from  the  members  and  friends  of  the 
Society. 

"For  many  years,  the  meetings  of  the  Society  were  open  to  all  who 
chose  to  attend  them;  but,  subsequently,  it  was  thought  best  to  have 
them  attended  by  members  only,  who  were,  by  its  laws,  forbidden  to  dis 
close  any  of  its  proceedings.  This  rule  is  in  force  at  the  present  time. 

"  The  badge  of  the  Society  is  a  white  rose,  worn  upon  the  left  arm, 
and  its  seal  is  an  impress  of  Minerva,  with  the  motto,  '  Sapient  ia  omni- 
bus  prcestat,' 

11  In  1844,  some  changes  were  made  in  the  organization  of  the  Society. 
Prior  to  this  time,  it  was  composed  of  undcr-graduates  of  the  College, 
graduates,  and  honorary  members.  But,  in  order  to  strengthen  the 


PENNSYLVANIA.  347 

bonds  of  union  between  the  graduate  arid  honorary  members,  and  the 
acting  Society,  i  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  latter  and  of  Dickinson 
College/  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  divide  it  into  two  branches,  the 
Actiny  and  the  General  UNION  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETIES. 

"The  Acting  Union  Philosophical  Society  is  composed  of  under-gra- 
duate  members  of  the  College;  but  all  'Unions'  have  the  privilege  of 
attending  its  meetings,  which  are  held  in  its  hall,  on  Wednesday  after 
noon,  weekly,  during  College  sessions.  The  anniversary  of  the  Society 
is  celebrated  on  the  Fourth  of  July  in  each  year;  on  which  occasion, 
an  anniversary  address  and  five  orations  are  delivered  by  members  elected 
by  the  Society. 

"  The  General  Union  Philosophical  Society  is  composed, 

"  1.  Of  graduate  members  of  the  Acting  Union  Philosophical  Society, 
of  Dickinson  College. 

"2.  Of  such  persons  as,  from  time  to  time,  have  been  elected  to 
honorary  membership  in  the  Acting  Society,  and  of  those  who  may 
hereafter  be  elected  honorary  members  of  the  Society  at  its  annual 
meetings. 

"3.  Of  such  under-graduates  as  leave  the  institution  without  taking 
a  full  academic  course,  and  who  have  received  diplomas  from  the  Act 
ing  Society,  according  to  the  provisions  of  its  constitution. 

"The  General  Union  Philosophical  Society  meets  annually  on  the  day 
preceding  the  College  commencement,  at  9  o'clock  A.M.,  and  its  public 
anniversary  exercises  are  held  on  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  when  an 
oration  and  a  poem  are  delivered  by  members  of  the  Society,  elected  at 
its  last  annual  meeting. 

"The  Union  Philosophical  Society  has  now  been  in  existence  61 
years,  and  830  regular  members  have  enjoyed  its  advantages.  Of  the 
deceased,  not  a  few  proved  their  worth,  while  living,  by  adorning  the 
highest  stations  of  honor  and  influence  in  Church  and  State;  arid,  among 
the  living,  there  are  many  names  which,  we  are  assured,  'the  world  will 
not  willingly  let  die/  The  expectations  of  its  founders  and  early  mem 
bers  have  been  more  than  realized  in  its  past  history ;  and  its  present 
prosperous  condition,  though  furnishing  but  little  to  narrate  that  would 
be  attractive  to  any  but  a  'Union,'  gives  promise  of  a  glorious  future. 
'  Happy  is  the  people  whose  history  is  uninteresting.'  ;; 


348  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

CHESTER. 

CHESTER  LIBRARY  COMPANY.     (1857.)     1000  vols. 

Founded  February  14,  1769,  by  an  association  of  citizens,  who  contri 
buted  "30  shillings"  each.  It  was  incorporated  March  llth,  1840. 
It  is  supported  by  sales  of  shares  at  $5,  and  annual  contributions  of  81 
by  each  member.  Others  pay  $2  per  annum.  The  library  is  open  from 
2  to  5  P.M.  every  day  except  Sunday.  The  books  are  arranged  accord 
ing  to  size.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1845,  200  copies  12mo.,  at  a 
cost  of  816. 


EASTOtf, 

E ASTON  LIBRARY  COMPANY.     (1857.)     4139  vols. 

Established  January,  1811.  The  founders  were,  Hon.  Samuel  Sit- 
greaves,  Rev.  Christian  Endress,  John  Ross,  and  George  Wolf. 

A  catalogue  of  98  pages  8vo.  was  published  in  1855.  The  cost,  $76 
for  300  copies. 

The  library  then  contained  4069  volumes,  of  which,  1029  were  works 
of  fiction,  419  Magazines  and  Reviews,  393  History,  334  Belles-lettres, 
81  Theology,  3  Statistics,  £c.  4010  volumes,  are  in  English,  1  French, 
33  German,  1  Spanish,  3  Danish,  2  Italian,  1  Dutch,  17  Latin,  1  Greek. 

About  60  volumes  are  added  yearly.  Annual  cost  of  support  850. 
During  the  last  five  years,  $350  were  expended  for  books. 

The  annual  fee  is  82.  The  library  is  open  on  Tuesday  and  Saturday 
afternoons  for  two  hours.  During  1856,  1860  volumes  were  lent  to  60 
persons.  Works  of  fiction  are  "  by  far  the  most  called  for."  Three 
magazines  are  taken.  Salary  of  librarian  $40. 

An  effort  is  being  made  to  raise  funds  sufficient  to  erect  a  large  and 
suitable  building,  for  the  library,  lectures,  &c. 

LAFAYETTE  COLLEGE.     (1850.)     402  vols. 

Library  commenced  1833.  There  are  two  Literary  Societies  in  the 
College — the  WASHINGTON  and  FRANKLIN — which  have  spacious  and 
well-furnished  halls.  Each  Society  has  also  an  extensive  and  valuable 
library. 

The  BRAINERD.  EVANGELICAL  SOCIETY  has  also  a  hall  appropriated 
to  its  papers  and  library. 


PENNSYLVANIA.  349 

ERIE. 

IRVING  LITERARY  INSTITUTE.     (1850.)     1015  vols. 

Formed  July  4th,  1889,  and  incorporated  in  1847.  The  funds  are 
raised  by  a  semi-annual  assessment  of  members  and  the  loan  of  books. 
The  amount  will  average  $50  per  annum.  Voluntary  subscriptions  arc 
occasionally  made  for  the  library.  The  Institute  occupies  two  rooms  in 
the  court-house, — a  large  nail  for  weekly  meetings,  and  a  private  room 
for  the  library.  A  catalogue,  16  pp.  8vo.,  was  printed  in  1848.  The 
library  is  open  every  Saturday,  from  6  to  9  o'clock  P.M.  The  members 
of  the  Institute,  and  subscribers  at  32  per  annum,  have  free  access  to  the 
books.  The  Institute  maintains  a  course  of  free  lectures  every  winter. 
They  have  been  well  attended. 


FALLSINGTON. 

FALLSINGTON  LIBRARY  COMPANY.     (1857.)     1800  vols. 

Founded  and  incorporated  in  1802.  No  book  is  allowed  in  the  library 
"  which  shall  have  been  written  with  an  intention  to  discredit  the  Chris 
tian  religion,  or  bring  into  disrepute  any  society  or  denomination  thereof." 

Each  member  pays  $5  initiation,  and  81  annually.  The  present  num 
ber  of  shareholders  is  46. 

In  1855,  1119  volumes  were  taken  out,  making  an  average  of  24£  to 
each  shareholder.  The  highest  number  taken  out  by  any  one  was  82. 
About  $25  are  expended  annually  for  books. 

A  catalogue  of  31  pages  12mo.  was  printed  in  1844,  and  another  in 
1854. 


GETTYSBURG. 

PENNSYLVANIA  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     3417  vols. 

The  library  was  commenced  in  1832.  It  is  supported  by  voluntary 
contributions,  but  has  a  permanent  fund  of  81000.  The  library  is  open 
on  Saturday  morning  for  all  the  students,  and  on  Wednesday  for  the 
seniors.  About  300  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During  the  last  five 
years  8250  were  expended  for  books.  About  1000  volumes  were  taken 


350  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

out  by  50  persons.  In  1855  there  were  2000  volumes  in  English,  25  in 
French,  622  in  German,  125  Latin,  175  Greek,  and  25  in  the  Oriental 
languages. 

The  College  library,  to  which  all  the  students  have  free  access,  con 
tains  many  valuable  works.  The  libraries  of  the  two  Literary  Societies 
also  comprise  a  large  number  of  well-selected  and  standard  volumes, 
which  are  regularly  increased  by  annual  appropriations  for  that  purpose. 
These  libraries  are  accessible  to  the  members  of  the  Societies,  upon  com 
pliance  with  such  laws  as  the  Societies  respectively  enact. 

The  College  Library  contains  3417  volumes;  the  PHRENAKOSMIAN 
3100;  the  PHILOMATIL^AN  3000;  the  LINIOSAN  100;  the  EDUCATION 
SOCIETY  250;  the  GERMAN  SOCIETY  200;  total  number  of  volumes 
(1857),  10,067. 

PHRENAKOSMIAN  LIBRARY  (PENNSYLVANIA  COLLEGE). 
(1857.)     3100  vols. 

Founded  February  4,  1831.  Members  pay  62J  cents  per  session. 
Open  an  hour  on  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays.  During  1855,  75  per 
sons  borrowed  1200  volumes.  During  1856,  2700  volumes  were  lent 
to  75  persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1852,  at  a  cost  of  860  for 
500  copies. 

During  1856,  8300  were  expended  for  books,  and  85  for  binding. 
During  the  last  five  years,  8600  were  expended  for  books.  8021  vo 
lumes  are  in  English,  9  French,  45  German,  16  Latin,  and  9  Greek. 


LUTHERAN  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 

At  the  annual  meeting,  in  May,  1857,  it  was  resolved  that  "  every 
Lutheran  author  be  requested  to  send  a  copy  of  his  publications  to  the 
library  of  this  Society." 

It  was  also  resolved,  "  that  the  Corresponding  Secretary  endeavor  to 
collect  the  likenesses  of  all  Lutheran  ministers  in  this  country,  as  far 
as  issued."  Annual  dues,  50  cents. 


THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  OF  THE  GENERAL  SYNOD  OF  THE 
EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN  CHURCH.     (1857.)     10,000  vols. 

The  library  was  begun  in   1825,  and  contains  about  8500  volumes 


PENNSYLVANIA.  851 

and  a  few  MSS.  There  is  no  printed  catalogue.  The  library  is  open 
for  the  use  of  the  students  every  Saturday,  one  hour.  The  consti 
tution  limits  its  use  to  the  faculty  and  students  of  the  institution.  By 
courtesy  the  professors  of  the  Pennsylvania  College,  located  in  the  same 
town,  are  allowed  the  use  of  the  books.  The  use  is,  in  all  cases,  gra 
tuitous. 


HARRISBTJRGK 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1856.)     15,000  vols. 

Founded  February  28,  1816.  During  1854-'55,  81000  were  appro 
priated  for  law,  and  6500  for  miscellaneous  books  for  the  library,  by  the 
State  Legislature.  The  Library  occupies  two  rooms  in  the  Capitol, 
each  40  by  30  feet.  The  Law  Department  contains  2200  volumes.  A 
catalogue  of  168  pages  8vo.  was  printed  in  1839. 

Books  are  lent  out  to  officers  of  the  State  government  and  members 
of  the  Legislature.  Strangers  can  read  in  the  library ;  but  are  not,  by 
law,  permitted  to  take  out  books.  The  library  is  open  from  9  A.M.  to  2 
P.M.,  every  day;  during  the  sessions  of  the  Legislature,  from  9  A.M.  to 
1  P.M.,  and  from  2  to  5  P.M. 

During  the  year  1856,  the  librarian  expended  8467  98,  for  miscella 
neous  books;  81006  28,  for  law  books;  8260  58  for  binding;  8248  50, 
for  purchasing  Pennsylvania  State  Law  Reports,  to  be  sent  to  other 
States  in  exchange.  After  much  search,  only  one  complete  set  of  the 
journals  of  the  Legislature  could  be  procured  for  the  library. 

The  State  librarian  is  appointed  every  third  year  by  the  Governor,  by 
and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate.  He  cannot  be  removed, 
except  for  misbehavior  or  misconduct;  and  the  Governor  must  com 
municate  his  reasons  for  removal  to  the  Senate. 

The  librarian  gives  bonds  to  the  amount  of  82000.  He  makes  an 
annual  report  to  the  Legislature  in  January.  His  salary  is  8800. 


STATE  LUNATIC  HOSPITAL  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

(1857.)     1200  vols. 

The  museum  and  reading-room  buildings  are  of  brick,  cemented  on 
the  outside,  and  are  42  feet  long  by  25  feet  wide,  and  15  feet  6  inches 


352  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

high.     A  portico  runs  nearly  the  whole  length  of  the  front,  from  which 
there  is  a  very  pleasant  view. 

There  is  a  large  and  fine  collection  of  books.  About  50  newspapers 
are  regularly  received.  By  a  resolution  of  the  Legislature,  one  of  the 
cabinets  of  geological  specimens,  made  by  the  Geological  Survey,  was 
directed  to  be  deposited  in  one  of  the  museums.  The  collection  is 
large,  numbering  over  5000  specimens,  and  is  quite  rich  in  the  peculiar 
mineral  products  of  the  State. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     460  vols. 

Founded  December,  1855.  During  1856,  $200  were  expended  for 
books.  $300  have  been  raised  towards  the  establishment  of  a  fund  of 
$1000;  the  interest  of  which  is  to  purchase  books.  The  library  is 
open  every  Tuesday  evening.  During  1856,  250  volumes  were  lent  to 
40  persons.  Travels  are  most  read.  All  the  books  are  in  English. 

u  The  number  of  members  is  about  112  and  increasing ;  but  few, 
however,  active  and  zealous.  The  regular  meetings  are  tolerably  well 
attended.  Prayer-meetings  are  held  every  Sunday  morning.  A  course 
of  six  lectures,  upon  literary  and  moral  topics,  has  been  delivered,  and 
generally  well  received.  Also  a  course  of  sermons  by  the  pastors  of 
the  city,  which  have  been  well  attended.  We  have  a  library  of  about 
450  selected  volumes,  and  in  connection  therewith  a  reading  table, 
upon  which  are  placed  the  principal  papers  and  periodicals.  Both  the 
library  and  reading-room  are  patronized  to  a  large  extent." — Quarterly 
Reporter,  April,  1857. 


HARTSVILLE, 

TENNENT  SCHOOL. 
The  K2A  Literary  Society  has  a  well  selected  library. 


HATBOROUGH. 

UNION  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  1755  and  incorporated  in  1787.     Nathan  Holt  left  by  will 
a  donation  of  85000,  of  which  he  directed  83000  to  be  given  for  the 


PENNSYLVANIA.  353 

purchase  of  a  lot,  and  the  erection  of  a  suitable  building.  The  remain 
ing  82000  is  placed  out  on  landed  security,  and  the  interest  devoted  to 
the  purchase  of  books.  In  1849  a  stone  building  was  erected,  33  feet 
by  40,  and  finished  after  the  plan  of  the  Mercantile  Library  of  Phila 
delphia,  in  one  room  16  feet  high.  The  annual  expenses  and  receipts 
are  about  $250.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1847,  at  a  cost  of  $40  for 
100  copies.  The  library  is  open  daily  except  Sunday.  Persons  may 
become  members  on  the  payment  of  $10  and  an  annual  tax  of  81. 
Strangers  and  non-subscribers  have  the  privilege  of  reading  in  the 
library.  The  number  of  members  in  1855  was  95.  About  150  volumes 
are  added  yearly.  Annual  cost  of  support  842  32.  During  the  last  five 
years  §1000  have  been  expended  for  books. 

Receipts  1856,  §257  40.     Expended  for  books  $187  63  ;  binding 
85  85;  periodicals  $21  60;  incidentals  $42  32.    11  magazines  are  taken. 


HAVERFORB. 

HAVERFORD  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2500  vols. 

'''About  the  year  1830,  a  strong  interest  was  manifested  by  Friends  in 
New  York,  Philadelphia,  and  other  places,  for  the  establishment  of  a 
Collegiate  Institution,  where  members  of  their  own  Society  might  be 
instructed  in  the  higher  branches  of  learning.  Measures  were  accord 
ingly  taken  for  this  object ;  subscriptions  were  opened,  the  site  was 
selected,  and  an  act  of  incorporation  obtained  from  the  Legislature  of 
Pennsylvania.  The  buildings  were  erected  and  the  school  was  opened 
in  the  year  1833.  In  1856,  an  additional  act  of  the  Legislature  was 
procured,  giving  the  institution  the  rights  and  title — as  it  had  always 
had  the  character — of  a  college. 

"  The  library  of  the  College  has  been  selected  with  great  care.  The 
number  of  volumes  is  at  present  about  2500,  additions  to  which  arc  fre 
quently  made.  Besides  a  good  selection  of  classical,  scientific,  and 
popular  works  in  various  departments,  it  includes  the  valuable  mathe 
matical  collection  of  the  late  John  Gummere,  the  most  approved  Lexi 
cons,  and  many  of  the  best  German  commentaries  on  the  Greek  and 
Latin  authors. 

"The  library  of  the  LOGANIAN  SOCIETY,  founded  1848,  contains  about 
1000  volumes ;  making  the  whole  number  of  books  in  the  two  libraries, 
3500. 

23 


354  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

"  The  two  libraries  are  complements  of  each  other,  books  which  are 
bought  for  the  one,  not  being  procured  for  the  other. 

"  This  Society  also  has  a  museum,  a  gymnasium,  and  a  carpenter's  shop, 
with  lathe  and  tools.  This  feature  is  not  common  to  similar  societies. 

"  Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  for  the  Col 
lege  library  $100,  for  the  Loganian  §110  ;  total  $210." 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  College  80, 
Loganian  110;  total  140. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  College  600,  Loga 
nian  1100  ;  total  1700. 

The  College  has  an  observatory,  furnished  with  good  instruments.  The 
whole  cost  was  $7000.  The  instruments  with  which  it  is  furnished  are 
an  Equatorial  Telescope;  a  Meridian  Transit  Circle;  a  Prime-Vertical 
Transit;  a  Sidereal  Clock,  and  Bond's  ingenious  and  beautiful  "  Spring- 
Governor." 


JONESTOWN. 

SWATARA  LITERARY  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     271  vols. 

Founded  April  12,  1850.  The  object  of  this  Association  is  to  esta 
blish  a  library  and  museum,  and  to  encourage  such  exercises  as  will 
tend  to  spread  general  and  useful  information. 

The  following  regulations  for  the  library  and  museum  may  contain 
useful  hints  to  those  who  are  about  forming  similar  associations.  Some 
of  these  rules  are  unique  : — 

"  The  catalogue  of  books  procured  from  publishers  and  booksellers, 
shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  every  active  member  of  the  Society,  and 
they  shall  select  such  books  which  they  consider  useful. 

"  The  Executive  Committee  shall  prepare  a  catalogue  of  the  books 
thus  marked,  to  be  submitted  for  the  deliberation  of  the  Society,  and 
such  books  which  are  considered  by  the  majority  of  the  members  pre 
sent  useless  to  the  object  of  the  Society,  immoral  in  their  tendency, 
shall  be  stricken  out. 

"The  catalogue  approved  by  the  majority  of  the  members,  shall  be 
sent  by  the  Corresponding  Secretary  to  the  bookseller,  and  inquire  the 
lowest  price  of  such  books  named. 

"  If  the  aggregate  amount  for  these  books  exceed  the  funds  on  hand, 


PENNSYLVANIA.  355 

a  special  committee  of  three  active  members  shall  be  appointed  to  decide 
which  shall  be  omitted,  to  reduce  the  list  so  as  not  to  exceed  the  money 
in  the  treasury;  these  books  omitted  shall  be  put  on  record  for  the  next 
purchase. 

"  The  catalogue  thus  agreed  on  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 
Corresponding  Secretary,  and  he  shall  procure  these  books  in  the  manner 
indicated  by  a  special  resolution  of  the  Society.  Each  book  shall  be 
numbered  on  the  back  and  marked  50  per  cent,  above  the  original  cost, 
and  shall  be  stamped  'Swatara  Literary  Institute,  of  Jonestown/  incor 
porated  by  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  of  Lebanon  County,  on  the  12th 
day  of  April,  A.D.  1850,  and  a  caution  to  the  public  not  to  purchase 
any  book  or  books  thus  stamped  from  any  member  or  members,  person 
or  persons  whatever,  whereas  such  purchase  is  declared  null  and  void  by 
the  Constitution. 

"They  shall  then  be  placed  in  the  care  of  the  librarian,  who  shall 
give  a  receipt  for  the  same  to  the  Recording  Secretary,  on  a  catalogue 
prepared  for  that  purpose. 

"The  librarian  shall  charge  all  books  taken  away  from  the  library, 
and  shall,  in  like  manner,  give  credit  when  returned,  by  regular  entries. 
Each  member,  on  drawing  a  book,  shall  sign  a  receipt  in  the  following- 
manner,  to  wit : — 

'Jonestown,  May  10th,  1850, — Received  of  C.  Shade,  librarian  of 
Swatara  Literary  Institute,  No.  107  (title  of  the  book),  valued  $1, 
which  I  promise  to  return  in  or  within  four  weeks,  undamaged,  or  pay 
the  value  thereof  in  lawful  money  of  the  United  States,  without  de 
falcation  or  stay  of  execution.' 


"Every  active  member  has  the  right  to  take,  after  complying  with  the 
above  rule,  any  book  present,  and  keep  it  for  one  week,  free  from  charge, 
but  for  every  week  longer  he  or  she  has  to  pay  one  per  cent,  on  the 
value  of  the  book.  The  first  Saturday  of  every  month  all  the  books 
must  be  returned  to  the  library. 

"  Persons  who  are  not  members  of  this  Society  may  draw  books  by 
paying  a  weekly  rent  of  6  per  cent,  on  the  value  of  the  books,  and  by 
producing  an  order  from  an  active  member,  in  the  following  form  : — 

'Mr.  C.  Shade:  You  will  please  give  to  A B ,  book  No.  12. 

I  will  be  responsible  for  the  return  of  the  same  and  the  payment  of  the 
rent/ 


356  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

"  The  first  Friday  evening  of  each  month,  the  Committee  on  Finance 
shall  examine  the  journal  of  the  librarian,  to  ascertain  what  book-rent 
is  due  by  the  members,  and  report  the  result  of  their  investigations  at 
the  next  monthly  meeting. 

"  The  Secretary  shall  furnish,  quarterly,  the  librarian  with  the  names 
of  the  members  who  are  in  arrears  for  dues  to  the  Institute,  and  they 
shall  be  deprived  of  the  privilege  of  the  library  until  they  have  paid 
the  same/' 

"The  Executive  Committee  shall  make  collection  of  interesting  objects 
on  Art  and  Nature,  and  see  that  the  following  regulations  and  resolutions 
in  respect  thereto  are  carried  into  effect. 

"  Those  taken  from  Nature  shall  be  arranged  in  three  classes,  viz. : 
Zoology,  Botany,  and  Mineralogy. 

"  Those  of  Art  shall  be  put  up  in  a  way  to  admit  of  free  and  easy 
inspection. 

"  Each  specimen  shall  be  labelled  with  its  proper  name,  the  locality 
from  where  it  is  procured,  and  by  whom  contributed." 

"  Whenever  a  member  meets  a  paragraph  in  a  book  which  he  does 
not  clearly  understand,  he  or  she  shall  read  the  same  at  a  regular  meet 
ing,  and  its  intended  meaning  shall  be  discussed  by  the  members. 

"  Each  member  shall  deem  it  a  duty  to  write,  from  time  to  time,  an 
essay  on  some  scientific  subject,  such  as  he  or  she  may  select. 

"  These  essays  shall  be  read  at  one  of  the  regular  meetings,  and  then 
be  filed  in  the  archives  of  the  Institute. 

"  Opportunities  shall  be  held  out  and  given  for  the  delivery  of  lectures 
by  members  or  others." 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  about  820. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  from  30 
to  40. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  76. 


KING  OF  PRUSSIA. 

UNION  LIBRARY  OF  UPPER  MERION.     (1857.)     725  vols. 

Organized  January  1,  1853.  Shares  are  $2  each,  and  the  annual 
payment,  50  cents.  About  $50  are  annually  expended  for  books. 
Members  are  entitled  to  use  the  library ;  and  others,  by  depositing 


PENNSYLVANIA.  357 

twice  the  value  of  the  book  borrowed.  The  library  is  open  on  Thurs 
day,  from  2  to  5  P.M.,  and  on  Saturday,  from  5  to  8  P.M.  About  350 
books  were  lent,  in  1854,  to  50  persons.  In  1856,  200  to  40  persons. 
The  demand  is  principally  for  works  of  fiction.  The  neighborhood  is 
not  thickly  settled ;  and  the  library  is  not,  therefore,  as  well  sustained 
as  it  might  otherwise  be.  It  is  proposed  to  form  an  association  on  the 
following  plan  :  The  stock  to  be  limited  to  $2000,  in  shares  of  810 
each,  to  erect  a  building,  and  have  annual  courses  of  lectures.  Two 
shares  shall  entitle  a  stockholder  to  the  use  of  the  library  and  attendance 
on  lectures,  without  any  annual  payment;  one  share  and  an  annual  fee 
of  $1  will  give  the  same  privileges.  The  income  of  the  building  to  be 
divided  amongst  those  members  who  do  not  accept  or  receive  the  privi 
lege  of  the  library  and  lectures ;  not,  however,  to  exceed  5  per  cent. ; 
the  balance  to  form  a  fund  for  the  purchase  of  books,  &c. 


LANCASTER, 

FRANKLIN  AND  MARSHALL  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     GOOO  vols. 

"  This  new  institution  has  been  formed,  by  the  union  or  consolidation 
of  two  older  colleges  bearing  separately  the  honored  names  which  are 
now  brought  together  in  its  single  title. 

"  Franklin  College  was  created  by  the  Legislature  as  far  back  as  the 
year  1787;  with  special  reference  to  the  interest  of  education  and  learn 
ing  among  the  German  population  of  the  State.  To  secure  this  object, 
the  charter  provided  that  the  Board  of  Trustees  should  be  composed  al 
ways  of  three  equal  interests  or  divisions,  one  representing  the  Lutheran 
Church,  another  the  German  Reformed  Church,  and  a  third,  the  commu 
nity  at  large,  on  the  outside  of  these  two  long-established  German  con 
fessions.  Owing  to  circumstances  which  the  Board  had  no  power  to 
control,  the  original  purpose  of  the  institution  could  never  be  carried  into 
full  effect.  It  remained  at  most  a  grammar  school  or  academy  rather  than 
an  actual  college ;  and  in  this  character  its  advantages,  in  the  nature  of 
the  case,  became  local  altogether,  instead  of  general.  It  belonged  to 
Lancaster,  more  than  to  the  German  interest  of  Pennsylvania.  In  the 
meantime,  however,  its  funds  were  increasing  in  value,  and  forming  a 
solid  foundation  for  some  more  comprehensive  and  efficient  scheme  of 
instruction,  such  as  its  charter  was  felt  all  along  to  contemplate  and 


358  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

require.  It  was  evidently  necessary  at  the  same  time,  if  any  such  en 
terprise  was  to  succeed,  that  it  should  go  forward  in  some  way  under  the 
auspices  of  one  or  the  other,  if  not  both,  of  the  German  confessions, 
which  divided  between  them  already  two-thirds  of  the  corporate  rights 
and  powers  of  the  institution.  This  led  to  negotiations,  the  result  of 
which  was,  finally,  that  the  German  Reformed  Church  consented  to  buy 
out  the  Lutheran  interest  in  the  College,  and  to  consolidate  it  with  her 
own  separate  institution  previously  established  at  Mercersburg,  under 
the  provisions  of  a  new  charter  committing  the  whole  to  her  special  de 
nominational  charge  and  care. 

"  Marshall  College,  the  subject  of  this  translation,  was  founded  in  the 
year  1835.  It  sprang  originally  out  of  the  High  School  attached  to  the 
Theological  Seminary  of  the  German  Reformed  Church,  which  had  been 
removed  the  year  before  from  the  borough  of  York  to  the  village  of  Mer 
cersburg.  It  has  stood  all  along,  of  course,  in  intimate  connection  with 
this  Seminary.  The  primary  object  of  the  institution  may  be  regarded 
as  one  and  the  same.  The  Church  needs  ministers,  and  she  is  concerned 
to  have  them  properly  educated  for  their  high  and  responsible  work. 
It  was  her  zeal  for  this  interest  which  gave  birth  to  Marshall  College ; 
just  as  Harvard  University,  Yale  College,  and  Nassau  Hall  owe  their  ori 
gin  mainly  to  similar  zeal  on  the  part  of  the  religious  bodies  by  which 
they  were  first  called  into  existence.  But  though  thus  consecrated,  as 
the  daughter  of  the  Church,  to  the  service  of  religion  as  well  as  letters, 
the  institution  has  not  been  confined  in  its  purposes  and  scope  by  any 
means  to  the  object  of  preparing  young  men  for  the  sacred  ministry. 
Like  the  venerable  seminaries  of  learning  which  have  just  been  named, 
it  has  aimed  to  be  a  nursery  of  liberal  education  in  its  most  general 
form  ;  and  in  the  prosecution  of  this  end,  it  pursued  its  course  for  17 
years  with  no  inconsiderable  efficiency  and  success.  By  the  arrange 
ment  which  has  been  mentioned,  its  history  as  a  separate  institution  has 
now,  however,  been  brought  to  an  end.  Much  was  to  be  sacrificed,  in 
the  nature  of  the  case,  by  the  removal  of  the  College  from  Mercersburg. 
But  this  has  been  outweighed  by  other  considerations,  still  more  strongly 
entitled  to  regard  ]  and  the  institution  is  at  length  merged  accordingly 
in  what  is  known  now  as  Franklin  and  Marshall  College,  in  the  city  of 
Lancaster. 

"  The  act  providing  for  the  union  of  these  two  Colleges  was  passed 
by  the  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania,  in  April,  1850.  Certain  terms  or 
specifications,  however,  were  to  be  fulfilled,  before  the  new  charter  could 


PENNSYLVANIA.  359 

go  into  effect;  so  that  the  first  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  created 
by  it,  did  not  take  place  until  January,  1853.  The  regular  course  of 
collegiate  instruction  began  in  May  following ;  and  the  opening  of  the 
College  was  formally  solemnized  by  a  public  celebration,  held  in  Fulton 
Hall,  on  the  evening  of  the  7th  of  June. 

"Until  April,  1856,  the  exercises  of  the  institution  were  conducted 
in  the  building  which  formerly  belonged  to  Franklin  College.  With 
some  changes,  especially  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Department  of 
Natural  Science,  this  was  found  to  be  both  amply  and  conveniently  suffi 
cient  for  the  use  of  the  several  classes.  Efficient  measures,  however, 
were  immediately  taken  towards  the  erection  of  new  buildings.  A  fund 
of  825,000  having  been  raised  in  the  city  and  county  of  Lancaster,  a 
large  tract  of  ground  was  purchased  a  short  distance  from  town,  offering 
the  most  beautiful  site  that  is  to  be  found  anywhere  in  the  neighbor 
hood,  on  which  the  principal  edifice,  in  the  Norman  Collegiate  style,  has 
been  erected.  It  was  completed  at  a  cost  of  819,000,  during  the  course 
of  the  past  year,  and  is  now  occupied  by  the  institution.  The  dedica 
tion  took  place  with  appropriate  ceremonies,  on  the  16th  of  May, 
1856." 

"There  are  two  literary  societies  established  among  the  students, 
bearing  the  names  DIAGNOTIIIAN  and  GCETHEAN.  Each  of  these  socie 
ties  has  established  already  a  handsome  library  of  well-selected  books, 
which  is  increased,  through  the  zeal  and  liberality  of  the  members,  from 
year  to  year.  These  libraries  contain  altogether,  at  this  time,  nearly 
6000  volumes. 

"  The  consolidation  of  Franklin  and  Marshall  College  involved  the 
heavy  loss  of  the  splendid  halls  erected  at  a  cost  of  some  810,000  or 
812,000,  at  Mercersburg.  The  societies,  however,  were  partially  indem 
nified  by  the  Board  of  Trustees;  and  have,  in  consequence,  resolved 
upon  an  effort  to  repair  their  loss  by  the  erection  of  new  halls ;  the 
Goethean  to  be  situated  to  the  south,  and  the  Diagnothian  to  the  north 
of  the  College  edifice. 

"  The  regular  members  went  to  work  again  with  commendable  energy 
and  zeal,  to  collect  funds;  the  citizens  of  Lancaster,  the  honorary  mem 
bers,  and  friends  of  literature  and  science,  responded  generously.  One 
year  ago,  the  work  was  begun ;  and  now,  two  chaste,  beautiful,  and 
commodious  halls  are  erected  and  completed,  at  a  cost  of  $12,000." — 
Catalogue,  1857. 


360  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


DIAGNOTHIAN  SOCIETY  (FRANKLIN  AND  MARSHALL 
COLLEGE).     (185Y.)     3400  vols. 

Founded  in  1835.  Receipts  during  1856,  §100 ;  expended  for  books, 
$75;  binding,  88;  periodicals,  $10;  incidentals,  $15.  During  1856, 
1500  volumes  were  lent  to  125  persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in 
May,  1841,  24  pages.  The  librarian  is  elected  at  the  beginning  of 
every  College  session,  and  receives  no  salary. 


MECHANICS'  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     1200  vols. 

Founded   in  1831.     Annual    cost  of  support,  $240.     Nothing  has 
been  done  during  the  last  three  years. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1855.)     250  vols. 

Founded  January  19,  1855.  The  object  of  this  Association  is  the 
improvement  of  the  spiritual,  mental,  and  social  condition  of  young 
men.  The  By-Laws  provide  that 

"There  shall  be  established  at  the  rooms  of  the  Association,  a  library 
of  bound  volumes,  periodicals,  and  papers,  selected  under  the  care  of 
the  librarian ;  which  shall  be  open  every  week-day,  from  6  or  7  to  10 

P.M. 

"The  following  means,  in  addition  to  the  establishment  of  a  library 
and  reading-room,  are  authorized  by  the  Association  for  the  extension 
of  its  usefulness. 

"  An  annual  course  of  lectures,  during  the  winter  months,  on  subjects 
calculated  to  interest  young  men;  also,  during  as  much  of  the  year  as 
practicable,  regular  lectures  or  sermons  on  Sabbath  evenings,  by  clergy 
men  of  the  various  denominations  who  may  consent. 

"  A  book  shall  be  kept  at  the  rooms  of  the  Association  containing  a  list 
of  the  churches  in  our  city,  their  pastors'  names,  and  residences ;  a  list  also 
of  the  Sabbath-schools,  the  denomination  to  which  they  are  attached, 
their  superintendents,  the  number  of  teachers,  pupils,  &c.,  in  each. 

"At  the  regular  monthly  meetings  of  the  Association,  there  shall  be 
presented  an  essay  by  a  member  of  the  Association,  on  a  subject  pre 
viously  assigned  him;  alternating  monthly,  with  a  written  review  of 
some  book;  the  subject  to  be  of  a  moral  or  religious  character,  not  sec- 


PENNSYLVANIA.  361 

tarian  or  political,  and  in  length  limited  to  fifteen  minutes ;  after  which 
the  subject  shall  be  thrown  open  to  the  Association  for  general  discus 
sion. 

"No  essay,  review,  or  motion,  of  a  sectarian  or  political  character, 
shall  be  entertained  by  the  Association,  nor  shall  any  denominational 
reference  be  made  in  debate. 

"In  case  any  member  shall  be  about  to  leave  this  city  for  other  places 
in  which  are  similar  Associations,  he  shall,  on  requesting  the  same, 
receive  from  the  President  and  Corresponding  Secretary,  a  card  of  intro 
duction  to  the  officers  of  those  societies. 

"  There  shall  be  appointed,  quarterly,  a  committee  to  visit  sick  mem 
bers.  When  informed  of  the  sickness  of  any  member,  this  committee 
shall  visit  him,  shall  ascertain  his  condition  and  wants,  and  if  watchers 
or  other  assistance  is  needed,  they  shall  supply  it,  and  report  their 
action  at  each  monthly  meeting." 

About  72  papers  and  magazines  are  received  regularly. 


LEWISBTJRG, 

UNIVERSITY  OF  LEWISBURG.     (1857.)     3000  vols. 

Founded  in  1851.  "The  corporation  is  worth,  in  lands,  buildings, 
mortgages,  and  reliable  subscriptions,  over  $180,000.  Its  endowment 
fund  is  over  $60,000.  Not  a  dollar  of  the  capital  is  allowed  to  be  used 
in  paying  current  expenses,  which  hitherto  have  all  been  promptly  met. 
The  funds  are  wholly  unincumbered  with  scholarships. 

"  The  SOCIETY  OF  ALUMNI  is  composed  of  all  the  graduates,  and 
such  others  as  having  left  this  institution  free  from  censure,  may  be 
elected  at  the  annual  meetings.  Its  objects  are  the  promotion  of  litera 
ture,  the  preservation  of  pleasing  associations,  and  especially  the  welfare 
and  advancement  of  the  University. 

"The  EUEPIAN  and  TIIETA  ALPHA  SOCIETIES  have  weekly  meet 
ings  for  debates,  essays,  £c.  Each  has  a  convenient  hall;  and  *sby  an 
arrangement  of  the  Faculty,  will  always  have  about  an  equal  number  of 
members. 

"  The  ACADEMIC  SOCIETY  comprises  all  such  students  in  the  Aca 
demy  as  may  choose  to  join  it,  and  are  of  proper  age. 

"The  SOCIETY  or   INQUIRY  comprises  students  from  both  depart- 


362  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

ments.  It  receives  religious  periodicals,  and  corresponds  with  kindred 
societies,  and  with  missionaries  in  various  parts  of  the  world.  At  its 
monthly  meetings  there  is  an  essay  read  in  public,  touching  some  impor 
tant  subject  connected  with  the  evangelization  of  the  world.  It  has  a 
valuable  library  of  works  connected  with  missions,  and  a  museum  of 
ethnological  articles,  to  which  contributions  are  solicited/' 

o  7 


MEADVILLE. 

ALLEGHANY  COLLEGE.     (185G.)     8000  vols. 

Founded  in  1815.  The  College  library  is  composed  almost  entirely 
of  three  bequests:  the  first,  in  point  of  size,  by  Hon.  James  Wmthrop, 
LL.D.,  of  Cambridge,  Massachusetts,  who  died  in  1821 ;  the  second, 
by  the  Rev.  William  Bently,  D.D.,  of  Salem,  Massachusetts ;  the  third, 
by  Isaiah  Thomas,  Esq.,  LL  D.,  of  Worcester,  Massachusetts.  A  cata 
logue  of  the  library  (130  pages  8vo.)  was  prepared  and  printed  in  1828, 
by  the  Ilev.  Timothy  Alden,  who  also  compiled  the  catalogues  of  the 
libraries  of  the  Massachusetts  and  New  York  Historical  Societies.  In 
the  Alleghany  Library  catalogue,  each  bequest  is  separately  registered, 
under  the  name  of  its  giver. 

"  In  the  catalogue,  the  intelligent  will  perceive  that  there  is  an  exten 
sive  range  of  the  best  editions  of  the  Greek  and  Roman  classics,  and  of 
the  ancient  Fathers  of  the  Christian  Church  •  that  there  are  books  in 
30  different  languages,  ancient  and  modern,  with  lexicons  and  grammars, 
and  elementary  books  for  studying  most  of  them ;  and  that  in  history, 
ancient  and  modern,  in  belles-lettres,  and  other  branches  of  literature 
and  science,  there  is  a  most  excellent  collection." — Remarks  of  Mr. 
Alden}  Catalogue,  p.  136. 


ALLEGHANY  LITERARY  SOCIETY  (ALLEGHANY  COLLEGE). 

(185G.)     350  vols. 

Founded  in  1820.  Members  of  the  Society,  and  all  students  of  the 
College,  are  entitled  to  the  free  use  of  the  library,  which  is  open  every 
Saturday  morning.  The  books  are  arranged  alphabetically.  About 
$200  are  expended  annually  for  the  purchase  of  books.  450  books  were 
lent,  during  1854,  to  160  persons. 


PENNSYLVANIA.  363 

PHILO  FRANKLIN  LITERARY  SOCIETY  (ALLEGHANY 
COLLEGE).     (1857.)     900  vols. 

Founded  June,  1834.  The  members  of  the  Society  pay  12$  cents 
each  College  term  towards  the  library.  The  library  is  open  every  Satur 
day  morning.  No  catalogue  has  been  printed. 


MEADVILLE  ACADEMY.     (1857.)     405  vols. 

Organized  December  4,  1854.  A  library  has  been  collected,  consist 
ing  of  standard  books  in  the  several  departments  of  science  arid  polite 
literature,  to  which  the  students  have  free  access,  by  paying  the  nomi 
nal  sum  of  five  cents  per  term  for  the  payment  of  the  librarian  and  the 
gradual  increase  of  books.  It  is  designed  to  be  a  working  library  rather 
than  one  for  show,  and  there  are  few  libraries  that  are  said  to  have  so 
good  a  selection  of  books  in*proportion  to  the  number.  $91  53  has  been 
the  average  amount  expended  for  books  in  the  last  five  years ;  and  135 
volumes  added.  1333  volumes  are  lent  annually. 


MEADVILLE  THEOLOGICAL  SCHOOL.     (1857.)     G350  vols. 

This  flourishing  institution  was  opened  October  1st,  1844,  through 
the  liberality  of  II.  J.  Huidekoper,  Esq.,  of  Meadville,  who,  with  all 
his  family,  have  been  its  warmest  friends  and  most  generous  benefactors. 
The  Unitarian  and  Christian  denominations  have  contributed  to  esta 
blish  this  Theological  School. 

The  full  course  of  study  lasts  three  years,  but  students  arc  admitted 
for  a  shorter  period.  The  requisites  for  admission  are  a  moderate  Eng 
lish  education  and  satisfactory  testimonials  of  a  good  moral  character. 
No  charge  is  made  for  tuition  or  text-books.  Indigent  students  are 
aided  by  donations  in  books  and  funds  from  the  Unitarian  and  Chris 
tian  denominations. 

The  social,  physical,  and  literary  advantages  of  Meadville,  where  this 
School  is  located,  are  unsurpassed  by  any  place  of  the  same  size  in  this 
country. 

During  the  year  1855, 100  volumes  were  added  to  the  library,  making 
the  total  number  5700  volumes.  Adding  text-books  1200,  and  private 
libraries  open  to  the  students,  5000  volumes,  there  will  be  a  total  of 
12,550  volumes  accessible  to  all  who  attend  the  school. 


364  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


MERCERSBURGK 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  OF  THE  GERMAN  REFORMED 
CHURCH.     (1857.)     8110  vols. 

The  library  was  commenced  with  the  Seminary,  in  1825.  The 
annual  expenditure  for  books  is  8150.  The  books  are  arranged  by 
subjects,  and  three  volumes  are  lent  for  three  weeks.  The  library  is 
open  every  Saturday  afternoon.  It  has  increased  at  the  rate  of  400 
volumes  a  year  since  1850.  2500  volumes  are  in  English,  100  French, 
5000  German,  250  Latin,  200  Greek,  and  60  Hebrew. 


NORRISTOWN. 

NORRISTOWN  LIBRARY  COMPANf.     (1857.)     5000  vols. 

Incorporated  March  18,  1796.  Stockholders  pay$l  per  year;  others 
six  cents  per  week.  It  is  open  one  hour  every  day.  A  catalogue  was 
printed  in  1853  ;  200  copies  cost  825.  The  North  American  Review 
and  Silliman's  Journal  are  regularly  taken. 

Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  8120. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  100. 

Average  annual  number  of  volumes  lent  to  readers,  1000. 


OAKLAND  FEMALE  INSTITUTE.     (185G.)     3000  vols. 

"On  the  29th  of  October,  1845,  the  'Oakland  Female  Institute'  was 
opened  in  a  commodious  building  with  but  four  pupils.  This  nucleus, 
however,  gradually  increased,  until  it  was  necessary,  before  the  close  of 
the  first  session,  to  provide  more  room. 

"  The  institution  continued  to  grow,  and  five  extensive  additions  were 
successively  made,  and  the  room  thus  furnished  was  immediately  filled. 

"In  1854,  the  centre  building,  which  completed  the  original  plan, 
was  finished.  And  in  connection  with  this,  every  other  part  of  the 
establishment  was  renovated,  and  thus  to  the  whole,  the  uniformity  and 
freshness  of  a  new  building  was  imparted.  Since  that  time,  the 
demand  for  room  has  been  much  beyond  the  capacity  of  the  building  to 
supply. 


PENNSYLVANIA.  365 

"  As  now  arranged,  the  edifice  is  183  feet  long,  41  feet  wide,  and  four 
stories  high ;  and  contains  130  apartments. 

"  The  chambers,  of  which  there  are  over  70,  are  mainly  calculated 
to  receive  but  two  pupils  each,  while  a  few  are  fitted  up  for  the  accom 
modation  of  four,  which  is  the  highest  number  that  will,  under  any  cir 
cumstances,  be  admitted  to  a  room/' 

8100,000  have  been  expended  in  establishing  this  Institute.  The 
apparatus  cost  §3000. 

YOUNG  LADIES'  LITERARY  AND  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION 

(OAKLAND  FEMALE  INSTITUTE).     (1856.)     1000  vols. 

"  Under  the  auspices  of  the  l  Young  Ladies'  Literary  and  Library 
Association/  a  reading-room  has  been  fitted  up, .and  .furnished  with 
many  of  the  best  religious  and  literary  periodicals  of  the  day.  A  library 
has  also  been  commenced,  which  already  numbers  about  1000  volumes, 
of  standard  value;  all  trashy  literature  being  contraband." 


PERKIOMEIS"  BRIDGE. 

PENNSYLVANIA  FEMALE  COLLEGE.     (185G.)     1000  vols. 

u Established  in  1851,  for  the  education  of  young  ladies,  in  the  vari 
ous  branches  of  useful  learning. 

"In  1853,  the  Legislature  of  the  Commonwealth,  in  order  to  extend 
its  usefulness,  and  give  to  it  a  more  comprehensive  and  permanent  cha 
racter,  erected  it  into  a  College  proper,  vested  with  full  university  privi 
leges,  including  legal  authority  to  grant  diplomas,  and  confer  degrees  in 
literature  and  the  liberal  arts. 

"The  institution  is  completely  organized  as  a  regular  College,  and 
has  been  operating  as  such,  for  the  last  three  years;  having  an  efficient 
Board  of  Teachers,  and  all  needful  facilities  for  imparting  a  course  of 
instruction,  as  full  and  thorough,  as  that  pursued  in  our  American  Col 
leges  for  the  other  sex/' 


PHILADELPHIA, 

ACADEMY  OF  NATURAL  SCIENCES.     (1855.)     17,000  vols. 
The  hall  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia, 


366  PUBLIC  LIBRARIES. 

stands  at  the  northwest  corner  of  Broad  and  George  Streets,  on  a  lot  of 
ground  measuring  50  by  120  feet.  The  building  is  of  brick,  fire-proof 
throughout,  and  unpretending  in  its  exterior  design  and  finish.  It 
extends  45  feet  on  Broad,  and  115  feet  on  George  Streets,  with  an  ele 
vation  of  55  feet.  When  built,  in  the  year  1839,  the  George  Street 
front  was  85  feet ;  but,  in  1847,  the  edifice  was  enlarged  to  its  present 
dimensions,  to  accommodate  the  Wilson  collection  of  birds.  The  hall 
is  divided  into  a  basement  and  a  single  story  above. 

"  It  is  accessible  by  two  doors ;  the  George  Street  door  opens  to  the 
library  only  •  the  front  or  Broad  Street  entrance  is  used,  almost  exclu 
sively,  by  visitors  to  the  museum. 

u  The  principal  story  consists  of  a  single  apartment  or  saloon.  It  is 
110  feet  long,  and  42  feet  wide,  and  is  lighted  from  the  roof  and  east 
and  west  extremities.  On  the  north  and  south  sides  arc  three  galleries, 
which,  with  the  exception  of  the  lowest,  are  supported  by  graceful  iron 
columns ;  four  ranges  of  vertical  cases  are  placed  against  the  walls,  and 
a  range  of  foot-cases,  at  the  outer  edge  of  the  second  and  third  galleries. 
Shallow  cases  are  suspended  horizontally  on  the  rail  of  the  lowest  or 
flying  gallery.  On  the  west  side,  are  three  galleries  and  four  ranges  of 
vertical  cases.  The  floor  is  occupied  by  three  ranges  of  broad  horizon 
tal  cases  extending  the  length  of  the  hall ;  and  each  is  surmounted  in 
the  centre  line  by  a  series  of  vertical  cases,  two  feet  and  a  half  high, 
glazed  on  both  sides. 

"  At  the  eastern,  or  Broad  Street  extremity,  on  each  side,  is  a  strong 
vertical  case,  containing  the  skeletons  of  large  fossil  saurian s,  imbedded 
in  massive  slabs  of  lias  limestone.  Above  the  case,  on  the  south  side, 
are  suspended  the  portraits  of  William  Maclure,  William  Ilembel,  and 
Samuel  George  Morton;  and  above  that  of  the  north  side,  those  of 
Thomas  Say,  George  Ord,  and  Gerard  Troost,  all  distinguished  mem 
bers,  and,  during  many  years  of  their  lives,  official  servants  of  the  insti 
tution. 

"  The  basement  is  divided  into  five  apartments  :  two  on  'the  west,  two 
on  the  east,  and  one  on  the  north  of  the  hall  or  vestibule,  connected 
with  the  George  Street  entrance. 

"The  northeast  basement  room  is  9  feet  by  16,  and  has  a  gallery  with 
two  ranges  of  vertical  cases  on  three  sides  of  it. 

u  The  east  basement  room  is  41  feet  in  length  by  40  in  breadth,  with 
a  gallery  and  two  ranges  of  vertical  cases  on  four  sides.  Vertical  cases 
form  a  central  partition,  which  has  a  continuous  gallery  on  each  side. 
Horizontal  cases  occupy  the  floor. 


PENNSYLVANIA.  867 

"  The  north  basement-room  is  20  by  28  feet :  it  is  used  as  a  work 
shop. 

"  The  southwest  basement-room  is  20  by  24  feet.  It  is  surrounded 
by  a  gallery  and  two  ranges  of  vertical  cases. 

"  The  west  basement-room  is  28  by  42  feet.  It  has  a  gallery  and 
two  ranges  of  vertical  cases  on  its  four  walls,  and  cases  extend  from  the 
north  and  south  sides,  several  feet  towards  the  centre.  This  apartment 
communicates  with  the  main  saloon  by  a  flight  of  broad  stairs. 

"The  south  and  west  rooms  contain  the  library:  the  sessions  of  the 
Society  are  held  in  the  latter. 

"  This  brief  description  of  the  building  will  serve  to  introduce  the 
reader  to  the  several  departments  of  the  museum. 

"  The  collections  are  extensive  in  several  departments,  and,  with  very 
few  exceptions,  all  are  still  in  process  of  classification.  The  entire  work 
of  arrangement  devolves  upon  the  members,  whose  ordinary  vocations 
permit  them  to  devote  to  it  only  the  leisure  moments  which  most  men 
spend  in  amusements.  Only  a  few  of  them,  a  part  of  those  composing 
the  standing  committees,  arc  able  to  give  any  portion  of  the  day  to  assist 
in  this  very  tedious  task.  Every  department  receives  a  due  share  of 
attention;  and  though  all  advance  slowly,  enough  has  been  accomplished 
to  deserve  high  commendation.  It  should  be  remembered  that  no  pecu 
niary  profit  accrues  from  the  labor  and  pains  bestowed  in  labelling  and 
displaying  the  very  many  thousands  of  objects,  which  have  been  brought 
together  here,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  diffusing  knowledge  among  our 
fellow-citizens.  * 

"  The  insects  are  arranged  in  boxes,  made  to  resemble  folio  volumes, 
about  two  and  a  half  inches  thick;  two  sides  of  the  boxes  are  glass,  pro 
tected  on  the  outside  by  movable  covers,  like  those  of  a  book.  A  label 
on  the  back  of  each  designates  the  class  to  which  its  contents  belong; 
and  a  catalogue  or  index  is  written  on  the  inside  of  the  left  hand  cover. 
The  series  on  the  shelves  of  the  cases  might  be  mistaken  for  a  work  on 
entomology  in  many  volumes.  The  insects  are  secured  in  such  a  manner 
that  both  their  upper  and  under  surfaces  may  be  readily  examined  with 
out  exposing  them  to  dust  or  air.  Before  they  are  fixed  in  the  boxes, 
they  are  exposed  to  a  high  temperature,  in  an  oven  contrived  for  the 
purpose,  in  order  to  destroy  the  vitality  of  those  eggs  or  larva)  they  may 
contain,  which  have  always  been  more  or  less  destructive  to  such  collec 
tions.  After  the  specimens  are  arranged,  all  the  joints  of  the  boxes  are 


368  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

thoroughly  closed  with  poisoned  paste,  which  secures  them  from  the  in 
vasion  of  ravaging  marauders. 

"By  this  plan,  the  collection  is  kept  in  a  perfect  state  of  preservation, 
and  is  entirely  available  for  study. " 

"The  library  commenced  in  April,  1812,  with  a  few  volumes  given 
by  Mr.  John  Speakman  and  Dr.  Mann.  Among  the  early  patrons  of 
the  library,  Mr.  William  Maclure,  R.  E.  Griffith,  and  Zaccheus  Collins, 
were  prominent.  The  donations  of  Mr.  Maclure  alone,  up  to  the  time 
of  his  death,  in  1840,  amount  to  5232  volumes.  In  the  year  1841,  the 
library  contained  7000  volumes;  in  1855,  17,000  volumes. 

"Very  few  volumes  have  been  purchased  or  received  from  public 
sources  ;  almost  all  have  been  gifts  from  individuals  or  societies  devoted 
to  the  cultivation  and  diffusion  of  knowledge.  Some  are  received  in 
exchange  for  the  publications  of  the  Academy.  The  donors  are  very 
numerous.  Those  who  have  presented  the  largest  number  of  volumes 
since  the  year  1840,  are  Dr.  T.  B.  Wilson,  Mr.  Edward  Wilson,  and  Dr. 
R.  E.  Griffith. 

"  A  manuscript  catalogue  of  the  library  was  prepared  by  Dr.  Hays, 
assisted  by  Mr.  Keating;  and,  subsequently,  the  Library  Committee, 
consisting  of  Dr.  Samuel  George  Morton,  Dr.  Charles  Pickering,  Dr. 
Thomas  McEwen,  Professor  Walter  11.  Johnson,  Dr.  Robert  Bridges, 
and  Dr.  Joseph  Carson,  prepared  another  catalogue  on  a  different  plan, 
which  was  printed  October,  1836.  At  that  date,  the  library  contained 
6890  volumes,  exclusive  of  duplicates,  and  435  separate  maps  and 
charts. 

"The  number  of  volumes  for  circulation  is  limited.  It  has  been  gene 
rally  considered  desirable  that  the  library  should  be  for  reference  chiefly, 
and  the  library  apartment  a  reading-room,  open  freely  to  the  members 
and  strangers  properly  introduced.  The  use  of  large  and  costly  works 
and  periodicals,  is  restricted  to  the  hall. 

"It  is  remarkable  that  so  large  a  collection  of  books  should  have  been 
made  without  the  assistance  of  a  library  fund,  the  establishment  of  which 
has  long  teen  deemed  an  important  object.  But  the  treasury  of  the 
Society  has  never  been  more  than  sufficient  to  meet  the  demands  against 
it,  for  purposes  and  objects  necessary  to  the  care  and  preservation  of  the 
museum. 

"At  a  meeting  of  the  17th  of  March,  a  t  Constitutional  Act'  was  dis 
cussed  arid  agreed  upon;  but  the  present  title,  Academy  of  Natural 
Sciences,  was  employed,  for  the  first  time,  in  the  minutes  for  March 


PENNSYLVANIA.  369 

21st.  This  name  was  adopted  on  a  suggestion  of  Dr.  Samuel  Jackson, 
at  present  the  distinguished  Professor  of  the  Institutes  of  Medicine  in 
the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  On  this  occasion,  the  members  pledged 
themselves  to  a  mutual  support  in  all  things  pertaining  to  establishing 
an  academy  of  natural  sciences,  and  to  share  the  expenses  and  respon 
sibility  which  might  accrue.  They  agreed  c  to  contribute  to  the  forma 
tion  of  a  museum  of  natural  history,  a  library  of  works  of  science,  a 
chemical  experimental  laboratory,  an  experimental  philosophical  appa 
ratus,  and  every  other  desirable  appendage  or  convenience,  for  the  illus 
tration  and  advancement  of  natural  knowledge,  and  for  the  common 
benefit  of  all  the  individuals  who  maybe  admitted  members  of  our  insti 
tution/ 

"  It  was  determined  that  the  founders,  seven  in  number,  should  con 
stitute  a  '  Committee  and  Board  of  Pvcgulations,  Management,  and 
Direction.' 

"  It  was  decided,  at  a  meeting  of  the  same  day,  that  the  origin  of  the 
institution  should  date  from  the  21st  of  March,  A.D.  1812,  or  the  37th 
year  of  the  United  States,  and  its  anniversary  should  be  on  that  day. 
Thursday  was  fixed  for  the  meetings  of  the  Board  of  Management,  and 
Saturday  for  the  general  session  of  the  Society. 

"  The  formation  of  a  society,  devoted  to  the  cultivation  of  natural 
knowledge,  from  which  the  discussion  of  national,  religious,  and  political 
questions  should  be  excluded,  had  been  a  subject  of  public  conversation 
for  three  months,  and  <  many  men  of  scientific  acquirements  and  appa 
rent  zeal'  had  been  consulted,  and  probably  invited  to  join  in  the  enter 
prise.  But  up  to  this  date  (March  21)  only  six  had  formally  met  toge 
ther,  and  they  found,  in  their  small  number,  little  to  encourage  them  to 
proceed.  They  were  aware  of  the  difficulties  and  dangers  to  which  they 
were  exposed;  but  they  bravely  determined  to  push  forward.  'We 
cannot  dissemble  to  ourselves/  say  the  founders  at  this  time,  'that, 
unless  we  take  on  ourselves,  among  our  very  small  number,  a,  responsi 
bility,  as  to  character  and  expenses,  that  may  and  must  be  considerable, 
and,  unless  we  make  very  extraordinary,  zealous,  determined,  and  perse 
vering  exertions,  the  institution  must  die  in  the  nutshell,  before  it  can 
germinate  and  take  root :  in  fine,  that  unless  we  be  faithful  and  honor 
able  to  each  other,  and  zealous  for  the  interests  of  science,  liberally 
devote  much  time,  much  industry,  much  labor,  much  attention,  and  any 
sum  of  money  that  may  be  requisite,  such  an  establishment  as  the  one 
we  desire  may  never  take  place,  or  not  for  ages,  in  this  community;  a 

24 


370  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

society  of  generous,  good-willing  emulation  for  the  acquirement,  increase, 
simplification,  and  diifusion  of  natural  knowledge.' 

u  About  the  1st  of  April,  a  small  room  was  rented  on  the  second 
floor  of  a  house  on  the  east  side  of  North  Second  Street,  near  Bace,  No. 
121.  The  ground-floor  was  occupied  as  a  milliner's  shop. 

u  In  this  small  room  the  nucleus  of  the  present  museum  and  library 
first  appeared.  Mr.  Speakman  and  Dr.  Mann  presented  books;  Mr. 
Parmantier  presented  an  herbarium  collected  in  the  environs  of  Paris ; 
Dr.  Barnes  presented  a  few  shells  and  insects ;  Mr.  Say,  a  few  mounted 
birds;  and  Dr.  Troost  some  artificial  crystals,  prepared  by  himself. 
Each  member  had  given  something;  and,  though  the  'display  of  objects 
of  science'  was  'calculated  rather  to  excite  merriment  than  procure 
respect'  at  the  time  (April  16,  1812),  when  Mr.  Say  was  first  intro 
duced  to  the  temple,  it  was  the  germ  which  his  assiduous  care  assisted 
in  developing  to  the  present  extent  and  value. 

"  Dr.  John  Barnes,  who  was  the  first  member  elected,  took  his  seat 
on  the  18th  of  April.  On  this  occasion,  the  Board  of  Management, 
which  included  all  the  founders,  retired  to  an  adjoining  apartment  for 
the  transaction  of  business,  leaving  Dr.  Barnes  alone  to  constitute  the 
meeting  of  the  Academy. 

ii  The  rapid  increase  of  the  collections,  and  the  narrow  limits  of  the 
apartments  at  No.  121.  Second  Street,  rendered  more  extensive  accom 
modations  necessary.  With  the  approbation  of  the  Society,  Messrs. 
Speakman  and  Say  rented  the  upper  part  of  a  three-storied  house,  on 
the  west  side  of  North  Second  Street  (now  No.  78  or  80),  the  ground- 
floor  of  which  was  occupied  for  the  sale  of  iron  in  bars,  and  other  forms. 
To  these  apartments,  called  the  Hall  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences, 
the  collections  were  removed  in  the  month  of  September. 

"  The  increase  of  the  museum  required  larger  accommodations  than 
the  apartments  of  the  Academy  afforded.  On  the  9th  of  August,  1814, 
Mr.  J.  Gilliams  proposed  to  build  a  hall  for  the  use  of  the  Academy,  on 
a  vacant  lot  in  the  rear  of  his  father's  residence,  at  an  annual  rent  of 
$200 ;  but  this  generous  offer  was  not  accepted  until  April,  1815. 

"The  cabinet  and  library  were  moved  into  the  new  hall  about  the  end 
of  July.  The  minutes  of  the  meeting  for  August  1,  1815,  are  as  fol 
lows  :  l  Owing  to  the  confusion  of  moving  from  the  old  hall,  in  Second 
Street,  to  the  new  hall,  Gilliams'  Court,  Arch  Street,  between  Front 
and  Second  Streets,  the  members  assembled  judged  it  most  expedient 
not  to  organize  the  meeting  for  this  evening,  and  accordingly  withdrew.' 


PENNSYLVANIA.  371 

a  The  first  period  of  the  history  of  the  Academy,  extends  from  the 
foundation  to  its  establishment  in  the  new  hall,  erected  at  the  expense 
of  Mr.  Gil  Hams. 

"During  the  year  1810,  a  constitution  was  adopted,  and  in  December 
Messrs.  Mathias  Morris,  Zaccheus  Collins,  and  Dr.  R.  M.  Patterson, 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  apply  to  the  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania 
for  an  act  to  incorporate  the  Society,  which  was  obtained,  and  is  dated 
March  24,  1817.  This  committee  received  considerable  aid  from  Ben 
jamin  11.  Morgan,  Esq.,  John  Heed,  Esq.,  and  John  M.  Scott,  Esq.,  in 
procuring  the  act  of  incorporation;  and  the  Society  acknowledged  their 
services  in  a  series  of  resolutions  adopted  on  the  15th  of  July. 

u  At  the  instance  of  Mr.  Maclure,  a  committee  was  appointed,  on  the 
4th  of  February,  1817,  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of  publishing  a 
periodical  journal  of  the  transactions  of  the  Society.  This  committee 
consisted  of  Mr.  Maclure  (chairman),  and  Messrs.  Z.  Collins,  T.  Say,  R. 
Haines,  and  S.  Hazard;  they  reported  in  favor  of  publication,  on  the 
4th  of  March,  but  the  report  was  not  adopted  until  the  llth.  It  was 
feared  that  a  periodical  devoted  exclusively  to  science,  would  find  too 
few  patrons  to  defray  the  expense  of  printing,  and  for  this  reason  it  was 
anticipated  by  some  that  the  entire  cost  of  publication  would  fall  upon 
the  treasury  of  the  Academy,  which  had  been  empty  for  a  considerable 
time.  But  Mr.  Maclure  zealously  urged  the  advantages  which  would 
inure  to  the  institution,  from  a  publication  designed  to  make  known  to  the 
world  the  labors  and  discoveries  in  natural  science  by  members  of  the  Aca 
demy.  He  himself  was  so  confident  of  the  success  of  the  measure,  that  he 
inspired  hope  in  those  who  regarded  the  undertaking  despondingly  or  in 
coldness.  The  first  number  of  a  journal  was  laid  before  a  meeting  of 
the  Society,  on  the  20th  of  May,  1817.  It  contains  a  description  of 
six  new  species  of  Firola  (with  a  plate),  by  C.  A.  Lesueur;  an  account 
of  the  Rocky  Mountain  sheep  (Ovis  montana'),  by  George  Orel;  and  a 
'  Description  of  seven  species  of  American  Freshwater  and  Land  Shells, 
not  noticed  in  the  Systems.  By  Thomas  Say/ 

"  The  first  committee  of  publication  consisted  of  Messrs.  Maclure,  T. 
Say,  G.  Ord,  K.  Haines,  T.  Nuttall,  J.  Dulles,  Dr.  Cooper,  and  Dr.  R. 
M.  Patterson. 

"  The  year  1817  was  eventful  in  the  history  of  the  Academy.  A 
charter  was  obtained,  which  gave  the  institution  a  legal  existence ;  and 
the  publication  of  the  Journal  was  commenced,  which  was  the  means  of 
opening  intercourse  with  learned  societies  at  home  and  abroad,  and 


372  PUBLIC    LHJMAR1F.S, 

making  known  our  own  existence.  An  exchange  of  journeys,  first  with 
the  American  Philosophical  Society,  and  subsequently  with  other 
learned  societies,  was  begun,  and  has  been  continued  to  the  present 
time,  when  the  publications  of  the  Academy  are  exchanged  with  12 
societies  within  the  Union,  and  34  beyond  its  limits,  in  America,  Europe, 
Asia,  and  Africa.  No  one  act  of  the  Academy  has  contributed  so  much 
to  its  prosperity  as  the  publication  of  this  Journal. 

"  In  November  of  this  year,  the  Academy  appointed,  for  the  first 
time,  standing  committees  on  Zooloay,  Botany,  Mineralogy,  and  Geo- 

logy- 

"  The  progress  of  the  Academy  was  not  very  rapid;  yet,  at  the  close 
of  1820,  the  question  of  enlarged  accommodation  once  more  presented 
itself  for  consideration.  The  institution  had  sprung  from  inconsiderable 
beginnings,  and  pursued  its  objects  in  a  retired  and  unpretending  manner, 
and  now  in  the  eighth  year  of  its  existence,  was  favorably  recognized 
by  the  friends  of  natural  science,  both  at  home  and  abroad.  At  that 
time,  it  numbered  about  100  members  and  190  correspondents. 

"In  the  year  1823,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  the  best 
means  of  obtaining  better  accommodations.  On  the  25th  of  January, 
1825,  that  committee  was  discharged,  and  another  appointed,  consisting 
of  Isaac  Hays,  M.D.,  William  Mason  Walmsley,  William  Strickland, 
William  S.  Warder,  Samuel  George  Morton.  M.D.,  and  Roberts  Yaux. 
This  committee  was  continued,  and  finally  succeeded  in  establishing  the 
Society  in  new  quarters. 

"  On  the  3d  of  January,  1826,  the  Society  purchased  a  lot  of  ground 
and  building  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Twelfth  and  George  Streets,  for 
the  sum  of  $4800.  It  had  been  originally  designed,  and  was  used  as  a 
place  of  religious  worship  for  several  years,  by  a  society  of  Swedenbor- 
gians  \  and,  to  fit  it  for  the  purposes  of  the  Academy,  an  expenditure 
of  $1700  was  required,  making  the  aggregate  cost  about  §6000.  This 
sum  was  made  up  of  donations  from  members,  to  the  amount  of  more 
than  $2000,  the  balance  being  lent  by  a  few  members  and  others. 
A  debt  of  83000  was  thus  created,  and  up  to  August,  1837,  only  $300 
of  the  amount  had  been  paid  off.  At  that  time,  Mr.  Maclure,  with  his 
characteristic  liberality,  presented  the  institution  with  $5000.  The 
debt  was  forthwith  liquidated,  and  82300  placed  at  interest  for  the  use 
of  the  Society. 

"  The  purchase  of  this  property  was  opposed  by  some  few  of  the 
members,  who  urged  that  its  situation  was  too  remote,  and  that  in 


PENNSYLVANIA.  373 

winter  it  would  be  scarcely  accessible  to  a  majority.  And  Mr.  Maclure, 
when  first  called  upon  to  contribute  towards  the  purchase,  declined  on 
the  ground  that,  though  the  property  was  at  a  moderate  price,  it  would 
never  increase  in  value.  He  urged  that  '  the  community  system7  must 
prevail  in  the  course  of  a  few  years,  and  then  Philadelphia  would  be 
deserted,  and  those  who  might  live  long  enough  would  'see  the  foxes 
looking  out  at  the  windows.'  But,  finding  his  arguments  did  not  pre 
vail,  he  subscribed  several  hundred  dollars. 

"The  Academy  met  in  that  hall  for  the  first  time,  on  the  9th  of  May, 
1826.  The  edifice,  commonly  called  the  'New  Jerusalem  Church/  was 
44  by  50  feet,  and  surmounted  by  a  dome  ;  the  lot  of  ground  on  which 
it  stood,  was  99  by  45  feet.  There  is  a  representation  of  the  old  hall 
on  the  title-page  of  the  sixth  volume  of  the  Journal. 

"  To  render  the  museum  extensively  useful,  and  to  diffuse  a  love  of 
science,  the  Academy  opened  it  to  the  public  gratuitously,  in  1828 ; 
and,  from  that  time,  it  has  been  visited  by  citizens  and  strangers  on 
Tuesday  and  Friday  afternoons  throughout  the  year  j  tickets  of  admis 
sion  being  presented  by  the  members  to  any  who  may  apply  for  them.1 
The  Legislature  of  the  State,  appreciating  the  liberality  and  usefulness 
of  the  Academy,  exempted  the  institution  from  taxation  for  a  period  of 
20  years  from  the  year  1831. 

"  Here  the  collections  of  the  Academy  continued  to  increase ;  the 
zeal  of  the  members  was  unabated.  In  the  year  1837,  there  was  again 
a  demand  for  increased  accommodation,  which  must  be  regarded  as  posi 
tive  evidence  of  prosperity. 

"  On  the  22d  of  April,  1839,  the  Society  purchased  the  lot  at  the  north 
west  corner  of  Broad  and  George  Streets,  for  the  sum  of  813,333,  and 
on  the  25th  of  May,  the  corner-stone  of  the  present  edifice  was  laid  with 
the  usual  ceremonies.  On  the  occasion,  Professor  Walter  R.  Johnson 
delivered  an  eloquent  and  appropriate  address,  which  was  published  by 
order  of  the  Society. 

"  The  value  of  the  premises  at  the  corner  of  Twelfth  and  George 
Streets  had  appreciated  very  much,  but  the  means  of  erecting  this  hall 
were  chiefly  derived  from  William  Maclure,  who  subscribed  towards 

'  During  a  considerable  period,  admission  to  the  museum  was  without  any  re 
striction  whatever  on  the  public  days;  but  finding  that  it  became  a  resort  for 
young  children,  who  frequently  damaged  the  cases  and  collections,  it  was  deter 
mined  to  exclude  all  who  were  not  provided  with  tickets,  which  could  always  be 
procured  on  application  to  members. 


374  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

this  desirable  object,  820,000.  S17.000  were  reserved  as  a  building 
fund,  which  was  largely  augmented  by  liberal  donations  from  members 
and  others  interested  in  the  cause  of  science. 

"  The  Society  held  its  first  meeting  in  this  hall,  on  the  7th  of  Feb 
ruary,  1840,  and  from  that  date  to  the  present,  the  prosperity  of  the 
Academy  has  continued. 

"In  3Iarch,  1841,  the  Society  commenced  the  publication  of  the 
{  Proceedings  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia/  a 
number  being  issued  every  two  months,  and  furnished  to  subscribers  at 
SI  a  year.  This  periodical  contains  a  record  of  the  meetings  of  the 
Academy,  which  are  held  every  Tuesday  evening.  Strangers  may  be 
present,  except  at  the  last  meeting  in  each  month,  which  is  reserved  for 
the  private  business  of  the  institution.  The  other  or  ordinary  meetings 
are  devoted  to  the  reading  of  scientific  papers,  verbal  communications, 
the  reception  of  donations,  &c.  &c.,  all  of  which  are  appropriately  stated 
in  the  l  Proceedings.' 

"  A  second  series  of  the  Journal  of  the  Academy  was  commenced  in 
December,  1847.  It  is  in  quarto  form,  and  is  furnished  to  subscribers 
at  $1  50  the  number.  Six  numbers  have  been  published;  four  of  which 
constitute  a  volume.  This  new  series  embraces,,  at  this  time,  45  articles 
by  20  authors,  with  59  handsome  plates  or  illustrations;  the  aggregate 
consists  of  540  quarto  pages. 

"The  authors  of  contributions  receive  no  remuneration  for  their  labors. 
These  periodicals  are  sustained  by  subscription,  assisted  by  a  legacy  from 
the  late  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Scott.  She  bequeathed  S2000,  to  be  securely 
invested,  and  the  interest  to  be  expended  in  '  printing  and  publishing 
such  papers  communicated  to  the  Academy,  as  it  may  direct'  to  be 
published.  It  is  expended  exclusively  on  the  Journal. 

"As  already  stated,  the  founders  of  the  institution  were  seven  in 
number.  Since  the  IGth  of  April,  1812,  when  the  first  election  took 
place,  up  to  the  31st  of  December,  1851,  420  gentlemen  and  1  lady 
have  been  elected  members,  making  an  aggregate  of  42S.  Of  this 
number,  112  became  '  life-members/  08  of  whom  are  known  to  be 
deceased ;  so  that  there  are  74  members  at  this  time  exempt  from  the 
payment  of  annual  contributions.  Of  the  317  ordinary  members,  46 
are  known  to  have  deceased ;  many  have  removed  from  the  city,  some 
have  resigned,  and  a  few  have  been  erased  from  the  list  of  members. 
The  books  of  the  treasurer  show  that,  in  the  year  1851,  there  were  only 


PENNSYLVANIA.  375 

69  annual  subscribers ;  so  that,  at  this  time,  the  number  of  members 
does  not  probably  exceed  200. 

"From  the  formation  of  the  Society  up  to  December  31,  1851,  306 
persons,  resident  within  the  United  States,  but  not  of  this  city,  and  277 
persons  resident  in  foreign  countries,  or  an  aggregate  of  583,  have  been 
elected  correspondents.  Of  this  number,  93  are  known  to  be  deceased. 
The  number  of  correspondents  at  this  time  does  not  probably  exceed  450. 

"  Supposing  that  every  member  and  every  correspondent  elected  has 
done  something  to  advance  the  institution,  its  present  condition  is  due, 
on  the  most  liberal  estimate,  to  the  joint  liberality  and  labors  of  not 
more  than  1000  individuals,  in  all  parts  of  the  world,  in  the  course  of 
40  years.  In  that  period,  the  population  of  Philadelphia  has  increased 
from  less  than  100,000  to  more  than  400,000 ;  yet,  from  this  great  number 
of  people,  in  all  that  time,  only  428  citizens  of  Philadelphia  have  be 
come  members,  and  contributed  to  the  advancement  of  the  Academy  of 
Natural  Sciences,  an  institution  for  the  acquisition  and  diffusion  of  know 
ledge,  second  to  none  in  this  city  or  State. 

"  The  institution  is  supported  exclusively  by  donations,  and  the  annual 
contributions  of  its  members,  of  whom  very  few  possess  superfluous 
means.  It  owns  no  domain  yielding  revenue ;  yet,  in  spite  of  a  mort 
gage  debt  on  the  building,  of  SH;000,  it  has  thus  far  lived,  and  almost 
flourished,  on  means  afforded  by  the  generous  who  are  lovers  of  science." 
A  Notice  of  the  Academy. 


AMERICAN  SUNDAY-SCHOOL  UNION.     (1857.)     GOOO  vols. 

"  The  American  Sunday-school  Union  is  a  school-founding  society, 
and  the  schools  it  founds,  are  designed  for  a  particular  class  of  the  com 
munity  ',  are  restricted  to  a  single  day  of  the  week  j  and  are  expected 
to  furnish  instruction  in  only  one  branch,  viz.,  moral  and  religious  truth. 
The  gain  to  the  general  state  of  intelligence  and  mental  activity,  though 
incalculably  great,  is  incidental.  The  officers  and  managers,  by  the 
charter,  must  be  laymen. 

"  In  the  early  operations  of  the  Society,  and  for  the  purpose,  mainly, 
of  securing  the  attendance  of  pupils,  and  rewarding  punctuality  and 
good  behavior,  tickets  were  given,  redeemable  in  little  books  (hence 
called,  to  this  day,  premium  books),  to  be  the  property  of  the  recipient. 
This  being  found  somewhat  burdensome  on  the  teacher,  and  the  ticket 
system,  itself,  having  gradually  fallen  into  disuse,  the  sensible  idea  was 


376  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

conceived  of  putting  the  collection  of  books  into  the  school  as  a  library, 
to  be  distributed  and  returned  weekly. 

"  The  number  of  suitable  books  being  small,  however,  the  variety 
then  obtainable  would  not  serve  a  school  of  20  pupils  a  single  month. 
The  necessity  of  making  them  was,  therefore,  inevitable.  And,  as  the 
schools  to  be  supplied  were,  for  the  most  part,  organized  on  the  broad, 
catholic  basis  of  Protestant  Christianity,  irrespective  of  sectarianism,  it 
was  needful  that  the  books  for  their  use  should  be  prepared  on  similar 
principles,  A  committee  was,  therefore,  formed  (exclusively  of  laymen), 
to  serve  the  Society  in  this  respect,  consisting  of  eight  or  more  members, 
only  two  of  whom  shall,  in  any  case,  belong  to  the  same  denomination } 
and  it  is  the  predominant  feature  in  the  character  of  this  committee, 
that  each  member  has  a  peremptory,  unqualified  veto  on  every  publica 
tion.  Under  this  stringent  arrangement,  the  Society  has  issued  nearly 
2000  different  publications,  about  half  of  which  are  bound  library-books, 
varying  in  size,  from  36  to  500  pages  18mo. 

"  The  publication  of  this  class  of  books  was,  for  some  years,  almost 
exclusively  the  work  of  our  institution ;  but,  as  the  lines  which  separate 
the  various  denominations  from  each  other  became  more  distinct,  and 
were  more  rigidly  observed,  the  Sunday-school  and  its  library  were 
enlisted  in  the  propagation  of  their  respective  views  •  and  now,  the  lead 
ing  divisions  and  subdivisions  of  the  Christian  community  have,  each,  a 
publication  department,  and  the  total  amount  issued  from  them  all,  can 
not  be  much  less  than  100.  So  that  we  cannot  estimate  the  additions 
made  to  the  stock  of  juvenile  books,  in  the  United  States,  at  much  less 
than  200  per  annum.  I  have  not  a  doubt  myself,  that  such  a  redun 
dancy  of  books  of  this  class  is,  in  a  high  degree,  prejudicial  to  the 
moral  and  intellectual  habits  of  those  for  whom  they  are  designed. 

"  In  the  publication  of  our  books,  all  responsibility  is  shifted  from 
the  author  to  the  committee,  but  no  book  is  published  with  the  name 
of  the  author  (living  or  dead),  which  says  what  he  did  not  say,  or  sup 
presses  what  he  did  say,  unless  express  or  implied  consent  is  first  ob 
tained  to  such  addition  or  omission. 

"  My  official  connection  with  the  Society,  is  as  editor  of  its  publica 
tions;  which  office  I  have  held  for  nearly  30  years.  During  that  period, 
nearly  nine-tenths  of  our  publications  have  been  issued.  I  am  a  mem 
ber  of  the  Committee  of  Publication,  and  have  a  veto,  in  common  with 
the  rest;  but  when  a  MS.  has  passed  the  committee,  it  is  my  duty  to 


PENNSYLVANIA.  377 

prepare  it  for  the  press,  and  see  to  its  progress,  until  the  stereotype-plates 
are  ready  for  the  blocks. 

"  I  may  say  (to  show  the  labor  of  our  committee,  whose  services  are 
gratuitous)  that  four-fifths  of  the  matter  submitted  for  publication,  are 
declined,  but  not  without  examination. 

"In  the  discharge  of  these  various  duties,  and  in  the  editing  of  our 
two  semi-monthly  periodicals  (of  which  we  circulate  between  3,000,000 
and  4,000,000  annually),  there  is  much  occasion  for  books  of  reference; 
and  whenever  we  notice  the  publication  of  a  book,  in  this  country  or 
abroad,  bearing  on  that  department  of  religious  literature,  which  lies 
within  our  province,  we  secure  a  copy.  In  this  way,  we  have  gathered 
a  collection  of  books  of  a  very  miscellaneous  character,  and  some  5000 
or  6000  in  number.  Among  these,  we  have  probably  the  largest  variety 
of  books  for  children,  which  is  to  be  found  in  the  country ;  embracing 
every  kind  of  toy-books,  picture-books,  and  story-books  (English  and 
American)  •  nearly  200  varieties  of  catechisms,  and  elementary  ques 
tion-books  •  and  almost  endless  specimens  of  children's  periodicals. 

"  It  has  long  been  my  desire  to  catalogue  this  collection  •  for  though 
many  of  the  items  are  very  diminutive  in  themselves,  they  combine  to 
illustrate  the  successive  efforts  of  thoughtful  men  and  women  to  impart 
knowledge  and  impress  truth  on  the  minds  of  children.  When  it  is  con 
sidered  in  how  large  a  degree  the  tastes  and  habits  of  a  generation  are 
influenced  by  early  impressions,  this  primary  department  of  literature 
cannot  be  uninteresting;  and  the  advances  which  have  been  made  in  it 
are  very  strikingly  seen  in  a  comparison  of  books  prepared  specially  for 
children,  in  1806  and  1856. 

"If  I  had  the  time,  I  should  take  exquisite  pleasure  in  preparing  a 
catalogue  of  these  diminutive  volumes,  even  the  least  of  them,  with  full 
titles,  authors'  names,  imprints,  date,  &c.  &c. ;  and  I  am  sure  I  could 
not  complete  such  a  catalogue  without  a  conviction  that  it  would  reveal 
quite  as  much  of  the  influences  that  have  moulded  the  political  and 
social  fabrics  of  Protestant  countries,  as  the  folio  catalogues  of  the  Bri 
tish  Museum. 

"  You  will  perceive,  that  we  have  a  'library/  with  a  'locality/  but  it 
is  entirely  anomalous  in  its  character.  We  have  been  kindly  favored, 
at  various  times,  with  Government  publications  for  our  library.  And 
hence,  I  felt  bound  to  put  ourselves  in  the  way  to  be  recognized  in  some 
form ;  and  yet,  as  you  will  readily  see,  I  could  not  reply  in  the  form 
prescribed  by  the  circular." — Frederick  A.  Packard. 


378  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 


APPRENTICES'  LIBRARY  COMPANY.     (185G.)     16,500  vols. 

Incorporated  April  2,  1821.  In  1841,  a  separate  department  was 
established  for  girls.  The  boys'  library  contains  about  11,450  volumes; 
the  girls'  library,  5050.  The  annual  income  of  the  institution  is,  from 
members,  8GOO;  from  investments,  $950.  There  is  a  catalogue  for 
each  library.  For  the  boys'  library,  the  last  catalogue  (12mo.)  was 
printed  in  1854;  for  the  girls'  library,  in  1853  (12mo.). 

The  library  is  opened  for  boys,  on  four  evenings;  and  for  girls,  on 
three  afternoons  of  each  week.  Apprentices  and  others  under  21  years 
of  age  are  allowed  the  use  of  the  books  gratis.  The  library  is  used  regu 
larly  by  about  1800  boys,  and  1700  girls.  Members  pay  §2  per  annum, 
or  $25  for  life.  The  library  is  situated  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Fifth 
and  Arch  Streets. 

From  the  Annual  Report  of  the  Managers,  presented  March,  1848, 
we  gather  the  following  additional  statements  : 

"  Mr.  Thomas  AY.  Goldtrap  has  bequeathed  to  the  Company  §1000 
for  the  increase  of  the  library.  It  is  not  the  object  of  this  Company  to 
swell  the  number  of  volumes  in  its  libraries  for  effect,  either  at  home  or 
abroad.  The  sale,  a  year  or  two  since,  of  about  2000  volumes,  will  pro 
bably  be  followed  by  another  when  the  present  catalogue  is  disposed  of. 
It  is  desirable  that  the  libraries  be  kept  fresh  and  attractive.  Books,  as 
they  are  now  prepared,  have  a  charm  for  youth,  which  the  more  ancient 
tomes  do  not  possess;  but  it  has  been  the  care  of  your  board  to  reject 
that  spurious  literature  with  which  the  market  has  been  inundated  by 
persons  whose  object  appears  to  have  been  to  make  a  book,  regardless 
of  historical  accuracy.  No  work  of  a  known  immoral  tendency  is  ever 
admitted." 

About  GOO  copies  of  a  work  published  by  the  Company,  were,  in  1847, 
distributed  among  the  apprentices  using  the  library. 

During  1855,  804  volumes  were  added  to  the  library. 

The  following  extract  is  made  from  the  Annual  Report  for  1855  : 

11  The  first  of  the  many  institutions  which  now  exist  in  our  midst, 
for  furnishing  free  reading  to  the  young  who  possess  not  the  means  to 
procure  it  for  themselves,  our  library  continues  to  hold  a  high  place  in 
the  public  estimation;  and  deserves,  as  justly  as  it  enjoys,  the  confidence 
of  an  enlightened  benevolent  public.  In  the  progress  of  its  history, 
the  Library  has  risen  from  850  volumes,  when  first  opened,  June  3d, 


PENNSYLVANIA.  379 

A.D.  1820,  to  over  16,000  at  the  present  time,  with  a  constant  annual 
increase  by  the  steady  addition  of  new  publications ;  while  its  circulation 
has  advanced  from  a  correspondingly  limited,  but  unknown,  number  of 
volumes,  among  1088  readers  in  the  first  year  of  its  existence,  to  almost 
48,000  volumes  among  3637  readers  in  the  past  year,  diffusing  far  and 
wide,  at  the  home  fireside  and  happy  family  circles,  blessings,  and  bene 
fits  untold  and  inestimable,  to  an  interesting  and  useful  class  of  youth 
of  both  sexes;  many  of  whom,  but  for  the  attractions  afforded  by  our 
Library,  we  believe,  would  have  spent  much  of  their  time  thus  happily 
employed,  in  a  manner  less  advantageously  to  themselves,  or  profitably 
to  the  community.  From  the  time  when  the  Library  was  first  opened, 
till  the  present,  as  nearly  as  can  be  ascertained,  about  38,000  persons 
have  availed  themselves  of  its  privileges." 

The  Board  of  Managers  report  that,  during  the  year  1856,  there  have 
been  loaned  from  the  boys'  library,  18,717  volumes,  and  from  the  girls' 
library,  16,253  volumes.  There  are  now  out  726  volumes  from  the 
boys'  library,  and  586  volumes  from  the  girls'.  In  the  course  of  the 
year,  481  new  books  have  been  added  to  the  former,  by  purchase,  and 
356  to  the  latter,  and  1111  new  applicants  have  been  admitted  to  the 
privileges  of  the  institution,  of  whom,  732  were  boys,  and  379  girls. 

During  the  last  five  years,  $3000 'have  been  expended  for  books. 


ATHENAEUM.     (185G.)     1 3,000  vols. 

"  Founded  in  1813,  by  a  few  young  men,  'who,  feeling  the  want  of 
a  convenient  place  of  common  resort  in  which  their  leisure  hours  could 
be  passed,  without  danger  to  morals  or  tastes,  came  together  and  arranged 
a  plan  for  the  establishment  of  reading-rooms/  On  the  9th  of  February, 
1814,  when  the  articles  of  association  were  adopted,  the  number  of  sub 
scribers  amounted  to  200 ;  and  on  the  7th  of  March  following,  the  insti 
tution  was  first  opened  to  the  public,  in  the  room  over  the  book  store  of 
Mr.  Matthew  Carey,  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Chestnut  and  Fourth 
Streets.  Chief  Justice  Tilghman  and  Mr.  Duporiceau  each  bequeathed 
to  the  Athenaeum  $200. 

"  Dr.  William  Lehman,  who  died  in  1829,  bequeathed  to  the  Athe 
naeum  the  sum  of  $10,000,  for  the  erection  of  a  suitable  building. 
This  legacy,  by  the  prudent  management  of  the  treasurers,  amounted, 
on  the  1st  of  January,  1847,  to  $24,845  45.  It  is  now  invested  in  the 
beautiful  building  occupied  by  the  Athenaeum,  the  Historical  Society, 


dO\J  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

and  the  Controllers  of  the  Public  Schools.  The  Society  derives  a  per 
manent  income  of  $2000  from  the  rent  of  the  rooms.  The  entire  cost, 
including  fitting  up,  &c.,  will  be  less  than  850,000,  leaving  a  debt,  to 
be  secured  by  mortgage,  of  less  than  $14,000. 

11  The  whole  structure  is  50  feet  front  on  Sixth  Street,  125  feet  on  Adel- 
phi  Street,  and  58  feet  high.  It  is  an  excellent  specimen  of  the  Ita 
lian  style  of  architecture,  treated  with  spirit  and  taste.  The  first  story 
is  divided  into  offices,  and  a  large  room  of  37  by  60  feet,  14  feet  high, 
for  the  Controllers  of  the  Public  Schools.  The  second  story  is  arranged 
for  the  uses  of  the  Athenreum,  and  is  divided  into  a  news-room,  library, 
and  chess  room.  The  news-room  is  on  the  Sixth  Street  front,  and  is  37 
by  47  feet,  and  24  feet  high;  it  will  be  finished  in  pilasters,  with  an 
enriched  cornice  and  cone  to  the  ceiling.  The  library  is  37  feet  wide, 
65  feet  long,  and  24  feet  high,  and  will  be  finished  with  a  columnar 
ordinance  of  the  Corinthian  order,  advanced  from  the  sides  of  the  room, 
forming  a  centre  cell  or  nave  and  aisles;  the  latter  will  be  filled  up  with 
bookcases,  set  laterally  from  the  pillars  to  the  wall,  and  is  designed,  at 
some  future  time,  to  be  finished  with  a  gallery,  as  the  library  extends ; 
the  cornice  will  be  enriched  with  modillions  and  ornament,  the  ceiling 
being  in  panel.  The  chcss-rooin  is  18  feet  square,  and  is  an  ante-room 
between  the  two  large  rooms ;  a  room  of  the  same  size  over  this,  is  in 
tended  for  the  directors'  room.  The  third  story  is  divided  into  8  rooms 
(three  of  large  size) ;  one  of  them,  to  be  occupied  by  the  Historical 
Society,  is  26  by  37  feet,  and  14  feet  high/' 

"  A  feature  (says  31r.  Wharton)  of  this  institution,  to  which  I  would 
advert  with  complacency,  but  certainly  without  boasting,  is  the  free 
admission  which  it  has  always  aflforded  to  strangers;  meaning,  by  this 
term,  persons  not  permanently  residing  in  the  city,  or  within  10  miles 
of  it,  introduced  by  members.  It  may  be  worthy  of  remark  and  remem 
brance,  that,  according  to  a  register  kept  by  our  worthy  and  attentive 
librarian,  more  than  30,000  strangers  have  visited  the  rooms,  and 
availed  themselves  of  the  facilities  and  conveniences  which  they  afford. 
During  certain  years,  the  number  has  exceeded  1000  annually,  includ 
ing  representatives  of  every  civilized  country  and  community. 

u  Whatever  may  be  the  deficiencies  of  our  catalogue,  in  respect  to 
the  standard  works  of  English  literature,  I  believe  it  will  not  be  easy 
to  find,  in  this  country,  a  more  complete  or  various  collection  of  perio 
dical  literature,  from  the  daily  journal,  through  the  various  monthlies 
and  quarterlies,  to  the  annual  registers.  Our  library  consists  now  (Oc- 


PEN  N  SYLVAN  I A .  3  8 1 

tober,  1847),  I  am  informed;  of  nearly  10,000  volumes.  We  receive 
24  foreign  journals,  scientific  and  literary;  and  25  American.  We 
take  5  foreign  newspapers,  and  62  American ;  one  at  least,  I  believe, 
from  every  State. 

"Among  the  curiosities  of  literature  in  our  rooms,  is  a  large  collection 
of  pamphlets,  bound  into  148  volumes,  which  belonged  to  Dr.  Franklin, 
some  of  them  containing  his  manuscript  notes  and  marginal  remarks; 
and  a  regular  series  of  the  Journal  de  Paris,  bound  in  volumes,  and  con 
tinued  during  the  whole  eventful  period  of  the  French  lie  volution. " — 
Address  of  T.  J.  Wharf  on. 

Shares  of  stock  arc  825.  Stockholders  pay  §5,  and  subscribers,  §8 
per  annum.  Books  are  loaned  to  them  only.  The  library  is  open  daily, 
from  7  A.M.  till  10  P.M.  12,000  volumes  are  in  English,  600  French, 
none  in  other  languages.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1820,  but  a  written 
one  is  now  used. 

Receipts  during  1855,  85241  20;  expended  for  books,  8674  62; 
binding,  $56  59;  periodicals,  8303  49.  Receipts  during  1856,  84307 
50;  expended  for  books,  8600;  binding,  870;  periodicals,  8350;  salaries, 
8800;  incidentals,  81200.  Salary  of  librarian,  8800  per  annum. 

Travels  and  biographies  are  most  read.  About  300  volumes  are 
added  annually.  During  the  last  five  years,  82000  have  been  expended 
for  books. 


AMERICAN  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     30,000  vols. 

''The  American  Philosophical  Society,  the  oldest  of  the  scientific 
associations  in  the  United  States,  was  formed  in  1742.  The  American 
Society  for  Promoting  and  Propagating  Useful  Knowledge,  in  Philadel 
phia,  was  established  in  1766.  These  two  Societies  were  united  in  1769, 
and  incorporated  March  15,  1780,  as  the  'American  Philosophical  So 
ciety  held  at  Philadelphia  for  Promoting  Useful  Knowledge/  The 
Society  has  an  (  extensive  collection  of  manuscripts,  maps,  charts,  and 
engravings,  and,  in  its  cabinet,  medals,  coins,  &c.'  The  precise  number 
'cannot  readily  be  given.7  The  annual  increase  is  about  500  volumes. 
Few  books  are  purchased,  except  scientific  periodicals,  &c.,  by  subscrip 
tion.  The  chief  accessions  to  the  library  are  by  donations  from  learned 
societies  and  individuals,  abroad  and  in  this  country.  The  library  is  in 
the  hall  of  the  Society,  a  brick  building,  50  by  70  feet,  erected  in  1786? 
on  a  part  of  the  '  State  House  Square,'  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia, 


382  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

granted  to  the  Society  for  that  purpose,  by  the  State  Legislature,  in 
1784.  The  books  are  arranged  on  the  shelves  in  numerical  order,  each 
volume  having  its  number  attached.  Folios,  quartos,  and  octavos,  have 
their  respective  systems  of  numbers.  No  catalogue  has  been  printed 
since  an  8vo.  of  290  pages,  in  1824.  The  laws  of  the  Society  require 
the  library  to  bo  opened  every  Friday  evening,  from  7  to  9  o'clock,  and 
at  such  other  times  as  the  librarian  may  think  proper.  All  members  of 
the  Society  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library  •  and  facilities  are  af 
forded,  at  the  discretion  of  the  librarian,  to  well-known  visitors  of  re 
spectable  character.  Books  are  lent  out  to  members.  A  considerable 
number  of  persons  consult  the  library  at  the  room. 


BOARD  OF  MISSIONS  OF  THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

Commenced  in  1816.  The  library  is  only  for  reference,  and  is  open 
all  day,  free  of  charge,  to  any  who  wish  to  visit  it.  The  officers  report 
"  unfortunately,  it  is  not  large/' 


CARPENTERS'  COMPANY.     (1857.)     1500  vols. 

The  Carpenters'  Company  of  the  City  and  County  of  Philadelphia, 
instituted  in  ]  724,  was  incorporated  during  the  War  of  Independence, 
after  having  entitled  themselves  to  honorable  consideration,  from  per 
mitting  the  use  of  their  hall  by  the  first  Congress,  in  1774.  They  have  a 
library  of  1500  volumes,  composed  principally  of  scientific  works.  The 
average  annual  expenditure  for  books  has  been  8241  67. 


COLLEGE  OF  ST.  THOMAS  OF  VILLANOVA,  NEAR 
PHILADELPHIA. 

Chartered  in  1847.     It  has  no  regularly  organized  library,  but  pos 
sesses  about  2000  books  of  all  kinds. 


CENTRxYL  HIGH  SCHOOL.     (1857.)     1075  vols. 
Organized  in  1841.     The  library  has  been  closed  for  several  years,  in 


PENNSYLVANIA.  383 

consequence  of  there  being  no  appropriation  either  for  books  or  for  libra 
rians. 

EASTERN  STATE  PENITENTIARY.     (1857.)     2300  vols. 

Commenced  in  1835.  Has  a  large  and  well-selected  library;  and  a 
number  of  religious  newspapers  are  taken.  100  volumes  are  added 
annually. 

"  I  am  happy  to  say  that  the  systematic  distribution  of  books,  adopted 
the  last  two  years,  continues  to  operate  well.  There  is,  comparatively, 
little  abuse  of  them,  and  during  the  past  year,  none  have  been  so  injured 
as  to  be  thrown  out  of  circulation.  Yet,  by  constant  use,  they  are  some 
what  injured,  and  may  need  to  be  replaced  by  others.  The  account  of 
distribution  in  the  various  corridors  shows  that  11,919  volumes  have 
been  circulated  in  the  course  of  the  year.  It  is  hoped  that  the  influ 
ence  of  these  volumes  may  prove  useful  in  elevating  and  improving  the 
minds  of  the  prisoners. '; — Report  of  T.  Larcombe,  Moral  Instructor. 


FRANKLIN  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     6962  vols. 

Founded  in  1830.  The  apartment  occupied  as  the  library  and  read 
ing-room  of  the  Society,  is  45  feet  by  44.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in 
1847,  containing  117  pages  Svo.  The  library  is  open  every  day,  except 
Sunday,  from  9  o'clock  A.M.  till  10  P.M.  It  is  intended  primarily  for 
the  use  of  the  members  of  the  Institute.  The  books  are  lent  out.  Not 
less  than  1000  annually  consult  the  library  without  taking  away  books. 
The  library  is  but  an  auxiliary  means  of  producing  the  effects  desired 
by  the  Institute,  the  improvement  of  its  members,  and  is  not  made 
or  considered  a  separate  branch  or  department.  It  is  intended,  like  the 
collections  of  models,  machines,  &c.,  to  be  open  for  constant  reference 
to  the  members  and  their  friends. 


FREE  READING-ROOM  ASSOCIATION  OF  SPRING  GARDEN. 

(1856.)     1400  vols. 

This  Association  is  intended  for  the  benefit  of  young  men  and  appren 
tices.  Any  person  paying  $2  a  year,  or  $20  as  a  life-subscription,  is 
made  a  member.  No  one  can  be  excluded  from  the  room  on  account 
of  his  religious  or  political  opinions. 


384 


The  visitors  vary  from  30  to  90  each  evening,  and  on  some  occasions, 
upwards  of  100  have  been  present. 

"  Previous  to  1856,  it  has  generally  been  the  practice  to  admit  all 
who  applied,  without  any  reference  being  required;  but  on  opening  the 
room  after  the  summer  vacation,  it  was  found  the  number  increased  so 
greatly,  that  it  was  impossible  to  maintain  the  order  and  quiet  so  requi 
site  for  the  well-being  of  such  an  institution,  without  placing  some  re 
striction  upon  the  admissions.  It  was  accordingly  determined  to  require 
all  who  wished  to  avail  themselves  of  the  benefits  thus  gratuitously 
offered  them,  to  present  a  written  guarantee  or  recommendation  from 
their  parents  or  guardians,  or  from  some  other  responsible  person.  To  all 
who  have  complied  with  this  requisition,  tickets  have  been  given,  en 
titling  them  to  all  the  privileges  of  the  room  ;  to  be  retained  during 
good  behavior.  This  arrangement  has  been  productive  of  much  good7 
and  has  enabled  the  librarian  to  exclude  all  who  have  not  conducted 
themselves  properly,  and  also  secured  to  those  who  now  frequent  the 
room  for  the  purpose  of  improving  themselves,  the  opportunity  of  doing 
so  without  interruption." 

GERMAN  SOCIETY.     (1851.)     7341  vols. 

The  German  Society,  contributing  for  the  relief  of  distressed  Ger 
mans  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  was  instituted  in  1764,  and  incor 
porated  in  1781.  The  library  was  established  on  the  25th  of  March, 
1817.  It  contains  (January,  1851)  7341  volumes;  of  which  3137  arc 
in  the  German  language,  and  4204  in  the  English  language.  The 
yearly  average  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library  for  the  last  ten 
years,  has  been  250  ;  the  annual  expenditure  for  books,  8390.  There 
is  a  standing  annual  appropriation,  by  the  Society,  of  8300  for  the 
library.  The  payments  of  annual  subscribers  and  the  fines  are  also 
devoted  to  the  purchase  of  books.  The  Society,  in  1806,  erected  a  two- 
story  brick  building,  on  the  west  side  of  Seventh  Street,  between  Market 
and  Chestnut  Streets,  called  the  '•Hall  of  the  German  Society."  This 
building  was  enlarged  in  1846,  and  now  is  37  feet  wide  and  63  feet  in 
depth,  The  second  story  is  in  one  large  room,  and  is  occupied  as  the 
meeting-room  of  the  Society,  and  for  the  library.  The  library  room  is 
35  feet  wide  in  the  clear,  54  feet  in  length,  and  12J  feet  in  height, 
lighted  by  windows  on  three  sides.  The  books  are  arranged  and  num 
bered  according  to  the  order  of  their  reception,  and  without  regard  to 


PENNSYLVANIA.  385 

subjects.  The  first  catalogue  was  printed  in  1831,  and  contains  86 
pages.  The  second  catalogue  was  printed  in  1839,  and  contains  218 
pages.  An  addition  to  this  catalogue  was  printed  in  1850,  and  contains 
60  pages.  The  library  is  open  every  Saturday  afternoon  for  three  hours. 
Members  of  the  Society  and  their  widows,  have  a  right  to  use  the  books ; 
also  subscribers,  at  §4  per  annum.  About  15,000  books  are  lent  out 
each  year. 

GIRARD  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     31G3  vols. 

Although  the  College  has  been  in  operation  for  ten  years,  no  serious 
effort  to  establish  a  library  has  been  made  until  within  the  past  four 
years.  The  library  has  been  located  in  the  room  used  for  the  meetings 
of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  committees,  and  the  larger  portion  of 
one  year's  appropriation  was  used  in  providing  the  necessary  furniture 
and  fixtures.  The  number  of  volumes  at  present  is  3163. 

There  is  no  fixed  sum  given  to  the  library,  and  consequently  no  regular 
annual  increase.  The  appropriations  for  the  support  of  the  College 
are  made  at  the  commencement  of  each  year,  by  the  Councils  of  the  City 
of  Philadelphia,  and  may  or  may  not  include  a  sum  for  the  increase 
of  the  library.  The  sum  expended  during  1857,  for  books  and  binding, 
was  $1320  50.  The  appropriation  for  1858,  was  81000. 

The  College  library  is,  at  present,  only  for  reference,  and  for  the  use 
of  the  professors,  teachers,  and  officers  of  the  institution.  The  pupils 
are  not  entitled  to  take  books  from  it;  but  in  place  thereof,  they  arc  pro 
vided  with  small  libraries  in  the  section-rooms,  containing  books  adapted 
to  their  ages  and  capacities,  and  numbering  from  50  to  150  volumes 
each.  These  libraries  are  under  the  charge  of  the  prefects  and  gover 
nesses,  and  the  books  can  be  taken  out  during  play-hours,  or  after  the 
preparation  of  the  lessons  in  the  evenings. 

The  number  of  volumes  lent  from  the  College  library,  to  the  officers, 
during  1857,  was  426. 

No  effort  has  yet  been  made  to  arrange  the  books  on  the  shelves  ac 
cording  to  subjects.  They  are  at  present  arranged  simply  with  reference 
to  the  size  of  volumes.  As  the  library  becomes  enlarged,  it  is  proposed 
to  classify  them  according  to  subjects. — //.  W.  Arcy. 

HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  OF  PENNSYLVANIA.     (1857.)     4250  vols. 

Founded  in  1825.     Incorporated  June  21,  1856.     During  the  first 

25 


386  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

twenty  years  of  its  existence,  only  60  volumes  had  been  collected  by  the 
Society.  It  has  increased,  however,  during  the  last  five  years,  at  the 
rate  of  550  volumes  annually.  The  library  is  open,  only  for  reference, 
every  day,  from  10  A.M.  to  1  P.M.,  and  3  to  5  P.M. 

The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  The  shelves  are  distinguished 
by  letters,  A,  E,  C,  &c. ;  and  each  shelf  has  a  distinct  series  of  numbers, 
commencing  with  No.  1. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1849,  36  pages  Svo.,  250  copies  costing 
§35. 

The  Society,  prior  to  1855,  had  published  six  volumes  of  memoirs, 
bulletins,  and  collections,  and  about  ten  addresses.  In  1855,  a  volume, 
the  "History  of  Braddock's  Expedition,"  and  an  address,  the  "History 
of  Mason's  and  Dixon's  Line/'  were  published  and  delivered  by  the 
Society,  to  the  subscribers  to  its  publication  fund.  This  fund,  com 
menced  in  1854,  is  composed  of  subscriptions,  of  $20  each,  by  any 
persons,  which  entitles  them  to  receive  one  copy  of  each  future  publi 
cation.  This  fund  now  amounts  to  over  85000. 

The  following  notice,  prefixed  to*the  published  catalogue  (1849), 
gives  some  additional  facts  respecting  the  library : 

"The  Historical  Society  of  Pennsylvania  was  founded  in  1825.  It 
met  for  nineteen  years  in  one  of  the  rooms  of  the  American  Philoso 
phical  Society,  and  had  the  use  of  a  small  closet  in  this  room  to  con 
tain  its  books.  In  the  year  1844,  the  Society  removed  to  a  room  rented 
by  itself  for  its  exclusive  accommodation.  Its  collection  of  books  then 
amounted  to  about  60  volumes,  in  addition  to  some  boxes  of  public  docu 
ments  from  Washington,  which  had  not  been  opened,  as  the  Society 
had  no  place  in  which  to  place  the  books.  Immediately  after  the  re 
moval,  the  library  increased  rapidly,  and  a  still  further  increase  has  fol 
lowed  its  removal  to  their  present  location  in  the  Athenaeum  building, 
South  Sixth  Street.  The  library  is  divided  into  ten  classes :  history, 
biography,  manuscripts,  pamphlets,  periodicals,  voyages  and  travels, 
newspapers,  public  documents  of  Pennsylvania,  public  documents  of  the 
United  States,  and  miscellaneous.  These  observations  have  been  con 
sidered  necessary  to  explain  why  a  society  24  years  in  existence,  has 
not  a  larger  collection  of  books.  Had  it  not  been  for  the  cramped  posi 
tion  it  was  compelled  to  occupy  before  it  had  a  room  of  its  own,  it  would 
doubtless  have  long  since  reached  its  present  size." 

An  address  before  the  Society,  delivered  by  William  B.  Reed,  on  the 
occasion  of  opening  the  hall  in  the  Athenaeum,  January  28,  1848,  has 


PENNSYLVANIA.  387 

been  printed,  and  contains  some  interesting  facts  concerning  the  Societ}7, 
besides  valuable  remarks  and  suggestions  respecting  the  objects  of  such 
an  institution. 


INSTITUTE  FOR  COLORED  YOUTH.     (1857.)     1450  vols. 

Incorporated  June  23,  1843.  Library  established  March,  1853. 
Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  8140  nearly; 
or  $830,  the  whole  amount  expended  for  books.  Average  annual 
number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library  from  1851,  242  ;  not  counting 
the  original  number,  about  100  volumes.  Average  annual  number  of 
volumes  lent  to  readers,  GG05  •  including  those  lent  to  be  used  in  the 
readine-room. 


LAW  ASSOCIATION  OF  PHILADELPHIA.     (1857.)     6000  vols. 

u  In  the  year  1802,  a  few  gentlemen  of  the  bar  associated  themselves 
for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  law  library,  for  the  use  of  the  profession 
in  this  city ;  and,  partially  by  donations  which  they  made,  and  partially 
by  payments  from  members  of  the  company,  succeeded,  by  degrees,  in 
forming  a  collection,  which,  with  the  small  number  of  books  formerly 
known,  was  all  that  was  needed.  With  the  increasing  number  of  reports  in 
modern  times,  the  library  as  originally  organized,  fell  very  far  behind  the 
professional  requirements  of  the  day;  and  in  September,  1841,  an  effort 
was  made  by  a  number  of  gentlemen  to  enlarge  the  collection,  and  to 
place  it,  generally,  upon  such  a  basis  as  should  make  it  more  worthy  of 
the  bar  to  which  it  belonged.  Between  the  15th  of  October,  1841,  and 
the  1st  of  March,  1850,  there  has  been  laid  out  by  the  Association,  in 
the  purchase  of  new  books,  the  sum  of  $9583  72,  exclusive  of  $865  87, 
in  which  last  sum  is  embraced  the  cost' of  binding  such  of  them  as  were 
bought  in  sheets. 

"  The  collection,  we  are  happy  to  believe,  is  now  complete  in  all  those 
departments  usually  required  in  the  practice  of  the  law.  There  exists  in 
it  a  series  of  all  the  English,  Irish,  and  American  Reports, — a  depart 
ment  in  which  we  believe  that  no  other  library,  either  in  Great  Britain 
or  the  United  States,  is  equally  perfect.  The  department  of  text-books 
is  also  reasonably  good;  and,  in  addition  to  complete  collections  of  the 
British  statutes  at  large,  and  of  the  acts  both  of  our  State  and  Federal 


388  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

Legislatures,  in  their  authoritative,  unabridged  condition,  there  will 
be  found  upon  the  shelves  of  this  library  such  digests  and  works  of 
general  jurisprudence  as  have  obtained,  with  the  profession,  any  title  to 
authority.  As  a  means  of  professional  culture,  and  of  extending  among 
the  bar  a  knowledge  of  the  judicial  decisions  of  England  and  of  the 
United  States,  the  collection  affords  all  that  as  yet  is  practicable,  and 
much  of  all  that  can  at  any  time  be  desired. 

"  In  the  course  of  nearly  50  years  which  has  passed  since  this  library 
was  founded,  neither  the  State,  the  county,  nor  the  city,  have  contri 
buted  a  dollar  to  its  increase  ;  and  while,  even  in  its  present  condition, 
the  payment  of  a  sum  merely  nominal  makes  the  least  opulent  practi 
tioner  among  us  the  possessor  of  a  library  larger  than  any  which  the 
most  wealthy  owns,  it  is  yet  certain,  that  as  a  public  library,  answering 
all  the  demands  of  a  numerous  and  intellectual  profession,  stimulated  by 
the  keen  spirit  of  ambition  and  reward,  and  pushing  its  investigations 
through  every  avenue  of  knowledge,  the  collection  is  yet  for  in  arrear  of 
what  it  might  be.  There  are  some  departments  in  which  it  is  entirely 
wanting,  and  others  where  it  is  very  imperfect.  The  civil  law  has  no 
place  in  it  at  all,  and  the  canon  and  ecclesiastical  law  have  much  too  small 
a  one.  There  is  also  a  large  class  of  books  which  do  not  come  exactly 
within  the  title  of  law  books,  that  yet  belong  to  the  law,  considered  as  a 
philosophic  science,  or  as  a  system  of  lofty  morals.  They  are  sometimes 
cited  in  courts,  and  would  form,  at  any  rate,  a  graceful  addition  to  a 
library  which  represents  in  its  corporate  dignity  an  intellectual  and  ele 
vated  profession." — [See  circular  letter  of  a  committee  of  the  Law  Asso 
ciation.] 

About  82000  a  year  are  expended  in  the  purchase  of  books.  There 
is  no  vested  fund.  The  income  is  derived  from  assessments  of  members 
and  occasional  contributions. 

The  library  occupies  a  room  50  feet  square,  in  the  county  court-house. 
The  last  catalogue,  containing  04  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  in  18-19. 

The  following  are  the  most  important  rules  of  the  library : 

"  The  library  is  open  from  10  o'clock  A.M.  till  3  P.M.,  and  from  4 £ 
till  sunset,  daily  throughout  the  year,  excepting  during  the  months  of 
July  and  August,  on  Christmas  and  New  Year's  day,  the  22d  of  Feb 
ruary,  and  on  Saturday  afternoons  and  Sundays;  at  which  times  it  is 
closed. 

"The  following  persons  are  allowed  to  use  the  library : 

"1.  Members  of  the  Association  and  subscribers  to  the  library;  2. 


PENNSYLVANIA.  389 

Judges  of  the  Courts  sitting  within  the  city;  3.  Members  of  the  bar 
from  the  country,  attending  the  sessions  in  this  city  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Pennsylvania,  or  of  the  Circuit  Court  of  the  United  States. 

"  Persons  desirous  of  using  this  library  can  have  the  use  of  it  for  life, 
free  of  any  annual  charge,  by  paying  the  sum  of  $100.  Or  they  may 
become  members  of  the  Association  by  paying  $30  in  the  first  instance, 
and  afterwards  an  assessment  of  $10  a  year. 

"  Gentlemen  of  the  bar  who  are  not  members  of  the  Association,  nor 
subscribers  for  life  to  its  library,  may  become  subscribers  to  it  annually 
by  paying,  during  the  first  two  years  after  their  admission  to  the  bar, 
86  a  year;  during  the  ensuing  two  years,  88  a  year;  and  afterwards 
812  a  year. 

"  No  book  can  be  taken  from  the  library-room  by  any  person  whomso 
ever,  except  for  the  purpose  of  being  used  in  the  court-rooms." 


LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION  OF  FRIENDS.     (1855.)     5581  vols. 

The  receipts  during  1854,  were  $376 ;  and  nearly  $200  were  ex 
pended  for  books.  In  the  same  year,  3981  volumes  were  lent  to  292 
persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1853,  a  duodecimo,  of  350 
pages,  costing  8278  for  250  copies.  A  number  of  periodicals  are  regu 
larly  received. 

Twenty- one  years  have  elapsed  since  the  formation  of  this  Association, 
which  lias  been  for  that  period  silently,  though  usefully  pursuing  its 
career. 

By  summing  up  the  account  for  those  years  of  which  there  is  any 
record,  we  find  there  have  been  lent  from  the  library,  during  the  past 
four  years  and  nine  months  (commencing  with  a  portion  of  the  year 
1852)  no  less  than  31,215  volumes. 

The  use  made  of  the  library  during  1855,  was  as  follows :  1247  appli 
cations  from  females,  on  which  were  loaned  3011  volumes  ;  1136  appli 
cations  from  males,  on  which  were  loaned  2696  volumes :  showing  a 
circulation  of  upwards  of  5700  volumes. 

The  whole  number  of  persons  using  the  library  during  the  past  year, 
has  been  228  females,  of  whom  98  were  apparently  under  16  years ; 
210  males,  of  whom  107  were  apparently  under  16  years;  in  all,  438 
individuals,  of  whom  205  were  apparently  under  16  years.  While  the 
increase  of  the  library  .during  the  same  period,  has  been  198  volumes, 
comprising  114  works  of  various  kinds,  a  few  of  which  were  donations. 


390  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

The  entire  number  now  catalogued  as  belonging  to  the  library,  is 
4632,  classified  as  follows  :  abridged  and  juvenile,  707  volumes;  scien 
tific,  560;  religious,  1147;  voyages  and  travels,  503;  history  and  bio 
graphy,  812;  miscellaneous,  903. 

"  The  library  is  now  open  on  Fourth  and  Seventh  day  evenings,  for  the 
accommodation  of  Friends  generally,  Seventh  day  afternoons  being,  as 
usual,  appropriated  exclusively  for  females ;  for  the  more  pleasant  accom 
modation  of  whom,  an  arrangement  has  been  made  with  the  daughter  of 
the  librarian  to  be  in  attendance  in  the  library-room,  during  the  periods 
allotted  to  them." 

LIBRARY  COMPANY  OF  PHILADELPHIA  AND  LOGANIAN 
LIBRARY.     (1857.)     04,900  vols. 

The  following  facts  of  general  interest,  respecting  the  history  of  this 
venerable  and  useful  institution,  are  extracted  from  an  article  written 
for  Waldie's  Portfolio,  by  John  J.  Smith,  Esq.,  the  librarian  : 

"The  first  entry  in  the  records  of  the  Library  Company,  is  in  the 
following  words  : 

"  '  The  minutes  of  me,  Joseph  Brientuall,  Secretary  to  the  Directors  of  the 
Library  Company  of  Philadelphia,  with  such  of  the  minutes  of  the  same 
Directors  as  they  order  me  to  make,  began  ou  the  8tli  day  of  November, 
1731.  By  virtue  of  the  deed  or  instrument  of  the  said  Company,  dated 
the  1st  day  of  July  last.' 

"  The  said  instrument  being  completed  by  50  subscriptions,  I  sub 
scribed  my  name  to  the  following  summons  or  notice,  which  Benjamin 
Franklin  sent  by  a  messenger,  viz.  : 

"  'To  Benjamin  Franklin,  Thomas  Hopkinson,  William  Parsons,  Philip  Syng, 
Jr.,  Thomas  Godfrey,  Anthony  Nicholas,  Thomas  Cadwalader,  John 
Jones,  Jr.,  Robert  Grace,  and  Isaac  Penington : 

"  l  GEXTLEMEX  :  The  subscription  to  the  library  being  completed,  you,  the 
Directors  appointed  in  the  instrument,  are  desired  to  meet  this  evening 
at  5  o'clock,  at  the  house  of  Nicholas  Scull,  to  take  bond  of  the  treasurer 
for  the  faithful  performance  of  his  trust,  and  to  consider  of  and  appoint  a 
proper  time  for  the  payment  of  the  money  subscribed,  and  other  matters 
relating  to  the  said  library. 

"'JOSEPH  BRIENTNALL, 

"  '  Secretary. 
"  '  PHILADELPHIA,  November  8,  1731.' 

"  At  this  meeting  a  treasurer,  William   Coleman,  duly  executed  a 


PENNSYLVANIA.  391 

bond  with  sureties,  and  Benjamin  Franklin  proposed  that  the  said  Cole- 
man  attend  at  suitable  places  to  receive  the  subscription  moneys; 
which,  says  our  secretary,  '  it  was  the  general  opinion  should  not  be 
delayed,  lest  the  directors  be  disappointed  in  sending  it  to  England  this 
fall  to  purchase  books,  or  that  other  disappointments,  prejudicial  to  the 
library  design,  should  happen  by  delays  or  negligence  on  any  hand/ 

"  The  price  of  a  share  was  fixed  at  40s.,  and  on  the  first  evening  of 
attendance  for  that  purpose,  ten  persons  appeared  and  paid  the  amount 
of  their  subscriptions.  Several  individuals,  however,  were  dilatory  in 
meeting  their  engagements,  and  Benjamin  Franklin  printed  and  sent 
them  notice  either  to  pay  on  a  certain  evening,  or  signify  their  deter 
mination  to  relinquish  the  copartnership.  Much  difficulty  and  no  little 
forbearance  appears  to  have  been  the  lot  of  the  directors  and  treasurer, 
in  collecting  from  some  of  the  original  subscribers ;  but,  satisfied  of  the 
utility  of  the  project,  at  a  meeting  on  the  29th  of  March,  1732,  the 
sum  in  hand  being  l  above  half  the  amount  originally  intended  to  be 
raised,  it  was  concluded  to  be  the  interest  of  all  concerned  to  send  for 
some  of  the  books  immediately.  Thomas  Godfrey,  at  this  meeting, 
informed  the  directors  that  Mr.  James  Logan  had  heard  of  the  plan, 
and  would  willingly  give  his  advice  in  the  choice  of  books ;  the  minute 
on  the  subject,  is  in  these  words :  'Upon  this  information,  Thomas  God 
frey  was  requested  to  return  the  thanks  of  the  committee  to  Mr.  Logan 
for  his  generous  offer;  and  the  committee  esteeming  Mr.  Logan  to  be  a 
gentleman  of  universal  learning,  and  the  best  judge  of  books  in  these 
parts,  ordered  that  Thomas  Godfrey  should  wait  on  him  and  request  him 
to  favor  them  with  a  catalogue  of  suitable  books  against  to-morrow  even 
ing  •  which  Thomas  Godfrey  readily  agreed  to  do/ 

"  With  the  advice  of  Mr.  Logan,  the  list  was  made  out,  and  Kobert 
Grace,  'to  expedite  the  affair/  agreed  to  draw  on  Peter  Collinson, 
mercer,  in  Gracious  Street,  London,  for  l  £45  sterling,  at  65  per  cent, 
advance  the  current  rate/  in  favor  of  and  to  be  remitted  by  Thomas 
Hopkinson,  then  about  sailing  for  England,  with  directions  to  purchase 
as  many  volumes  as  he  could  for  the  money.  The  catalogue  of  this  first 
effort  evinces  considerable  judgment,  and  was  very  carefully  prepared 
with  a  view  to  facilitate  the  acquisition  of  knowledge  in  the  various 
departments  required  by  the  wants  of  a  young  community. 

"  In  October,  1732,  the  first  importation  of  books  was  received  by 
Captain  Carnock,  in  good  "order.  Thomas  Hopkinson  informed  the 
directors  that  he  had  received  advice  from  Thomas  Cadwalader  and 


392  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

Peter  Collinson,  in  adding  and  omitting  various  books;  and  that  ' Peter 
Collinson,  who  had  given  great  assistance,  had  moreover  made  the  Com 
pany  a  present  of  two  valuable  books.'  His  claim  is  thus  established 
of  having  been  the  first  donor  to  the  yet  infant  library. 

"  The  importance  of  the  step  thus  taken,  although  it  was  on  a  small 
scale,  can  be  justly  appreciated  only  by  a  knowledge  of  the  fact,  which 
is  stated  in  the  reply  of  Peter  Collinson,  that  there  was  no  manner  of 
provision  made  by  the  Government  for  public  education,  either  in  this 
or  the  neighboring  provinces,  'nor  so  much  as  a  good  bookseller's  shop 
nearer  than  Boston.' 

u  The  books  were  taken  to  'Robert  Grace's  chamber,  at  his  house  in 
Jones's  Alley/  and  there  placed  on  the  shelves,  a  catalogue  made  out, 
and  Dr.  Franklin  undertook  to  print  the  blank  promissory  notes  for  the 
librarian  to  fill  up,  and  get  subscribed  by  those  to  whom  he  lent  books. 
The  rules  and  regulations  adopted  were  few  and  simple.  The  first  libra 
rian,  Louis  Timothee,  gave  attendance  from  2  too  P.M.  on  Wednesdays, 
and  on  Saturdays  from  10  A.M.  till  4  P.M.  He  was  allowed  to  permit 
1  any  civil  gentleman  to  peruse  the  books  of  the  library  in  the  library- 
room,  but  not  to  lend  or  to  suffer  to  be  taken  out  of  the  library,  by  any 
person  who  is  not  a  subscribing  member,  any  of  the  said  books,  Mr. 
James  Logan  only  excepted.'  Timothee,  it  appears,  occupied  Grace's 
house,  and  he  was  to  receive,  at  the  expiration  of  three  months,  '£8 
lawful  money  certain/  and  a  further  '  reasonable  reward/  as  should  be 
agreed  on  in  consideration  of  services  and  rent. 

"In  December,  1732,  several  new  applicants  presented  themselves, 
and  were  admitted.  Dr.  Franklin  produced  the  printed  catalogue, 
which  he  presented  without  charge. 

"  The  original  number  of  50  subscribers  was  not  completed  till  the 
22d  of  February,  1733,  when  Joseph  Growden  signed  the  constitution, 
being  the  50th  member. 

"  William  llawle  appears  to  have  been  the  first  American  donor, 
having,  on  the  12th  of  March,  1733,  presented  'six  volumes  or  books 
of  the  works  of  Mr.  Edmund  Spenser.' 

"On  the  15th  of  May,  of  the  same  year,  it  was  agreed  by  a  committee 
of  directors  to  draw  up  an  address  to  Thomas  Penn,  proprietor,  'in  order 
for  his  countenance  and  protection  in  an  affair  so  useful  and  well  in 
tended  as  the  library,  and  which  the  proprietor  signified,  through  his 
secretary,  Mr.  George,  that  lie  approved  and  designed  to  encourage/ 

"  Mr.  Penn  replied,  that  he  took  the  address  'kindly/  with  the  assu- 


PENNSYLVANIA.  393 

ranee  that  he  should  be  always  ready  to  promote  any  undertaking  so 
useful.  He  presented  several  articles  to  the  institution,  and  it  is  to  the 
honor  of  the  proprietary  family  that  they  promoted  the  design  as  long- 
as  they  continued  to  preserve  any  influence  in  the  province. 

"  Mr.  Timotlice  having  vacated  his  office,  Benjamin  Franklin,  one  of 
his  sureties,  offered  to  take  his  situation  for  the  current  year,  in  consi 
deration  of  Timothee's  having  been  serviceable  to  him ;  he  occupied 
the  station  of  librarian  for  three  months  and  a  day,  and  was  succeeded 
by  William  Parsons.  During  the  period  of  Franklin's  service  as  libra 
rian,  the  room  was  agreed  to  be  open  but  once  a  week,  on  Saturdays  from 
4  to  8  o'clock  P.M. — it  having  been  observed  that  borrowers  rarely  came 
on  Wednesdays,  and  four  hours  were  found  amply  sufficient  to  supply 
all  applicants.  The  librarian's  salary  was  then  reduced  to  £6. 

11  The  increase  of  books  was  supposed  to  raise  the  value  of  a  share 
annually  10s.,  and  I  find  the  price  gradually  increased. 

"On  the  12th  of  December,  1737,  the  directors  were  informed  by 
the  secretary  that  the  proprietor  was  pleased  to  say  that  nothing  re 
mained  to  delay  his  grant  of  a  lot  of  ground  he  intended  to  bestow  on 
the  Company  for  their  library.  In  May,  1738,  a  letter  was  received 
from  John  Penn,  with  a  present  of  an  air-pump.  The  first  paragraph 
conveys  information  highly  honorable  to  the  Company.  It  is  dated 
London,  31st  of  January,  1738,  and  begins  : 

"  i  G-ENTLEMEN  :  It  always  gives  me  pleasure,  Avhen  I  think  of  the  Library 
Company  of  Philadelphia,  as  they  were  the  first  that  encouraged  knowledge 
and  learning  in  the  Province  of  Pennsylvania.' 

"  A  suitable  reply  and  a  vote  of  thanks  for  the  lot  and  the  air-pump, 
were  ordered  to  be  returned  to  the  generous  donor.  The  pump  excited 
considerable  curiosity  among  the  citizens ;  frequent  notices  of  applica 
tion  to  borrow  it  being  minuted ;  a  committee  was  appointed  to  provide 
a  case  and  frame  for  it,  with  glass  lights  in  the  door,  'to  look  ornamental 
in  the  library  room/ 

"  The  first,  and  I  regret  to  add,  one  of  the  very  few  presents  of  money 
made  to  the  institution,  was  from  Dr.  Walter  Sydserfe,  of  Antigua,  in 
1738,  who,  having  the  sum  of  £58  6s.  8d.  due  him  in  this  country, 
generously  presented  it  to  the  Company.  In  June,  1739,  the  number 
of  members  had  been  increased  to  74. 

"  On  the  7th  of  April,  1740,  the  books  were  removed  to  '  the  upper 


394  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

room  of  the  westernmost  office  of  the  State  House;'  the  use  of  which 
had  been  lately  granted  to  the  Company  by  the  Assembly. 

"  In  a  catalogue  printed  in  1741,  in  my  possession,  there  is  a  short 
account  of  the  state  of  the  institution.  Shares  were  then  granted  at 
the  price  of  £6  10s.  In  this  year,  John  Penn,  Esq.,  presented  a  micro 
scope  and  camera  obscura,  still  in  the  Company's  possession. 

"  In  1746,  Samuel  Norris  bequeathed  the  Company  £20. 

"  From  1748  to  1752,  many  of  the  minutes  are  missing,  and  I  have 
only  to  note  the  reception  of  a  telescope  and  a  number  of  valuable  books 
from  Thomas  Perm,  Esq. 

u  In  1752,  'a  noble  present  of  ancient  medals/  was  received  through 
Mr.  Peters  from  Mr.  Gray,  member  of  Parliament  for  Colchester. 

"  In  1762,  Charles  Thomson,  who  afterwards  became  Secretary  to 
Congress,  was  elected  a  director,  and  in  April,  the  long-expected  patent 
from  the  Penns  for  a  lot  of  ground  in  Chestnut  Street  near  Ninth,  was 
received.  The  lot  was  inclosed  with  a  post-and-rail  fence,  and  continued 
for  many  years  to  yield  a  small  revenue.  On  Dr.  Franklin's  return  from 
Europe,  he  was  unanimously  re-elected  a  director  by  the  Board,  to  sup 
ply  the  place  of  Samuel  Shoemaker,  resigned. 

"  On  the  14th  of  February,  1763,  the  celebrated  John  Dickinson 
was  elected  a  director.  In  an  address  to  John  Penn,  November  21, 
1763,  occurs  the  following  paragraph:  'The  encouragements  the  library 
met  with  in  its  infancy  have  had  good  effects.  Many  other  libraries, 
after  our  example  and  our  plan,  have  been  erected  in  this  and  the  neigh 
boring  provinces,  whereby  useful  knowledge  has  been  more  generally 
diffused  in  these  remote  corners  of  tJie,  earth.' 

"  Some  dissatisfaction  is  noted  at  this  period  at  the  new  regulations, 
by  which  members  were  prevented  from  coming  into  the  library  and 
taking  down  books ;  in  consideration  of  which,  it  was  (  Resolved,  That 
the  librarian  should  prepare  a  bond,  which  should  be  tendered  to  every 
member  who  should  desire  the  privilege  of  entering  the  library  and 
examining  the  books  there,  at  the  hours  of  attendance  on  Saturdays, 
by  which  he  should  bind  himself  to  be  answerable  for  his  proportion 
able  part  of  the  loss  that  may  arise  from  any  books  being  lost  or  stolen 
out  of  the  library.' 

"This  appears  to  have  had  the  desired  effect;  as,  however  anxious 
members  might  have  been  to  consult  the  books,  they  could  not  be  sup 
posed  willing  to  join  in  the  librarian's  responsibility  for  losses. 

"  1767.  Mr.  Hopkinson  visiting  England,  the  directors,  in  order  not 


PENNSYLVANIA.  395 

to  lose  his  services  on  his  return,,  were  allowed  to  appoint  a  proxy.  He 
brought  home  with  him  a  few  rare  books,  purchased  by  Dr.  Franklin, 
with  the  Company's  money,  and  a  present  from  Benjamin  West,  l  for 
merly/  says  the  minute,  'of  this  city,  but  now  of  London,  historical 
painter  :  a  woman's  hand,  taken  from  an  Egyptian  mummy,  in  good 
preservation/  This  hand,  which  has  sometimes  been  called  Cleo 
patra's,  is  still  in  the  building,  and,  notwithstanding  the  length  of  time 
which  it  has  been  exposed  to  the  action  of  the  air,  is  in  perfect  pre-. 
servation. 

"  ]  708.  On  the  20th  of  February,  1768,  a  law  was  enacted  for  admit 
ting  new  members  for  the  sum  of  £10. 

"1769.  At  a  meeting  of  the  directors,  February  13th,  1769,  the 
following  gentlemen,  viz.,  George  Roberts,  Jonathan  Shoemaker, 
James  Pearson,  Charles  Jervis,  David  Evans,  Anthony  Morris,  Jr., 
and  Moses  Bartram,  being  a  committee  of  the  Union  Library  Com 
pany  of  Philadelphia,  waited  on  the  Board,  to  signify  their  approbation 
of  the  plan  which  had  been  some  time  in  agitation,  of  uniting  the  two 
institutions.  The  directors  replied,  l  that  they  thought  such  a  scheme 
might  better  answer  the  intention  of  public  libraries,  than  if  they  were 
to  continue  in  separate  bodies;'  and  on  the  13th  of  March  a  law  was 
enacted,  giving  the  directors  '  full  power  and  authority  to  admit  the 
members  of  the  Union  Library  Company,'  &c. 

"  Of  the  value  of  this  accession  of  books,  I  have  no  data  to  form  a 
judgment.  The  Union  Company  owned  the  house  in  Third  Street 
where  their  books  had  been  kept,  and  it  was  for  a  considerable  period 
a  source  of  revenue,  until  sold.  Benjamin  Franklin,  at  this  time  in 
London,  handed  the  orders  for  books  to  William  Strahan  for  shipment. 

"  The  institution  having  now  acquired  additional  consequence  by  the 
accession  of  new  members,  and  an  increase  of  books,  the  Board  peti 
tioned  the  Assembly  of  the  Province  for  permission  to  erect,  on  some 
part  of  the  State  House  lot,  such  a  building  as  would  prove  an  orna 
ment  to  the  city,  and  continue  to  accommodate  their  rapidly  increas 
ing  library.  This  application  was  refused  ;  and  at  a  general  meeting  of 
the  Company,  convened  by  advertisement,  on  the  5th  of  October,  1771, 
it  was  deemed  inexpedient  to  build  elsewhere,  and  the  project  was,  for 
the  present,  suffered  to  rest.  It  was  not  till  the  25th  of  September, 
1769,  that  the  room  was  opened  three  days  in  the  week;  these  days 
were  Tuesdays,  Thursdays,  and  Saturdays,  for  four  hours  each,  and  two 


396  PUBLIC  LIBRARIES. 

librarians  were  then  appointed,  viz.,  John  de  Maurengault  and  Ludo- 
wick  Sprogell,  at  an  annual  salary  of  £20  each. 

"1771.  Another  junction  was  formed,  in  1771,  with  the  Association 
Library  Company,  but  there  are  no  data  by  which  to  judge  of  the  extent 
of  this  institution.  The  Amicable  Company,  also  admitted  about  this 
time,  is  only  casually  mentioned,  and  the  two  collections  were  probably 
of  no  great  value, 

"  1773.  Early  in  the  year  1773,  the  second  floor  of  Carpenters' 
Hall  was  rented,  and  the  books  removed  from  the  room  in  the  State 
House,  which  was  now  too  small  for  their  accommodation ;  the  library 
was  then  first  opened  daily,  from  2  till  7  o'clock  P.M.,  under  the  charge 
of  Charles  Cist,  at  an  annual  salary  of  £60.  The  books  were  here  first 
placed  behind  the  protection  of  latticed  doors.  The  increase  of  the 
cabinet  of  coins  seems  to  have  been  a  favorite  project;  a  great  number 
are  noted  as  having  been  presented  from  time  to  time.  In  October, 
1773,  several  specimens  of  minerals,  and  53  curious  coins,  were  pre 
sented  by  Edward  Pole.  Unfortunately,  the  secretary,  in  reporting  the 
gift,  was  obliged  to  add  the  following  memorandum  :  l  but  the  library 
being  entered  by  some  thief  (as  supposed)  last  night,  he  carried  off  all 
the  coins  and  tokens,  together  with  some  change  which  was  left  in  the 
drawer.'  Mr.  Pole,  however,  received  the  thanks  of  the  directors,  and 
the  articles  were  advertised,  but  never  recovered. 

"  1774.  On  the  31st  of  August,  1774,  it  was,  <  upon  motion,  ordered 
that  the  librarian  furnish  the  gentlemen  who  are  to  meet  in  Congress, 
in  this  city,  with  such  books  as  they  may  have  occasion  for,  during 
their  sitting,  taking  a  receipt  for  them/  Congress  enjoyed  this  privilege 
during  the  whole  period  of  its  sittings  in  Philadelphia,  and  the  members 
experienced  much  inconvenience  from  the  want  of  a  similar  institution 
for  reference,  after  removing  to  Washington,  before  a  good  library  had 
been  collected  in  the  Capitol.  The  members  of  the  Legislature  of  Penn 
sylvania  likewise  enjoyed  the  use  of  the  books  for  a  long  period,  free  of 
charge. 

"1776.  In  May,  1776,  an  advertisement  appeared  in  the  '  Pennsyl 
vania  Gazette/  and  other  journals,  requesting  a  general  meeting  of  the 
Company,  in  order  to  consider  the  propriety  of  empowering  the  directors 
to  remove  the  books  and  effects  of  the  Company,  in  case  any  event  of 
the  war  should  make  that  measure  necessary.  Two  attempts  to  get 
together  enough  members  to  pass  such  a  law  failing,  the  books  remained, 
and  were  unmolested. 


PENNSYLVANIA.  397 

il  The  British  army  had  possession  of  Philadelphia  from  September 
26,  1777,  to  June  18,  1778,  but  it  does  not  appear  that  the  Company 
sustained  any  loss  from  those  who  composed  it.  The  officers,  without 
exception,  left  deposits,  arid  paid  hire  for  the  books  borrowed  by  them. 

"  1777.  In  this  year,  the  library  room  was  occupied  by  the  sick  sol 
diery,  and  Messrs.  Alison,  Jones,  and  Hughes  were  '  appointed  a  com 
mittee,  on  the  11  tli  of  March,  to  wait  on  General  Gates,  commanding 
officer  in  this  city,  in  order  to  procure,  if  possible,  an  order  for  their  re 
moval.'  During  the  whole  progress  of  the  war,  the  importation  of  books 
was,  of  course,  suspended.  The  funds  thus  accumulated  were  expended, 
on  the  conclusion  of  peace,  in  a  large  importation  of  the  standard  works 
which  had  appeared  in  the  interval.  By  the  will  of  the  lion.  William 
Logan  the  institution  received  this  year  a  very  handsome  bequest  of 
books  of  ancient  authors,  being  a  more  extensive  and  valuable  gift  than 
any  heretofore  received.  They  may  all  be  traced  in  the  catalogue,  by 
the  L.  attached  to  each. 

"  1779.  John  Todd,  librarian,  received  £100  per  annum,  and  a  share. 

"  1781.  On  the  4th  day  of  May,  1781,  the  directors  agreed  to  re 
ceive  30s.  State  money,  in  lieu  of  a  bushel  of  wheat,  by  which  the 
annual  payments  were  the  previous  year  directed  to  be  made. 

11 1783.  The  Committee  on  Importations  remitted  £200  sterling  to 
London,  on  the  10th  of  June,  1783,  nine  years  having  elapsed  since 
their  last  order.  Joseph  Woods  and  William  Dillwyn  were  selected  as 
proper  agents,  from  their  well-known  attachment  to  literature,  and  know 
ledge  of  books;  they  acted  during  the  remainder  of  their  lives  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  directors,  and  Joseph  Woods's  son  is  now  the  agent. 
In  their  letter,  the  Committee  of  Correspondence  state,  'We  shall  con 
fide  entirely  in  your  judgment  to  procure  us  such  books  of  modern  pub 
lication  as  will  be  proper  for  a  public  library,  and  though  we  would 
wish  to  mix  the  utile  with  the  dulce,  we  should  not  think  it  expedient 
to  add  to  our  present  stock  anything  in  the  novel  way.'  This  has  been 
the  uniform  plan  pursued,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  of  the  best  class 
of  novels  and  romances;  the  consequence  has  been  that,  with  the  very 
great  increase  of  the  number  of  volumes,  the  shelves  are  supplied  with 
books  of  real  merit  in  most  other  departments,  and  are  not  lumbered 
with  the  temporary  trash  so  greedily  devoured  by  the  sickly  taste  which 
procures  its  mental  supplies  from  circulating  libraries. 

"  1783.  November,  1783,  Dr.  Franklin  presented  six  volumes  of  the 
Natural  History  of  the  South  of  France. 

"  The  erection  of  a  building  for  the  accommodation  of  the  library 


398  PUBLIC  LIBRARIES. 

having  been  long  a  matter  of  discussion,  t  at  a  general  meeting,  held 
June  1st,  1789,  a  large  number  of  members  appeared,  either  in  person 
or  by  proxy,  and  a  law  was  passed  giving  the  directors  power  to  pro 
ceed,  as  soon  as  100  new  members  should  be  added  to  the  list,  to  appro 
priate  the  money  on  hand,  reserving  sufficient  for  the  current  expenses, 
and  to  sell  the  ground-rents  arfd  real  estate  owned  by  the  Company/ 
Bishop  White  was  nominated  by  the  directors  chairman  of  this  meeting, 
at  which  he  presided. 

"  All  the  shares  requisite,  except  nineteen,  were  soon  subscribed, 
many  of  which  were  to  be  paid  for  in  labor.  The  directors  and  trea 
surer  and  secretary  assuming  to  themselves  to  procure  the  remaining  nine 
teen,  the  purchase  of  the  lot  and  erection  of  the  building  was  proceeded 
in  with  all  convenient  speed.  The  present  site  was  purchased  of  Mary 
Norris  and  Dr.  Logan.  A  number  of  plans  were  submitted  for  approval, 
and  the  one  prepared  by  Dr.  William  Thornton,  with  some  slight  alter 
ations,  was  adopted,  for  which  he  received  a  share.  It  may  be  sup 
posed  that  this  undertaking  was  not  without  its  difficulties,  and  I  find 
that,  owing  to  the  low  state  of  the  funds,  the  directors,  treasurer,  and 
secretary,  individually,  advanced  sums  amounting  to  £250,  of  which 
Josiah  Hewes  advanced  £50,  and  the  others  from  £10  to  £25. 

"  1789.  The  first  stone  of  the  edifice  was  laid  on  the  31st  of  August, 
1789;  the  minutes  state,  'that,  upon  the  suggestion  of  Dr.  Benjamin 
Franklin,  a  large  stone  was  prepared,  and  laid  at  the  southwest  corner 
of  the  building,  with  the  following  inscription,  composed  by  the  Doctor, 
except  so  far  as  relates  to  himself,  which  the  committee  have  taken  the 
liberty  of  adding  to  it  : 

i  Be  it  remembered, 

in  honor  of  the  Philadelphia  youth 

(then  chieily  artificers), 

that  in  MDCCXXXI," 

they  cheerfully, 
at  the  instance  of  Benjamin  Franklin, 

one  of  their  number, 
instituted  the  Philadelphia  Library, 

which,  though  small  at  first, 
is  become  highly  valuable,  and  extensively  useful, 

and  which  the  walls  of  this  edifice 

arc  now  destined  to  contain  and  preserve  ; 

the  first  stone  of  whose  foundation 

was  here  placed 
the  thirty-first  day  of  August,  1789.' 


PENNSYLVANIA.  399 

"  1790.  By  the  30th  of  December,  1790,  the  books  were  all  removed 
and  ready  for  delivery,  when  it  was  resolved  to  have  the  room  open  daily, 
from  1  o'clock  to  sunset,  and  Zachariah  Poulson  was  continued  librarian, 
at  £100  salary.  During  the  progress  of  the  building,  more  than  the 
stipulated  100  names  were  added  to  the  list  of  stockholders — many 
apprentices  having  been  allowed  by  their  employers  to  give  sufficient 
labor  to  purchase  the  privilege  of  admission.  Their  names  are  faith 
fully  recorded;  and  it  may,  in  future,  be  interesting  to  their  descen 
dants  to  discover  that  they  are  reaping  the  benefits  of  literary  instruc 
tion  from  the  honest  labor  and  the  sweat  of  the  brows  of  their  proge 
nitors. 

"  Among  the  benefactors  of  the  library  occur  the  names  of  Robert 
Barclay,  of  London,  and  of  Abraham  Claypoole,  of  Pennsylvania.  The 
former  repeatedly  sent  presents  of  rare  or  curious  books,  and  till  his 
death  continued  to  correspond  with  his  American  friends,  and  to  men 
tion  the  institution  with  interest.  The  latter  left  the  Company,  by  will, 
£100. 

"1791.  In  January,  1791,  the  directors  again  tendered  to  the  Pre 
sident  and  Congress  the  free  use  of  the  books  in  the  library,  in  as  full 
and  ample  manner  as  if  they  were  members  of  the  Company.  Presi 
dent  Washington,  through  his  secretary,  Tobias  Lear,  returned  thanks 
for  the  attention  in  a  very  handsome  note. 

"  1782.  On  the  18th  of  February,  1782,  Dr.  Parke  informed  the 
Board  that  the  heirs  of  James  Logan  had  made  a  proposition  to  transfer 
to  the  Library  Company  of  Philadelphia  the  Loganian  Library,  and  also 
to  convey  to  them,  under  certain  conditions,  a  lot  of  ground  in  Phila 
delphia,  and  certain  rents  charge,  together  with  the  arrearages  thereof, 
now  due  from  estates  in  Bucks  County.  On  this  subject,  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  condition  of  the  property,  and  the 
terms  intended  to  be  annexed  to  the  transfer. 

"  1792.  An  additional  five-foot  lot  having  been  purchased  of  Samuel 
M.  Fox,  on  Library  Street,  a  building  was  erected  for  the  accommoda 
tion  of  the  Loganian  books  by  the  Library  Company  of  Philadelphia, 
for  which  the  Loganian  trustees  pay  an  annual  rent. 

11  On  the  4th  of  October,  John  Fitch's  manuscripts,  respecting  the 
steam-engine,  were  deposited  in  the  library,  under  seal,  with  a  request 
that  they  might  be  kept  unopened  till  the  year  1823.  This  was  done, 
and  as  they  have  undergone  an  examination,  I  shall  not  here  attempt 
their  analyzation. 


400  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

"1793.  On  the  30th  of  August,  1793,  at  a  general  meeting  of  the 
members,  the  price  of  shares  was  raised  to  $40,  at  which  sum  they  still 
remain. 

"  1799.  In  April,  1799,  Henry  Cox,  of  the  kingdom  of  Ireland,  pre 
sented  a  large  number  of  manuscript  volumes  relating  to  the  history  of 
his  native  country.  They  consist  of  the  original  correspondence  of 
James  the  First  with  the  Privy  Council  of  Ireland,  from  1603  to  1615, 
inclusive,  and  a  great  variety  of  historical  data,  the  value  of  which 
remains  unknown.  In  one  of  the  volumes  is  an  original  letter  from 
Queen  Elizabeth,  dated  in  1568.  Several  valuable  printed  books  are 
also  in  this  collection. 

"  1804.  In  this  year  the  institution  was  greatly  enriched  by  John 
Bleakly  and  the  Ilev.  Samuel  Preston.  The  former  left,  by  will,  £1000 
to  the  library,  and  the  latter  bequeathed  a  most  valuable  collection  of 
rare  and  curious  books,  selected  with  great  taste  and  judgment,  together 
with  two  shares  of  United  States  Bank  stock.  Dr.  Preston  was  influ 
enced,  in  selecting  this  library  for  the  reception  of  his  own,  by  our 
countryman,  Benjamin  West,  who  painted  the  portrait  of  the  donor, 
which  was,  in  the  succeeding  year,  presented  by  Mrs.  West,  as  an  ap 
propriate  ornament  for  the  library  rooms.  To  appreciate  the  value  of 
Preston's  library,  it  must  be  examined  in  detail.  There  are,  in  the 
collection,  many  rare  books  of  plates,  &c.,  of  the  most  costly  descrip 
tion,  which  the  funds  of  the  institution  would  forever  have  forbidden 
being  purchased. 

"  George  Campbell  was  now  elected  librarian — an  office  he  filled  for 
twenty-three  years,  during  which  long  period  he  was  never  once  pre 
vented  by  sickness  from  attending  to  his  daily  duties;  a  circumstance 
almost  unprecedented  in  the  annals  of  a  salary  officer.  Under  his  charge, 
the  institution  continued  to  flourish,  and  was  again  enriched,  at  the 
period  of  his  resignation,  by  the  bequest  from  William  Mackenzie  of  500 
rare  volumes,  and  the  purchase  from  his  executors  of  the  additional 
number  of  1466. 

u  Since  this  period,  about  5000  volumes  were  purchased,  on  very 
favorable  terms,  from  James  Cox,  an  artist,  since  deceased,  consisting 
of  many  expensive  volumes  on  the  fine  arts,  and  miscellaneous  books. 
They  supplied  a  prominent  deficiency,  and  many  rarities  are  among 
them." 

From  the  preface  to  the  last  catalogue  we  take  the  following : 

"Besides  the  books,  the  personal  property  consists  in  some  available 


PENNSYLVANIA.  401 

funds  yielding  interest;  the  sale  of  shares,  the  price  of  each  of  which, 
since  1793,  has  been  fixed  at  840,  and  the  annual  payments  of  $4 
from  each  member.  The  real  estate  of  the  Company  consists  of  the 
lot  and  buildings  where  the  Philadelphia  and  Loganian  libraries  are 
kept. 

"  The  members  dispose  of  their  shares  by  transfer  or  will ;  but  the 
assent  of  the  directors,  as  well  in  such  cases  as  in  case  of  an  original 
purchase,  is  previously  necessary — a  restriction  early  adopted,  in  order, 
as  much  as  possible,  to  prevent  improper  persons  from  having  access  to 
a  collection  of  a  nature  peculiarly  liable  to  injury." 

The  preface  to  the  catalogue  of  the  LOGANIAN  Library,  contains  the 
following  account  of  that  establishment : 

"This  collection  of  rare  and  valuable  books,  principally  in  the  learned 
and  existing  languages  of  the  continent  of  Europe,  owes  its  origin  to 
the  Hon.  James  Logan,  the  confidential  friend  and  counsellor  of  Wil 
liam  Penn,  and  for  some  time  President  of  the  Council  of  the  Province 
of  Pennsylvania.  Its  foundation  consists  of  a  portion  of  his  own  pri 
vate  library,  which,  having  collected  at  considerable  expense,  he  was 
anxious  should  descend  to  posterity,  and  continue  usefully  to  extend  to 
others  the  means  of  prosecuting  those  pursuits  he  had  himself  so  suc 
cessfully  cultivated.  With  this  view,  he  erected  a  suitable  building 
in  Sixth  Street,  near  Walnut,  for  the  reception  of  a  library,  and,  by 
deed,  vested  it  (with  the  books  and  certain  rents,  for  the  purpose  of 
increasing  their  number,  and  paying  a  librarian)  in  trustees,  for  the  use 
of  the  public,  forever. 

"This  deed  he  afterwards  cancelled,  and  prepared,  but  did  not  live 
to  execute,  another,  in  which  some  alteration  was  made  in  the  funds 
and  regulations.  After  his  death,  his  children  and  residuary  legatees, 
with  commendable  liberality,  carried  into  effect  the  intentions  of  Mr. 
Logan,  and  conveyed  the  building,  books,  and  rents  charge  to  trustees, 
who  caused  the  library,  consisting  of  more  than  2000  volumes,  to  be 
arranged,  and  a  catalogue  to  be  printed. 

"About  1300  volumes,  collected  by  Dr.  William  Logan,  of  Bristol, 
England,  a  younger  brother  of  James  Logan,  and  by  William  Logan, 
of  Philadelphia,  son  of  the  founder,  were  afterwards  bequeathed  to 
the  institution  by  the  latter  gentleman,  who  acted  for  some  time  as 
librarian.  After  his  death,  in  1776,  the  library  remained  unopened 
during  several  years. 

26 


402  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

"To  insure  its  perpetuity,  the  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania,  in  1792, 
at  the  request  of  James  Logan,  the  only  surviving  trustee,  passed  an 
act  annexing  the  Loganian  Library  to  that  belonging  to  the  Library 
Company  of  Philadelphia,  under  certain  restrictions.  This  act  consti 
tutes  the  directors  of  that  prosperous  Company  for  the  time  being,  trus 
tees,  together  with  the  eldest  male  descendant  of  the  founder,  and  two 
other  gentlemen  to  be  by  him  appointed. 

"  Since  the  two  libraries  were  thus  connected,  the  books  of  the  Loga 
nian  institution  have  been  kept  in  a  room  appropriated  to  the  purpose, 
owned  by  the  Library  Company  of  Philadelphia,  in  which  they  were 
first  opened  for  the  benefit  of  the  citizens  in  1794,  in  accordance  with 
the  original  intentions  of  James  Logan,  and  the  Act  of  Assembly. 

"  Very  considerable  additions  have  continued  to  be  made  to  the  col 
lection  by  means  of  the  funds  arising  out  of  the  sale  of  the  lot  and 
building  in  Sixth  Street,  and  from  the  rents  of  the  lands  in  Bucks 
County,  Pennsylvania,  settled  originally  on  the  institution  by  the 
Logans,  and  by  donations — particularly  of  that  from  the. late  William 
Mackenzie,  Esq.,  a  native  of  Philadelphia,  who  bequeathed  by  his  last 
will,  in  1828,  'all  his  books  printed  before  the  beginning  of  the  18th 
century,  and  800  volumes  more,  to  be  chosen  by  the  trustees,  from  his 
French  books  and  Latin  books  printed  since  the  beginning  of  the  18th 
century/  This  valuable  bequest  consists  of  1519  volumes  of  great 
rarity  and  value ;  and  subsequently  3566  volumes  were  purchased  from 
his  executors.  They  had  been  accumulated  by  Mr.  Mackenzie  during 
a  life  extended  beyond  70  years,  which  had  been  almost  exclusively 
devoted  to  literary  pursuits.  During  this  period,  one  of  his  few  inti 
mate  friends  says,  'he  believes  he  never  had  an  enemy:  at  least,  from 
the  purity  of  his  principles  and  the  correctness  of  his  conduct,  I  am 
sure  he  never  deserved  one.'  ' 

The  following  extracts  arc  from  the  preface  to  the  catalogue,  1856  : 

"In  administering  the  fund,  the  directors,  while  they  have  kept  stea 
dily  in  view  the  original  and  main  object  of  the  Association,  to  form  a 
library  for  home  reading,  and  while  they  have  restricted  their  purchases 
in  those  departments — such  as  law,  medicine,  and  mechanics — to  which 
special  libraries  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  arc  devoted,  have  yet  been 
equally  solicitous  to  avoid  ephemeral  productions  of  no  real  merit. 
The  income  of  the  institution  is  not  (as  is  frequently  supposed) 
sufficient  to  warrant  large  outlay  for  rare  and  costly  works;  and  yet,  on 


PENNSYLVANIA.  403 

taking  a  glance  at  the  whole  collection,  many  treasures  will  be  found, 
among  which  it  may  not  be  uninteresting  to  mention  a  few  of  the  most 
valuable  and  rare. 

"  Of  manuscripts,  the  most  ancient  is  an  exemplar  of  the  entire  Bible, 
on  parchment,  of  the  date  of  1016.  The  most  beautiful  is  an  illu 
minated  Psalter,  on  fine  vellum,  and  in  perfect  preservation;  though 
written  in  Iloman  characters,  it  appears  to  be  a  specimen  of  German 
art  of  the  early  part  of  the  15th  century.  Two  volumes  of  original 
letters  of  King  James  I;  two  of  his  official  correspondence  with  the 
Irish  Viceroyalty;  an  original  diary  of  the  Marquis  of  Clanricarde 
(1641—1043);  and  the  unpublished  autobiography  of  John  Fitch,  are 
noteworthy. 

"  Of  early  printed  books,  there  are  several  of  the  date  of  1470,  and 
others  without  date.  The  Loganian  Library  possesses  a  copy  of  Cax- 
ton's  Golden  Legend;  several  works  from  the  press  of  Wynkyn  de 
Worde;  a  Vulgate  Bible,  printed  at  Home,  by  Sweynheym  and  Pan- 
nartz,  in  1471,  pronounced  '  fort  rare,'  by  Brunei;  another  from  the 
press  of  Koburger,  at  Nuremberg,  in  1475;  an  English  version,  printed 
by  Grafton,  in  1539;  and  a  Nouveau  Testament,  printed  by  Barthelemy 
and  Buyer,  at  Lyons,  about  1480.  A  noble  edition  of  Perec-forest — • 
'  de  tons  les  Romans  de  Chevalerie  h  plus  estime,'  in  6  volumes  folio, 
Paris,  1531;  an  early  German  version,  with  numerous  wood-cuts,  of 
Reynard,  the  fox — Reunke  Voss  de  olde,  Rostock,  1549;  and  Copland's 
edition  of  Caxton's  Recuile  of  the  Histories  of  Troic,  London,  1553, 
are  rare  and  curious. 

"Of  works  relating  to  antiquities,  the  following  are  the  most  remark 
able  :  Lepsius's,  Rosselini's,  Denon's,  and  Yyse's  Egypt;  Botta's  and 
Layard's  folio  plates  of  Nineveh ;  Kingsborough's  and  Lenoir's  Mexico; 
eight  folio  volumes  of  plates  on  Herculaneum;  Piranesi's  Works;  II 
Vaticano;  and  Meyrick  on  Ancient  Armor. 

"  In  the  department  of  works  relating  to  America,  the  two  libraries 
may,  without  exaggeration,  be  said  to  be  very  rich.  The  sets  of  news 
papers,  from  the  first  number  of  the  first  paper  published  in  Philadel 
phia,  continuously  to  the  present  time,  include  a  set  of  'Bradford's 
American  Mercury,'  from  1719  to  1745;  'The  Pennsylvania  Gazette' 
(published  successively  by  Samuel  Keimer,  Dr.  Benjamin  Franklin,  and 
Hall  and  Sellers),  complete,  from  1728  to  1804;  'The  Pennsylvania 
Journal/  from  1747  to  1793;  'The  Pennsylvania  Packet'  (afterwards 


404  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

'Poulson's  Advertiser'),  under  various  names,  from  1771  to  the  present 
time;  'The  Federal  and  Philadelphia  Gazette/  from  1788  to  1843;  and 
the  'United  States  Gazette/  now  the  'North  American/  from  1791  to 
the  present  time. 

"  After  the  newspapers,  may  be  mentioned  the  inestimable  collection 
of  books,  pamphlets,  broadsides,  and  manuscripts,  collected  by  Pierre 
du  Simitiere,  before,  during,  and  after  the  Revolution,  and  purchased 
for  the  Company.  A  portion  of  these  pamphlets,  and  the  larger  part 
of  the  broadsides  are  believed  to  be  quite  unique.  BescJirciltuny  von 
Pennsylvania,  Frankfort  und  Leipzig,  1704,  by  Pastorius,  the  personal 
friend  of  William  Penn,  and  the  founder  of  Germantown,  is  believed  to 
be  the  only  copy  in  the  United  States ;  with  it,  is  bound  up  a  German 
translation  of  Gabriel  Thomas's  Pennsylvania,  and  Faulkner's  Curieuse 
Nacliriclit  von  Pennsylvania,,  1702.  H.  J.  Wynkelmann's  Ameri- 
canischen  Neuen  Welt  Bcsclireil>ung,  Oldenburg,  1664,  with  wood-cuts, 
is  a  most  curious  and  extremely  rare  production.  Other  German  works 
on  America,  not  often  met  with  in  this  country,  are  Gottfriedt's  Histo- 
ria  Antipodum,  Frankfurt,  1655,  and  Dapper's  Unbekannte  ncue  Welt, 
Amsterdam,  1763 ;  both  have  numerous  fine  plates  and  maps.  Cam- 
panius's  Kort  Beskryfnnig  om  Provincien  Nya  Swerige  callas  Penn 
sylvania,  Stockholm,  1702,  with  curious  plates  and  maps,  is  one  of  the 
few  copies  known  to  exist;  and  Ovalle's  Historica  Relation  del  Reyno 
de  Chile,  with  the  maps  and  all  the  plates;  is  of  great  rarity.  Jones's 
Present  State  of  Virginia,  London,  1724,  'one  of  the  scarcest  works 
relating  to  Virginia,  published  in  the  18th  century/  is  bound  up  with 
The  Present  State  of  Virginia  and  the  College,  l)y  Messieurs  Ilartwcll, 
Blair,  and  Cliilton,  London,  1727,  which  appears  to  be  still  more 
scarce,  as  it  is  not  mentioned  either  by  Rich  or  Lowndes ;  nor  does  it 
appear  in  the  British  Museum  catalogue,  of  1819.  These  and  other 
choice  works  on  the  American  Colonies,  have  the  initials  of  Peter  Col- 
linson  on  their  title-pages.  Plantagenet's  New  Albion,  Leah  and  Rachel, 
and  other  scarce  books,  were  reprinted  in  Force's  Historical  Tracts, 
from  originals  in  this  library.  Aiken's  Bible,  of  1782,  published  under 
the  patronage  of  Congress;  and  Poor  Richard's  Almanac,  from  1733 
to  1747,  are  very  rare  works. 

"  The  Library's  set  of  the  Laws  of  Pennsylvania  is  complete  from  the 
beginning;  and  of  the  journals  of  the  Legislature,  nearly  so.  Indeed,  but 
few  works  relating  to  Pennsylvania  arid  Philadelphia  are  wanting ;  and  of 


PENNSYLVANIA.  405 

the  local  histories  of  other  States,  the  collection  is  good.  The  collection  of 
the  public  documents  of  the  General  Government  is  respectable,  and  will 
shortly,  it  is  hoped,  be  as  complete  as  any  other  in  the  country.  Not  the 
least  interesting  portion  of  the  library  is  that  consisting  of  works  in  the 
languages  of  Continental  Europe.  In  the  departments  of  Belles-Lettres 
and  History,  the  collection  of  French,  Spanish,  and  Italian  books  em 
braces  most  of  the  standard  authors.  The  edition  of  the  French 
classics,  in  32  large  quarto  volumes,  entitled  i  Collection  du  Dauphin,' 
a  beautiful  specimen  of  typography;  and  Landinu's  i  Rare  et  Recherche' 
edition  of  Dante,  Venetia,  1512,  are  worthy  of  notice.  The  German 
library  is  by  no  means  so  valuable ;  but  it  includes  the  '  Sammtliche 
Werke,'  of  Luther  (89  volumes),  Goethe,  Schiller,  Jean  Paul,  Zschokke, 
Heine,  &c.  The  collection  of  Spanish  authors  (mostly  in  the  Loganian 
library)  is  most  complete,  and  was,  and  perhaps  is,  the  finest  public  collec 
tion  in  the  country.  Many  of  the  volumes  are  interesting,  either  from 
their  rarity  or  intrinsic  worth.  Among  these,  may  be  mentioned  El  Condc 
Lucanor,  by  the  Prince  Don  Juan  Manuel  (Sevilla,  1575),  described 
by  Ticknor  as  (  one  of  the  rarest  books  in  the  world ;'  an  unmutilated 
edition  of  Celestina,  the  first  Spanish  dramatic  work  of  note  (1599)  ; 
the  Cronica  del  Famosa  Cavallero  del  Cid  (Burgos,  1593);  and  the 
Coronica  de  el  Key  Don  Alonzo  (1604);  it  contains  also,  the  excellent 
reprint  of  the  ancient  Spanish  chronicles  (1787) ;  and  Zurita's  Anales 
de  la  Corona,  de  Aragon,  with  the  supplement  of  Argensola.  Not  to 
mention  the  better  known  names  of  Calderon,  Lope  de  Vega,  and  other 
early  dramatists,  it  may  be  said  that  all  modern  authors  of  consequence, 
Feijoo,  Father  Isla,  Mora  tin,  Yriarte,  Melandez  Valdes,  and  many 
others,  have  been  added  to  it.  The  Spanish  writers  on  America  are 
equally  well  represented. 

"In  the  large  collection  of  English  works,  may  be  found  complete  sets 
of  the  Royal  Philosophical  Transactions,  the  Gentleman's  Magazine, 
the  Annual  Register,  Cobbett's  and  Hansard's  Parliamentary  Debates, 
Curtis's  Botanical  Magazine,  and  other  periodicals,  some  continued  for 
more  than  a  century ;  the  publications  of  the  Record  Commission,  in 
77  volumes  folio,  and  25  volumes  octavo;  a  curious  collection  of  700 
English  pamphlets  in  36  volumes  quarto,  published  during  the  revolu 
tionary  period,  from  1620  to  1720 ;  which,  with  Somers's  Tracts,  the 
Harleian  Miscellany,  and  the  Camden  Society's  publications,  eminently 
deserve  the  attention  of  the  student  of  English  history;  a  series  of 
the  English  chronicles,  from  Bede  downwards,  in  the  original  Latin,  as 
well  as  in  English ;  and  Dansay's  English  Crusaders." 


106  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES, 


STATE    OF    THE    LIBRARY. 

In  August,  1835,  the  library  contained — 

Works.  Volume.- 

11 84  folios, 1,853 

2282  quartos, 3,454 

9220  octavos, 18,721 

0070  duodecimos, 11,193 


Total, 35,221 

In  April,  1856,  the  library  contained — 

Works.  Volumes. 

1,455  folios, 2,578 

2,098  quartos, 3,893 

14,012  octavos, 29,065 

11,055  duodecimos,  .....  17,780 


Total, 53,322 

Duplicates  not  catalogued,  say,  ....          1,000 
The  Loganian  Library  contains,          .          .          .          9,873 


Total  of  both  libraries,       ..... 
In  1857,  the  total  number  was,. 

About  1000  volumes  are  added  yearly.  Annual  cost  of  support  of 
both  libraries,  83050.  During  the  last  five  years,  812,500  have  been 
expended  for  books  for  the  Library  Company,  and  $1000  for  the 
Loganian. 

The  books  arc  arranged  as  they  are  received,  according  to  size.  The 
first  catalogue  was  gratuitously  printed  by  Benjamin  Franklin,  in  1732; 
the  second  by  Franklin,  in  1741,  56  pages  12mo.  ;  the  third  by  Frank 
lin  and  Hall,  in  1757,  132  pages  Svo.;  others  in  1764, 150  pages  8vo.; 
in  1770,  8vo. ;  in  1789,  406  pages  Svo.,  with  supplements;  1793,  38 
pages;  1794,  34  pages;  1796,  38  pages;  1798,  48  pages;  1799,  32 
pages;  and  1801,  23  pages;  in  1807,  616  pages  Svo.  A  catalogue 
was  published  in  1835,  in  two  volumes  Svo. ,  making  1050  pages.  This 
catalogue  is  classed  on  the  system  of  Brunei,  somewhat  altered.  The 
index  is  alphabetical.  Under  each  sub-class,  the  titles  are  arranged 
alphabetically  under  the  names  of  authors.  Anonymous  works  are 
recorded  after  the  others.  In  the  supplements,  the  division  of  belles- 


PENNSYLVANIA.  407 

lettres  is  included  under  that  of  science  and  arts.  A  supplement  was 
published  in  1844 ;  and  a  second  supplement  in  1849.  A  catalogue 
of  the  Loganian  Library,  was  published  in  1837,  450  pages  8vo.  The 
first  catalogue  of  this  collection  was  printed  in  1760,  116  pages  8vo. 

The  third  volume  of  the  catalogue  was  published  in  1856,  containing 
the  titles  added  from  1835  to  1856,  together  with  an  alphabetical  index 
to  the  whole.  It  is  an  octavo,  of  1138  pages,  and  is  sold  at  $4  and  $5 
a  copy. 

Persons  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library  are,  stockholders  who  pay 
$4  yearly;  others,  on  deposit  and  hire.  The  books  are  lent  out  in  great 
numbers;  the  librarian  estimates  it  at  34,200.  The  number  of  persons 
who  consult  the  library,  without  taking  away  books,  is  very  considerable 
— the  exact  number  cannot  be  stated.  A  deposit  of  double  the  value 
of  the  books  taken,  will  obtain  most  of  the  books  of  the  institution,  if 
applied  for  by  proper  persons. 


LIBRARY  OF  THE  FOUR  MONTHLY  MEETINGS  OF  FRIENDS. 
(1857.)     5300  vols. 

"The  Library  of  Friends  of  Philadelphia,  owes  its  origin  to  a  bequest 
made  by  Thomas  Chalkley,  as  appears  by  the  following  extract  from  his 
will,  dated  the  19th  of  February,  1741,  viz.:  ' Having  spent  most  of 
my  days  and  strength  in  the  work  and  service  of  the  Gospel  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  having  been  joined  as  a  member  of  the  Monthly 
Meeting  of  Friends  of  Philadelphia,  for  above  these  40  years,  to  them, 
as  a  token  of  my  love,  I  give  my  small  library  of  books/ 

li  A  transcript  from  the  will  was  presented  to  the  Monthly  Meeting 
of  Friends  of  Philadelphia,  held  the  30th  of  February,  1742,  and 
Robert  Jordan,  a  member  and  eminent  minister  of  that  meeting,  offer 
ing  his  services  as  librarian,  the  books,  being  111  in  number,  were 
delivered  into  his  possession,  with  a  catalogue  of  their  titles.  Soon 
after  this,  Robert  Jordan  deceased,  and  Anthony  Benezet  being  requested 
by  the  Monthly  Meeting  to  take  charge  of  the  library,  it  was  accord 
ingly  removed  to  his  house ;  where  it  continued  to  be  kept  until  the 
erection  of  a  meeting-house,  at  the  corner  of  Fourth  and  Chestnut 
Streets. 

"The  small  collection  left  by  Thomas  Chalkley,  was  gradually  in 
creased  by  purchases  and  the  donations  of  benevolent  individuals, 


408  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

among  whom  we  may  particularly  notice,  Dr.  John  Fothergill,  Peter 
Collinson,  David  Barclay,  of  London,  grandson  of  the  Apologist,  and 
James  Bright,  of  this  city.  Little  attention,  however,  was  given  to  it, 
and  the  books  having  been  loaned  without  a  regular  record  of  the  persons 
who  borrowed  them,  many  volumes  were  irrecoverably  lost. 

"  In  the  year  1765,  the  attention  of  the  Monthly 'Meeting  seems  to 
have  been  awakened  to  the  importance  of  preserving  a  collection  of  the 
writings  of  our  early  Friends,  and  other  suitable  books,  for  the  perusal 
of  its  members;  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  devise  some  method 
of  rendering  the  library  more  useful — to  collect  the  books  which  had 
been  lent  out,  to  purchase  others,  and  report  the  names  of  suitable 
Friends  to  have  the  charge  of  them.  This  committee  recovered  some 
of  the  missing  volumes,  repaired  those  which  were  injured,  and  made 
a  new  catalogue  of  the  whole. 

"  The  late  John  Pemberton,  who  appears  to  have  taken  a  warm  inte 
rest  in  the  improvement  of  the  Library,  and  was  actively  engaged  in 
its  promotion,  bequeathed  a  large  number  of  books  to  it,  as  appears  by 
the  following  extract  from  his  will,  dated  1st  of  April,  1794  :  'I  give 
and  bequeath  unto  my  aforesaid  friends,  John  Field  and  William  Wilson, 
and  the  survivor  of  them,  after  the  decease  of  my  wife,  one-half  of  my 
library  of  books,  in  trust,  for  the  use  and  benefit,  and  perusal  of  Friends 
of  the  Three  Monthly  Meetings  in  this  city;  and  to  be  placed  in  the 
library  for  that  purpose ;  wishing  the  beloved  youth  were  more  willing 
to  read  and  become  acquainted  with  the  trials,  sufferings,  and  religious 
experience  of  our  worthy  ancients/ 

"When  the  meeting-house  on  Arch  Street,  between  Third  and  Fourth 
Streets,  was  erected,  the  library  was  removed  to  a  room  in  the  building, 
and  in  the  year  1817,  it  was  placed  under  care  of  a  committee,  consist 
ing  of  one  Friend  from  each  monthly  meeting  in  the  city. 

"In  March,  1842,  an  association  of  Friends  who  had  supported  a  read 
ing-room  and  library,  having  concluded  to  dissolve,  presented  their 
library,  and  the  funds  belonging  thereto,  to  'the  Committee  of  the 
Monthly  Meetings,  who  have  the  care  of  Friends'  Library ;'  with 
liberty  for  the  committee  to  dispose  of  the  gift  as  it  might  see  best. 
This  was  an  acceptable  present,  the  interest  on  the  funds  enabling  the 
committee  to  increase  the  library  more  rapidly  than  heretofore ;  but, 
as  many  of  the  books  received  were  such  as  were  already  in  the  library, 
the  committee  made  large  donations  of  such  duplicates  to  libraries  not 
possessing  them. 


PENNSYLVANIA.  409 

"In  the  spring  of  1844,  a  new  building  was  erected  on  Arch  Street 
near  Third,  for  a  book  store  and  tract  depository  for  the  Society  of 
Friends,  the  second  story  of  which  was  offered  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  library.  The  committee  having  charge  of  it,  on  its  removal  to 
the  new  building,  concluded  that  it  should  be  kept  open  on  two  after 
noons  in  the  week,  instead  of  one,  as  it  had  for  many  years  been.  As 
this  would  involve  an  additional  expense,  the  Four  Monthly  Meetings 
of  Friends  in  Philadelphia,  on  the  application  of  the  committee,  con 
cluded  to  pay  annually  a  small  sum  each,  towards  satisfying  the  libra 
rian.  At  the  same  time,  they  increased  the  number  of  the  committee 
having  charge  of  the  library,  to  two  from  each  meeting. 

"  The  library,  as  a  depository  of  the  ancient  writings  of  Friends,  is 
invaluable,  furnishing  the  most  complete  collection  in  America;  and  no 
expense  is  spared  to  add  to  it  such  scarce  and  valuable  works  of  that 
description,  as  are  not  already  on  its  shelves. 

"  Among  the  few  MSS.,  is  a  copy  of  the  Vulgate,  or  St.  Jerome's 
Bible,  beautifully  written  and  illuminated,  on  vellum,  a  thick  12mo. 
size  volume,  much  admired  and  highly  valued.  It  is  supposed  to  have 
been  written  about  A.D.  900. 

"In  the  Friends'  Biblical  Library,  containing  upwards  of  200  copies 
of  the  Bible,  in  various  languages  and  editions,  and  belonging  to  the 
Bible  Association  of  Friends  in  America,  there  is  a  copy  of  the  Vul 
gate,  printed  on  paper,  at  Venice,  in  1478;  the  illumination  very  plain, 
supplied  in  colors  by  hand. 

"  The  library  is  entirely  gratuitous,  and  any  member  of  the  Society 
of  Friends  residing  in  Philadelphia  can  have  the  free  use  thereof,  by 
subscribing  to  its  rules.  The  use  of  it  is  not,  however,  confined  to 
Friends.  The  sober,  religious  inquirer  after  truth,  by  application  to 
the  committee,  with  a  satisfactory  reference,  may  have  the  liberty  granted 
to  him  for  six  months,  and  if  he  does  not  abuse  the  privilege,  may  have 
it  continued  as  long  as  he  desires  it/' 


MECHANICS'  INSTITUTE,  OF  SOUTHWARK.     (1857.)     2700  vols. 

The  average  daily  attendance  at  the  reading-room,  during  the  year 
1855,  was  about  40.  Lectures  on  literary  and  scientific  subjects  were 
delivered  weekly,  from  November  to  March,  and  were  well  attended. 


410  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

The  Institute  is  free  from  debt;  and  lias  on  its  roll  about  300  contribut 
ing  members,  upon  whose  dues,  $1  each,  it  depends  almost  entirely  for  its 
income.  Receipts  during  1856,  $587  69.  Total  cost  of  lot,  building, 
and  furniture,  $6365.  14,000  persons  visited  the  rooms  during  the 
year  ending  August  31, 1856.  6727  volumes  were  lent  to  293  persons. 


MERCANTILE  LIBRARY  COMPANY.     (1857.)     13,400  vols. 

"The  Mercantile  Library  Company  was  instituted  in  the  year  1821, 
the  first  meeting,  with  a  view  to  its  establishment,  having  been  held  at 
the  Masonic  Hall,  on  the  10th  of  November  in  that  year.  From  this 
meeting  emanated  a  public  notice,  inviting  merchants,  merchants'  clerks, 
and  others  friendly  to  the  formation  of  a  '  Mercantile  Library  Associa 
tion/  to  meet  at  the  Mayor's  court-room,  on  the  17th  of  the  same  month. 
The  object  was  submitted  to  the  consideration  of  this  meeting,  and 
receiving  the  warm  approbation  of  a  large  assemblage  of  merchants,  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  report  a  constitution  to  a  subsequent  public 
meeting.  The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  on  this  committee : 
Robert  Wain,  Robert  Ralston,  Joseph  P.  Norris,  Zaccheus  Collins, 
Bernard  Dahlgren,  John  Roberts,  Joseph  II.  Dulles,  William  H.  Jones, 
and  William  E.  Bowen.  The  duties  thus  assigned  them,  received  the 
particular  attention  of  the  distinguished  citizens  at  the  head  of  the  list, 
whose  names  are  an  ornament,  not  only  to  this  institution,  but  to  the 
city  and  the  country  at  large.  By  their  personal  influence  and  wise 
counsels,  they  have  contributed  greatly  to  the  character  of  solid,  unos 
tentatious  usefulness  which  the  Company  has  hitherto  sustained. 

"It  being  one  chief  object  of  the  institution,  to  provide  the  advan 
tages  of  a  useful  library  at  the  least  charge,  the  terms  of  membership 
were,  originally,  fixed  at  83  contribution,  on  admission  to  membership, 
and  a  half-yearly  payment  of  $1.  These  terms  were  varied  subsequently, 
as  the  value  of  the  library,  and  the  expense  of  sustaining  it,  were 
increased. 

"The  Board  was  organized  on  the  14th  of  January,  and  on  the  19th, 
the  rooms  in  the  second  story  of  the  house  No.  100  Chestnut  Street, 
were  engaged,  at  a  rent  of  $100  a  year;  and  D.  Culver  appointed  libra 
rian,  at  a  salary  of  $100;  the  library  to  be  kept  open  every  evening, 
excepting  Sundays. 

"  The  rooms  were  opened  for  use  on  the  5th  of  March,  1822,  and  an 


PENNSYLVANIA.  411 

address  to  the  public  was  made,  setting  forth  the  objects  of  the  insti 
tution,  and  the  benefits  to  be  derived  by  men  of  business,  from  the  use 
of  a  library  peculiarly  adapted  to  their  purposes.  This  address  was 
from  the  pen  of  William  M.  Walmsley,  one  of  the  purchasing  com 
mittee,  who  labored  most  faithfully  in  the  service  of  the  Company,  from 
its  institution  until  his  decease,  which  occurred  in  1840. 

"  The  rooms  being  much  resorted  to  by  the  members,  it  was  deemed 
proper  to  add  a  few  daily  newspapers  to  the  collection  of  books  and 
periodicals.  At  the  animal  meeting,  12th  of  January,  1825,  it  was 
ordered  that  this  change  be  made,  and  three  city  papers  and  two  from 
New  York  were  taken.  The  supply  of  papers  has  been  moderately 
extended  from  time  to  time. 

"  The  most  important  measure  adopted  by  the  Company,  since  its 
organization,  was  that  by  which  it  resolved  itself  into  a  joint  stock  com 
pany.  The  plan  was  proposed  by  the  directors  at  the  annual  meeting 
of  the  members  in  January,  1826 ;  and,  in  order  to  obtain  deliberate 
action,  and  the  acquiescence  of  all  the  members,  the  consideration  of 
the  subject  was  postponed  to  an  adjourned  meeting,  held  on  the  26th  of 
January,  when  it  was  unanimously  adopted. 

"  The  experiment  of  sustaining  such  an  institution  had  been  fairly 
tried ;  a  valuable  collection  of  books  had  been  obtained ;  and  the  cha 
racter  of  the  library  was  well  established.  To  secure,  in  the  most  per 
manent  form,  the  benefits  thus  acquired,  it  was  resolved,  That  estimating 
the  books,  debts,  and  furniture,  at  83000,  the  same  be  divided  into  300 
shares  of  $10  each;  and  that  certificates  of  stock,  transferable  under 
regulations  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  be  issued  to  that  extent,  subject 
to  an  annual  payment  of  81,  the  members  of  the  Company,  who  have 
contributed  §3,  to  be  entitled  to  purchase  each  one  share,  at  87.  At 
the  annual  meeting,  in  January,  1829,  the  directors  were  authorized  to 
increase  the  issue  of  the  stock,  by  200  shares  additional,  making  500 
shares  in  all. 

"In  1831,  the  contributions  were  increased,  the  stockholders  being 
required  to  pay  81  half-yearly,  viz.,  on  the  1st  of  January,  and  1st  of 
July ;  and  subscribers  to  pay  81  50,  at  each  half-yearly  payment. 

"  With  a  view  to  the  improvement  of  the  members,  a  series  of  lec 
tures  on  Mercantile  Law,  were  delivered  during  the  winter  of  1827  and 
1828,  by  a  number  of  gentlemen  of  the  bar.  These,  on  the  following 
winter,  were  renewed;  and  for  several  successive  years,  courses  of  lectures 


412  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

were  sustained  by  the  Company,  until  the  fall  of  1837,  when,  on  the  for 
mation  of  the  Athenian  Institute,  the  two  associations  united  in  the 
support  of  a  course  of  lectures  more  extended  and  miscellaneous;  since 
which  time  various  useful  and  popular  courses  have  been  delivered  by 
distinguished  lecturers.  In  order  to  enjoy,  to  the  fullest  extent,  the 
privileges  of  a  corporate  body,  application  was  made,  in  the  year  1828, 
agreeably  to  the  Act  of  6th  April,  1791,  and  the  Company  became 
incorporated  under  the  said  act.  For  the  better  accommodation  of  the 
growing  institution,  the  library  was,  in  the  year  1835,  removed  to  No. 
134  Chestnut  Street. 

"  The  number  of  members  having  increased  considerably,  and  the 
want  of  more  spacious  and  suitable  accommodations  being  felt,  the 
directors  began  to  take  measures,  if  practicable  to  remedy  the  incon 
venience.  With  this  view,  as  a  preparatory  measure,  application  was 
made  to  the  Legislature  of  the  Commonwealth,  at  its  session  of  1841-'42, 
for  a  special  act  of  incorporation,  with  more  extended  powers  and  privi 
leges  than  those  conferred  by  the  charter  obtained  from  the  Supreme 
Court  under  authority  of  the  general  law;  and,  accordingly,  an  act  was 
passed  by  both  branches  of  that  body,  which  received  the  approbation  of 
the  Governor  on  the  1st  day  of  July,  1842,  creating  the  Company  into 
a  body  politic  and  corporate,  with  ample  powers  and  privileges,  under 
and  by  which  it  holds  the  valuable  property  it  now  possesses.  In  pur 
suance  of  these  powers,  the  members  proceeded  to  pass  a  code  of  by-laws, 
by  which,  together  with  the  act  of  incorporation,  the  Company  has  since 
been  governed. 

"  Being  thus  prepared  for  a  wider  sphere  of  usefulness,  the  directors, 
having  first  obtained  the  sanction  of  the  Company,  in  the  early  part  of 
the  year  1844,  purchased  from  the  heirs  of  Dr.  James  Gallagher,  de 
ceased,  the  property  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Fifth  and  Library  Streets, 
containing  36  feet  in  front  on  Fifth  Street,  and  100  feet  on  Library 
Street,  at  an  annual  ground-rent  of  8900,  stipulating  to  redeem  the 
same  in  ten  years,  by  the  payment  of  818,000.  Subsequently,  they  pur 
chased,  from  the  Directors  of  the  Philadelphia  Dispensary,  the  lot  adjoin 
ing,  on  the  south,  containing  14  feet  in  front,  on  Fifth  Street,  by  100  feet 
in  depth,  at  an  annual  ground-rent  of  $180,  redeemable  at  pleasure,  by 
the  payment  of  83000.  By  these  arrangements,  the  Company  became 
possessed  of  a  lot,  fronting  50  feet  on  Fifth  Street,  and  100  feet  on 
Library  Street,  the  site  of  the  beautiful  edifice  now  containing  the 
library. 


PENNSYLVANIA.  413 

"  At  the  time  mentioned,  the  Company  had  accumulated  a  fund  of 
about  $3400 — the  avails  of  the  lectures  spoken  of  in  the  preceding 
sketch,  which  had  been  set  apart  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  library 
building.  This  amount  being  quite  inadequate  to  the  contemplated 
object,  it  became  necessary  to  devise  means  for  further  augmenting  it. 
The  plan  adopted  for  this  purpose  was  as  follows.  It  was  proposed  to 
open  a  subscription  to  shares  of  stock  in  the  library,  issuing  scrip  for 
the  same,  transferrable  by  indorsement,  and  allowing  subscribers  thereto, 
the  privilege  of  holding  the  scrip,  free  of  taxation,  until  such  time  as 
they  might  see  fit  to  convert  it  into  active  shares,  by  taking  out  certi 
ficates,  and  using  the  library.  The  project  succeeded  admirably;  and 
through  the  liberality  of  the  merchants  and  their  clerks,  and  other  libe 
ral-minded  citizens  of  Philadelphia,  but  chiefly  of  the  former,  the 
directors,  in  a  short  time,  had  the  gratification  of  finding  themselves  in 
possession  of  a  sufficient  amount  of  funds  to  warrant  their  undertaking 
the  proposed  improvement;  and,  accordingly,  a  contract  was  made  with 
Messrs.  Kilgore  and  Hudars,  a  most  responsible  building  firm,  for  the 
erection  of  the  building.  The  improvement  was  made  after  a  design 
by  the  late  William  Johnston,  an  amiable  and  talented  gentleman,  and 
under  his  superintendence,  aided  by  a  committee  of  the  Board.  It  is 
considered  a  monument  of  his  good  taste  and  skill  as  an  architect,  and 
is  looked  on  with  pride  and  satisfaction  by  the  members. 

"  The  building  was  commenced  in  October,  1844,  and  was  finished 
in  rather  less  than  a  year,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  directors,  at 
a  cost  of  823,199  42,  including  book-cases,  desks,  reading-tables,  furni 
ture,  and  gas-fixtures;  also  ground-rent,  water-rent,  taxes,  and  incidental 
expenses  to  the  1st  of  July,  1845,  at  which  time  the  Company  got  pos 
session  of  the  property,  and  removed  the  books  to  the  apartments  at 
present  occupied  by  the  library.  For  convenience  of  arrangement,  and 
adaptation  to  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  designed,  it  is  believed  that 
the  building  is  not  surpassed ;  and  it  is  justly  deemed  one  of  the  chief 
architectural  ornaments  of  the  city.  From  the  income  of  the  property, 
a  floating  debt  of  about  $2500,  which  was  upon  it  when  the  building  was 
completed,  has  been  paid  off;  and  the  ground-rent  of  $180  per  annum,  to 
the  Philadelphia  Dispensary,  redeemed,  leaving  the  property  at  this  time 
free  from  incumbrance,  save  the  ground-rent  of  $900  per  annum  to  the 
heirs  of  Dr.  Gallagher. 

"  The  income  from  rents,  of  that  portion  of  the  building  not  occupied 


414  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

by  the  Company,  is  at  present  about  83100  per  annum.  When  the 
ground-rent  shall  be  entirely  extinguished,  the  net  product  of  this 
income  will  revert  to  the  library  fund,  and  greatly  augment  the  means 
for  extending  the  benefits  and  usefulness  of  the  institution. 

"  This  library  affords  to  the  members  a  facility  which  is  unusual,  if  it 
is  not  peculiar  to  this  institution, — the  book-cases  are  left  open  to  inspec 
tion;  thus  giving  to  each  of  the  members  as  free  a  use  of  the  books,  as 
if  they  were  in  his  private  library.  The  plan  requires,  to  render  it  as 
useful  as  possible,  the  actual  division  of  the  books  in  classes  on  the  shelves, 
as  exhibited  in  the  classified  catalogue." 

The  librarian  remarks  that  "  the  arrangement  of  titles  under  a  single 
alphabet  has  been  adopted,  from  the  conviction  now  generally  enter 
tained  by  those  who  have  had  experience  in  the  management  of  popular 
libraries,  that  it  is  more  convenient  and  useful  than  any  other.  The 
plan  of  entering  the  books  is  threefold  :  first,  under  the  name  of  the 
author ;  second,  under  that  word  in  the  title  which  most  distinctly  indi 
cates  the  subject  of  the  work ;  and  third,  under  the  proper  title  of  the 
book.  To  each  title  is  annexed  the  number  of  the  class  to  which  the 
book  belongs,  and  the  number  which  the  book  bears  in  that  class." 

The  price  of  shares  is  $10,  and  annual  tax,  82.  Subscribers  pay  83 
entrance  fee,  and  §3  annually.  The  library  is  open  every  day,  from  3 
to  10  P.M.  During  1854,  45,000  volumes  were  lent  to  800  persons. 
700  new  books  were  added  during  1855.  The  receipts  during  1855, 
were  87057  10 ;  and  disbursements,  86416  79.  During  the  year  1856, 
the  receipts  were  86902  60;  and  expenditures  for  books,  8624  65; 
binding,  8269  30 ;  periodicals,  8350  49 ;  salaries,  81867  49.  There 
are  1682  members.  The  librarian  receives  a  salary  of  81000,  and  an 
assistant  8600.  All  the  volumes  are  in  English,  excepting  200. 

Catalogues  have  been  issued  in  the  following  years:  1822;  1824, 
1500  volumes;  1828,  76  pages  8vo .,  2118  volumes;  a  supplement  in 
1832,  60  pages  8vo.,  3118  volumes;  a  classified  catalogue  in  1840,  182 
pages  12mo.,  6000  volumes;  another  in  1850,  450  pages  8vo.,  10,500 
volumes ;  a  supplement  in  1856,  132  pages  8vo.,  13,400  volumes. 

About  800  volumes  are  added  yearly.  Annual  cost  of  support,  82800. 
During  the  last  five  years,  82500  were  expended  for  books,  and  81800 
for  periodicals.  60  periodicals  are  taken. 

The  catalogue  of  1850  was  classified  in  the  first  part;  and  the  second 
part  contained  an  alphabetical  list  of  authors,  and  subjects  of  biography; 


PENNSYLVANIA.  415 

a  list  of  titles  and  one  of  subjects.  The  supplement  of  18 50  was  pre 
pared  by  the  present  librarian,  and  contains  authors,  titles,  and  subjects, 
under  one  alphabet,  with  references  to  the  classes,  and  numbers  of  the 
books,  as  at  present  arranged.  It  cost  $380  60  for  750  copies.  The 
library  is  open  each  week-day,  from  10  A.M.  to  10  P.M. 


MOYAMENSING  LITERARY  INSTITUTE.     (185G.)     2400  vols. 

Founded  July  1, 1852.  It  was  formerly  a  branch  of  the  Philadelphia 
Young  Men's  Institute,  but  is  now  entirely  independent.  The  payment 
of  82  annually,  or  of  810  at  one  time,  and  81  annually  thereafter,  con 
stitutes  any  person  a  member.  Number  of  life-members,  102;  annual 
members,  159  ;  82  annual  dues. 

The  Institute  is  free  from  debt,  and  has  an  income  from  the  rental  of 
portions  of  the  building,  and  from  dues  of  members,  sufficient  to  defray 
its  expenses,  while  conducted  on  a  very  moderate  scale. 

The  receipts  during  1854,  were  81000.  The  library  is  of  a  miscel 
laneous  character,  and  the  books  are  arranged  according  to  size.  During 
.1854,  2669  volumes  were  lent  to  427  persons.  During  the  year  ending 
August  31,  1856,  13,000  persons  visited  the  rooms.  5000  volumes 
were  lent. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1854,  at  a  cost  of  870  for  300  copies. 
The  librarian  receives  8200  per  annum. 

PENNSYLVANIA  ACADEMY  OF  FINE  ARTS.     (1857.)     200  vols. 

Founded  in  1805,  by  George  Clyiner,  and  others.  It  is  supported  by 
the  fees  received  from  visitors.  Artists,  students  of  art,  and  stock 
holders,  are  entitled  to  the  gratuitous  use  of  the  library.  It  is  a  reference 
library  merely;  and  is  open  two  afternoons  in  each  week,  and  contains 
200  volumes,  about  half  of  which  are  rare  folios.  The  curator  receives 
a  salary  of  8250  per  annum. 


PENNSYLVANIA  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     1050  vols. 

Founded  in  1833.  The  library  contains  1050  volumes  (exclusive  of 
numerous  pamphlets)  of  works  confined  to  subjects  in  horticulture, 
botany,  agriculture,  and  natural  history.  It  is  questionable  whether 


416  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

there  exists,  in  this  country,  another  of  such  extent,  embracing  so  few 
branches  of  science.  It  comprises  the  best  editions  of  every  work, 
always  colored  illustrations,  whenever  attainable;  a  number  of  them 
very  costly.  Among  these  are  the  Poinologie  Frangaise,  in  4  folio 
volumes,  costing  8175;  Berlier's  Monograph  of  the  Camellia,  in  6 
volumes,  about  the  same  cost ;  and  many  works  costing  from  820  to 
850  each. 

The  Society  has  about  600  members,  principally  amateurs,  and  many 
of  them  citizens  of  high  standing. 

About  84500  have  been  expended  in  the  purchase  of  books.  Appro 
priations  from  8200  to  8400  are  annually  made  from  the  funds  of  the 
Society ;  and  fines  are  also  applied  to  the  library.  The  library  is  open 
two  evenings  in  each  month.  All  the  principal  American  and  Euro 
pean  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Journals  are  received. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1850,  at  a  cost  of  875  for  1000  copies. 


PENNSYLVANIA  HOSPITAL.     (1857.)     11,000  vols. 

"  The  Hospital  was  established  in  1750.  The  first  medical  book  pos 
sessed  by  this  institution  appears  to  have  been  a  present,  in  1762,  from 
Dr.  John  Fothergill.  It  was  Lewis's  History  of  the  Materia  Medica. 
The  next  year  it  was  determined  to  demand  a  fee  from  students  attend 
ing  the  wards  at  the  time  of  the  physicians  visiting  the  patients,  and 
to  appropriate  the  money  arising  from  thence,  to  the  founding  of  a 
medical  library. 

"  Prior  to  the  Revolution,  about  100  volumes  had  been  presented, 
and  two  orders  for  books  had  been  sent  to  London.  Only  11  volumes 
were  added  to  the  library  from  1774  to  1787.  One  of  these  was  a 
pamphlet;  another,  l  Cullen's  First  Lines  of  the  Practice  of  Physic/  2 
volumes  Svo.,  '  cost  the  apparently  enormous  sum  of  £135  5s.  This, 
however,  when  subjected  to  the  talismanic  operation  of  Richard  Wells's 
scale  of  depreciation,  shrinks  to  the  comparative  trifle  of  £1  15s. 
specie  !J 

"In  the  years  1787-'89,  the  amount  paid  for  books  was  £266  5s. 
lid.  The  total  expenditure  for  books,  previous  to  1700,  was  equal  to 
8886  48.  The  first  catalogue,  published  in  the  year  1790,  contains  of 
folios,  21;  quartos,  77;  octavos,  341;  duodecimos,  89;  total,  528 
volumes. 

"The  increasing  number  of  students  from  this  time,  has  afforded  a 


PENNSYLVANIA.  417 

fund  for  the  steady  increase  of  the  library.  For  several  years,  the 
books  were  selected  and  purchased  by  the  celebrated  Dr.  Lettsom,  who 
enriched  the  collection  with  many  valuable  donations. 

"In  the  year  1800,  Sarah  Lane  presented  142  volumes  of  medical 
books,  some  of  them  very  rare  and  valuable.  A  supplementary  cata 
logue  was  printed  in  1793,  and  a  new  catalogue  in  1806,  containing  127 
pages  Svo. 

"On  the  decease  of  Dr.  Benjamin  S.  Barton,  his  extensive  and  rare 
collection  of  works  on  natural  history,  was  purchased  of  his  widow  for 
$2270." 

A  supplement  to  the  second  catalogue  was  printed  in  1818.  Another 
catalogue  of  the  library,  was  printed  in  1829,  containing  324  pages  Svo. 
At  this  time  the  library  contained  5828  volumes.  A  supplement,  paged 
continuously  with  the  catalogue,  from  page  825  to  426,  was  printed  in 
1837,  at  which  time  the  library  contained  7300  volumes. 

The  last  catalogue  was  published  in  1856. 

The  library  occupies  a  large  and  elegant  room  in  the  Hospital.  The 
books  are  mostly  medical,  and  pertaining  to  kindred  sciences.  In  these 
departments,  it  is  probably  the  most  extensive  and  valuable  collection 
in  this  country. 

PENNSYLVANIA  HOSPITAL  FOR  THE  INSANE. 

(1857.)     3800  vols. 

"  The  city  of  Philadelphia  has  long  enjoyed  the  proud  distinction  of 
having,  by  the  efforts  of  its  private  citizens,  originated,  and  since  sup 
ported,  the  first  institution  for  the  care  and  treatment  of  the  insane  in 
America. 

"  The  first  movements  in  this  great  work,  were  made  in  1750,  when 
a  number  of  the  benevolent  citizens  of  Philadelphia — witnessing  the 
deplorable  condition  of  the  insane,  and  of  the  sick  poor  of  the  Province, 
associated  themselves  together  for  the  establishment  of  a  Hospital  for 
their  relief.  A  charter  was  promptly  granted  by  the  Provincial  Assem 
bly,  and  the  first  patient  was  admitted  in  1752.  Thus  originated  the 
Pennsylvania  Hospital,  which  has  ever  since  been  dispensing  its  bless 
ings  among  the  afflicted  in  every  section  of  the  State.  From  the 
opening  of  the  Hospital,  till  1856,  it  has  received  and  treated  in  its 
wards,  no  less  than  58,600  patients,  and  of  these,  33,900  were  poor 
people,  who  received  every  care  and  attention  without  expense,  or 

27 


418  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

charge  of  any  kind.  All  this  has  been  effected  without  assistance  from 
city,  county,  or  State,  with  the  exception  of  certain  appropriations  made 
by  the  Provincial  Assembly,  and  by  the  State  Legislature  towards  the 
close  of  the  last  century,  and  which  were  expended  in  the  erection  of 
the  original  buildings  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia.  All  contributions  to 
the  general  fund  of  the  Hospital  are  securely  invested,  and  the  entire 
income  of  the  institution  from  this  source,  is  devoted  to  the  relief  of  the 
indigent  sick  and  insane. 

"The  care  of  the  insane,  always  a  prominent  object  with  the  founders 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Hospital,  has  received  a  liberal  share  of  atten 
tion  from  their  successors,  in  every  period  of  the  history  of  the  insti 
tution.  From  1752,  till  1841,  the  insane  were  received  and  treated 
in  a  portion  of  the  buildings  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia;  but  long 
before  the  last-named  period,  those  connected  with  the  institution  be 
came  thoroughly  convinced  that  the  arrangements  then  existing,  liberal 
as  they  were  for  the  period  when  they  were  provided,  did  not  comport 
with  the  character  of  Philadelphia  for  liberality  and  active  benevolence, 
or  with  the  spirit  of  the  age,  nor  did  they  satisfy  the  wants  of  an  enlight 
ened  community. 

"  The  wise  foresight  of  the  early  managers  of  the  Hospital,  in  secur 
ing  the  vacant  lots  then  surrounding  the  buildings  in  the  city,  and 
the  careful  husbanding  of  their  resources,  ultimately  enabled  their  suc 
cessors  to  carry  out,  in  the  most  liberal  manner,  their  long-cherished 
object,  of  providing  in  a  country  location,  a  new  institution  for  the 
insane,  replete  with  every  desirable  improvement,  and  without  any  call 
for  aid  from  their  benevolent  fellow-citizens.  The  Pennsylvania  Hos 
pital  for  the  Insane,  two  miles  west  of  the  River  Schuylkill,  the  result 
of  these  efforts,  may  be  referred  to  with  entire  confidence  as  an  honor 
to  the  State,  and  a  blessing  to  the  whole  community. 

u  Since  its  opening,  in  1841,2445  insane  patients  have  been  received 
and  treated  in  its  wards,  and  of  these,  1699  have  been  discharged  en 
tirely  cured,  or  in  various  states  of  improvement,  while  a  large  number 
of  others  have  been  enabled  to  enjoy  comforts  in  life,  to  which  they 
had  long  been  strangers.  Its  advantages  have  been  restricted  to  no 
class  of  society;  for  among  its  cases  have  been  numerous  individuals 
endowed  with  the  brightest  genius,  having  the  most  cultivated  intellects, 
or  possessing  the  most  abundant  wealth,  as  well  as  those  who  have  had 
to  bear  the  double  affliction  of  sickness  and  poverty.  Of  the  whole 
number  admitted,  610  were  received  and  treated  without  charge  of  any 


PENNSYLVANIA.  419 

kind,  and  a  large  number  of  others  enjoyed  the  benefits  of  the  institu 
tion  at  rates  considerably  below  the  actual  cost  of  their  support. 

"  The  whole  number  of  insane  treated  in  the  Pennsylvania  Hospital, 
since  its  opening  in  1752,  is  6702. 

"The  present  buildings  of  the  Pennsylvania  Hospital  for  the  Insane, 
are  intended  for  the  accommodation  of  220  patients,  110  of  each  sex, 
this  number  being  regarded  by  the  best  authorities,  as  about  as  large  as 
is  desirable,  in  the  highest  class  of  curative  institutions  for  the  insane. 

"  The  kindness  of  various  friends  has  increased  the  attractiveness  of 
the  museum  and  reading-rooms  very  much,  by  additions  to  the  stock  of 
books,  periodicals,  and  curiosities.  Always  quiet  and  comfortable,  they 
are  commonly  in  use,  and  form  a  very  pleasant  part  of  our  arrangements, 
which  rarely  fail  to  be  appreciated,  especially  by  convalescent  and  cul 
tivated  patients. 

"The  amount  of  reading-matter  required  in  an  institution  like  this  is 
large,  and  of  a  more  varied  character  than  is  generally  supposed.  Be 
sides  our. permanent  collection  of  books,  a  considerable  number  of  perio 
dicals  are  regularly  received,  and  from  20  to  25  numbers  of  the  Phila 
delphia  daily  papers  arc  delivered  to  their  subscribers,  at  an  early  hour 
every  morning." 

The  amount  expended  for  books  depends  mainly  on  contributions, 
besides  which  about  S100  a  year  are  appropriated.  The  average  annual 
number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library  is  about  250.  The  number  of 
volumes  lent  to  readers  is  large,  probably  not  less  than  4000.  There 
are  14  ward  libraries  in  the  Hospital. 


PENNSYLVANIA  SEAMEN'S  FRIEND  SOCIETY. 

This  Society  was  formed  in  1845,  for  the  promotion  of  the  spiritual 
and  temporal  interests  of  seamen.  Its  operations  have  been  very  suc 
cessful.  It  has  provided  a  library  for  the  Sailors'  Home,  and  also 
furnishes  collections  of  books  to  many  vessels  leaving  the  port  of  Phila 
delphia. 

PHILADELPHIA  CITY  INSTITUTE.     (1857.)     1500  vols. 

A  neat  and  commodious  building  was  erected  for  this  Institute  in 
1855,  at  the  corner  of  Chestnut  and  Eighteenth  Streets,  cost  825,254. 
There  are  217  life  and  122  annual  members.  145  persons  took  books 


420  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

for  home  use  during  1855.  During  1856, 8550  volumes  were  lent.  12,000 
visits  were  paid  to  the  rooms.  A  school  of  design  has  been  established, 
and  lectures  are  given. 

A  subscription  of  fifty  dollars  entitles  a  person  to  three  life  member 
ships,  one  for  himself,  and  two  for  persons  named  by  him.  Single  life 
membership,  twenty  dollars.  Contributing  members,  two  dollars  a  year. 
Young  persons,  of  both  sexes,  may  become  members  for  one  dollar  a 
year.  All  members  are  entitled  to  the  privilege  of  the  library,  reading- 
room,  and  lectures.  The  reading-room  is  open  every  evening,  except 
Sunday,  from  6  to  10  o'clock,  the  year  round. 

PHILADELPHIA  COLLEGE  OF  PHARMACY.     (1857.)     1000  vols. 

Incorporated  March  30,  1822.  It  has  been  in  active  and  successful 
operation  since  its  commencement.  The  most  important  object  has 
been  to  establish  a  school  of  pharmacy.  Most  of  the  funds  have  been 
devoted  to  the  erection  of  a  suitable  building.  In  1829,  a  quarterly 
journal  was  commenced,  which  is  still  continued.  In  these  volumes, 
all  the  important  discoveries  and  improvements  in  pharmacy,  &c.,  in 
Europe  and  America,  are  embraced. 

PUBLIC  LIBRARY  FOR  PEOPLE  OF  COLOR.     (1855.)     1300  vols. 

This  Library  is  located  on  Lombard  Street,  near  Eighth.  Books  are 
lent  to  all  who  give  a  guarantee  that  they  will  return  them  in  good  con 
dition,  and  pay  fines  for  injury  or  detention.  During  1854,  5642  vo 
lumes  were  lent  to  233  males,  and  217  females.  The  rooms  are  open 
four  days  each  week. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1853  j  cost  $42  for  500  copies.  Several 
periodicals  are  taken. 

SOUTHWARK  LIBRARY  COMPANY.     (185Y.)     8237  vols. 

Founded  January  18,  1822.  This  is  a  stock  Company;  any  person 
being  entitled  to  an  interest  on  the  payment  of  $5,  and  $2  annually. 
Clergymen  have  the  gratuitous  use  of  the  library.  The  receipts,  during 
1854,  were  $984  53.  During  1854,  3275  volumes  were  lent  to  167 
persons. 

A  catalogue  was  published  in  1847,  a  duodecimo  of  82  pages,  of 


PENNSYLVANIA.  421 

which  500  copies  were  printed.  A  number  of  periodicals  are  received. 
The  librarian's  salary  is  $160.  Annual  cost  of  support,  8633  43. 
During  the  last  five  years;  $450  40  were  expended  for  books. 


SPRING  GARDEN  INSTITUTE.     (185G.)     3250  vols. 

The  building  of  this  Institute  is  on  Broad  Street  and  Spring  Garden, 
and  cost,  with  furniture,  819,000.  Literary,  scientific,  or  historical  lec 
tures,  are  delivered  weekly  to  large  and  highly  respectable  audiences. 
The  income,  derived  from  rents,  &c.,  is  at  present  about  equal  to  the 
current  expenses ;  leaving  the  amount  that  is  received  from  members  to 
be  used  for  the  increase  of  the  library,  and  promoting  the  other  objects 
of  the  Institute. 

Number  of  life  members,  570.  Annual  members,  150.  Annual 
fee,  82.  From  September  1,  1855,  to  August  31,  1856,  4500  persons 
visited  the  rooms  for  reading.  3900  volumes  were  lent  out. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  PENNSYLVANIA.     (1850.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  in  1750.  A  catalogue,  103  pages  8vo.,  was  prepared  and 
printed  in  1829  by  Judah  Dobson.  The  following  facts  are  stated  in 
the  preface  : — 

"  This  library  was  begun  by  private  donations  of  the  friends  of  the 
institution ;  among  whom,  the  Rev.  William  Smith,  the  first  provost  of 
the  college  and  academy,  and  Dr.  McDowell,  one  of  his  successors,  de 
serve  to  be  particularly  noticed.  During  the  Revolutionary  war,  our 
little  collection  was  enriched  by  a  donation  in  books  from  his  Majesty, 
Louis  the  Sixteenth.  These  books,  printed  at  the  royal  printing-office, 
consist  chiefly  of  mathematical  works;  of  works  on  natural  history; 
among  which  is  a  collection  of  M.  Buffon's,  and  some  of  the  Byzantine 
historians.  They  have  been  all  carefully  preserved,  and  will,  it  is  hoped, 
long  remain  a  memorial  of  the  liberality  of  that  great  and  unfortunate 
monarch." 


PHILOMATHEAN  SOCIETY  (UNIVERSITY  OF  PENNSYLVANIA). 
(1855.)     1700  vols. 

Founded  in  1813.     Members  of  the  Society  only  have  the  use  of  the 
library.     During  1854,  918  volumes  were  lent  to  51  persons. 


422  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


ZELOSOPHIC  LIBRARY  (UNIVERSITY  OF  PENNSYLVANIA). 

(1850.)     1250  vols. 

Founded  in  1829.  Junior  members  of  the  Society  are  entitled  to 
the  free  use  of  the  library;  others  pay  $2  per  annum.  It  is  open  every 
Friday,  during  collegiate  sessions,  from  12 \  to  li  P.M. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1850,  16  pages  12mo. 


WAGNER  FREE  INSTITUTE  OF  SCIENCE.     (185G.)     7000  vols. 

Incorporated  March  9, 1855.  The  following  account  of  the  Institute, 
is  taken  from  the  announcement  of  the  trustees,  published  in  1856  : — 

(( Its  origin  has  been  due  entirely  to  the  exertions  of  Professor  Wil 
liam  Wagner.  For  many  years  past,  he  has  been  engaged  in  making- 
collections  of  rare  and  valuable  minerals,  of  natural  geological  illustra 
tions,  of  organic  remains  belonging  to  all  former  periods  of  the  world's 
history,  and  of  recent  conchological  specimens,  giving  a  complete  view 
of  that  department  of  animals  now  alive.  His  conservatory  of  living 
plants  is  large  and  valuable,  and,  with  his  dried  herbarium,  embraces 
many  thousand  specimens.  Beside  all  these,  he  has  made  a  beginning 
of  cabinets  in  other  departments  of  natural  history,  and  he  has  laid 
the  foundation  of  a  library  of  books  on  the  natural  sciences.  In  making 
these  large  collections,  he  has  travelled  many  thousand  miles  in  Europe 
and  Asia,  as  well  as  in  our  own  country,  and  the  time  and  pecuniary 
means  devoted  to  these  objects,  have  been  considerable.  To  preserve 
these  collections,  he  has  erected  buildings  on  his  own  premises  in  the 
northern  border  of  our  city ,  but  these  were  regarded  as  only  a  tempo 
rary  provision,  being,  for  want  of  room,  altogether  inadequate  to  allow 
a  space  for  each  specimen  to  be  exhibited  to  view. 

"  In  one  of  these  buildings  he  has  delivered  lectures  during  several 
years  past  on  geology,  mineralogy,  and  conchology.  The  admission  to 
the  lectures  was  always  free,  and  the  number  of  the  audience  present 
was  limited  by  the  want  of  sufficient  room.  The  attendance  on  these 
lectures  was  a  demonstration  of  what  might  be  accomplished  by  an  insti 
tution  free  to  all,  and  furnished  daily  with  lectures  of  good  quality,  and 
with  such  striking  illustrations  as  his  own  cabinets  and  conservatory 
could  supply.  Measures  were  accordingly  taken  by  him  for  the  opening 
of  such  an  institution.  On  the  9th  day  of  March,  1855,  the  Legisla 
ture  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  at  his  request,  granted  a  charter,  with 


PENNSYLVANIA.  423 

ample  powers  for  the  objects  in  view.  It  provides  for  a  Board  of  Trus 
tees,  who  are  authorized  to  confer  the  usual  academic  degrees,  as  testi 
monials  for  proficiency  in  scientific  and  literary  knowledge.  On  the 
first  Monday  in  May,  in  pursuance  of  the  charter,  the  trustees  held 
their  first  meeting,  and  were  duly  organized.  The  City  Councils,  per 
ceiving  the  great  advantages  of  affording  free  scientific  lectures  daily  to 
all  disposed  to  hear  them,  wisely  granted  the  use  of  Spring  Garden  Hall 
to  this  new  institution. 

"At  the  public  inauguration  of  this  building,  the  following  paper  was 
rend,  giving  a  concise  account  of  the  munificent  donations  of  Professor 
Wagner: — 

Schedule  of  Property  donated  to  tlie  Wagner  Free  Institute,  liy 
Professor  William  Wagner. 

"250,000  specimens  of  Minerals,  collected  from  all  parts  of  the  inha 
bitable  earth. 

"250,000  specimens  of  Geology  and  organic  remains,  of  rare  value 
to  the  student. 

"  200,000  specimens  of  recent  shells,  for  the  purpose  of  comparison 
with  their  extinct  genera,  found  in  the  various  strata  of  the  earth's 
crust. 

"  25,000  specimens  of  dried  plants,  constituting  an  extensive  and 
valuable  herbarium  for  botanical  illustration. 

"  Professor  Wagner's  library,  philosophical  apparatus,  extensive  assort 
ment  of  diagrams,  illustrating  geological  phenomena,  maps  and  cabinet 
cases. 

"A  large  lot  of  ground  near  Broad  Street. 

"  The  regular  courses  of  lectures  began  on  the  first  Monday  of  Octo 
ber,  1855,  and  were  continued  without  interruption,  until  the  close  of 
the  first  session,  which  occurred  on  the  16th  of  February,  1856;  and, 
after  the  usual  vacation  of  two  weeks,  the  second  session  commenced 
with  much  zeal  and  interest  on  the  part  both  of  the  professors  and  the 
classes;  the  lectures  were  continued  until  the  13th  of  June,  which  ter 
minated  the  second  session.  During  the  year,  about  450  lectures  were 


WEST  PHILADELPHIA  INSTITUTE.     (1856.)     2403  vols. 

Founded  January  15,  1853,  by  the  residents  of  West  Philadelphia, 
assisted  by  the  Young  Man's  Institute.     Located  William  Street,  north 


424  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

of  Market.  Cost  of  building,  &c.,  811,114.  The  receipts,  during  1854, 
were  §5767.  The  annual  subscription  is  81.  The  library  is  open  every 
day  from  3  to  10  P.M.  In  six  months,  over  6000  volumes  were  lent  to 
342  persons.  During  1856,  1300  visits  were  made  to  the  rooms,  and 
9705  volumes  lent.  A  number  of  the  leading  reviews,  &c.,  are  taken. 
The  librarian  receives  a  salary  of  8300.  The  average  daily  attendance 
in  the  reading-room  is  about  70.  There  are  11  life  and  388  annual 
members. 

YOUNG  MAN'S  INSTITUTE. 

This  Institute  was  organized  in  1850,  for  the  purpose  of  encouraging 
the  formation  and  success  of  library  and  literary  associations  in  the  City 
of  Philadelphia.  The  report  for  1855  states  that,  "before  the  close  of 
the  next  year,  seven  institutes,  provided  with  buildings,  libraries,  and 
other  appliances,  will  probably  be  in  operation.  The  object  to  be  attained 
is  the  training  up  of  an  intelligent,  skilful,  industrious,  and  contented 
working  class,  in  a  city  whose  population,  within  fifteen  years,  will  pro 
bably  number  a  million." 

The  receipts  of  the  Institute,  up  to  October  1,  1855,  amounted  to 
835,585  61,  of  which  829,969  was  lent  to  district  associations. 

"These  results,  thus  summed  up,  show  that  there  is  an  aggregate  of 
more  than  11,000  volumes  in  the  libraries;  that,  during  the  past  year, 
more  than  32,000  volumes  have  been  lent  for  home  reading;  that 
more  than  48,000  visits  were  paid  to  the  reading-rooms  by  parties  who 
partook  of  the  intellectual  food  there  dispensed  ;  that  one  hundred  pupils 
availed  themselves  of  the  valuable  privileges  afforded,  for  the  culture  of 
the  eye  and  the  hand,  in  designing  and  drawing,  by  the  schools  of  the 
Institutes ;  that  sixty-seven  lectures,  on  literary,  scientific,  and  artistic 
subjects,  many  of  them  replete  with  useful  information,  were  listened  to 
by  thousands ;  and  that,  stimulated  by  your  own  generous  contribution 
of  more  than  830,000,  more  than  850,000  additional  have  been  contri 
buted  by  our  fellow-citizens  to  help  onward  the  noble  work  commenced 
by  you.  Has  your  investment,  then,  been  a  poor  one  ?  Does  not  the 
consciousness  of  having  helped  to  do  so  much  good,  of  having  laid  the 
foundation  of  a  superstructure  whose  fair  proportions  are  now  beginning 
to  rise  to  view,  pay  back  into  your  bosoms  that  which  gives  more  plea 
sure  than  cent,  per  cent.  ?  We  feel  assured  that  we  need  not  await  your 
response. " — Report  of  the  President,  October  y  1856. 


PENNSYLVANIA.  425 

PITTSBURGH. 

YOUNG-  MEN'S  MERCANTILE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     2700  vols. 

Founded  September,  1847.  Incorporated  March,  1849.  It  is  sup 
ported  by  annual  subscriptions  of  $4,  initiation  fee  of  $1,  and  the  pro 
ceeds  from  lectures.  The  library  is  open  every  week-day,  from  7  J  A.M. 
to  10  P.M.  During  1854,  2921  volumes  were  lent. 

The  department  of  history  is  the  richest  in  the  library,  as  it  contains 
more  than  300  volumes.  The  works  on  jurisprudence,  statistics,  and 
political  sciences,  amount  to  267  volumes;  novels,  206;  geography  and 
travels,  484;  biography,  200 ;  reviews  and  magazines,  237 ;  theology, 
128  ;  dictionaries  and  encyclopedias,  157;  esthetics,  dramatic,  lyric,  and 
didactic  poetry,  rhetoric,  essays,  324;  philosophy,  67;  geology,  &c., 
339 ;  commerce,  manufactures,  agriculture,  30 ;  miscellaneous,  113. 

The  reading-room  is  well  supplied  with  periodicals  and  papers,  both 
American  and  foreign. 

A  catalogue  of  the  library  was  published  in  1850.  The  librarian 
receives  a  salary  of  $400,  and  an  assistant  $104.  Annual  cost  of  sup 
port,  $1000.  During  the  last  five  years,  $325  were  expended  for  books. 

WESTERN  UNIVERSITY  OF  PENNSYLVANIA.     (1857.)     684  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1819.  Organized  in  1822.  Destroyed  by  fire  in 
1845.  Re-organized  in  1855.  Being  suspended  from  1845  to  1855, 
nothing  was  appropriated  for  books  during  those  years.  Average  an 
nual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library  about  50. 

"The  University  having  been  burnt  in  1845,  rebuilt  in  1846,  and 
again  burnt  in  1847,  very  much  discouraged  the  trustees,  and  embar 
rassed  the  funds  of  the  institution.  Its  recent  re-organization,  in  1855, 
in  its  new  building,  has  not  given  it  time  to  be  in  full  operation,  nor  to 
be  able  to  report  as  prosperously  as  we  hope  to  do  in  a  few  years/' 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     400  vols. 

The  Association  was  first  started  in  the  year  1854,  by  a  few  young 
men ;  many  of  whom  were  from  the  Western  Theological  Seminary.  It 
has  300  members,  active  and  associate  (1855).  17  periodicals  and  25 
newspapers  are  taken. 


426  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

"  The  reading-room  (the  only  one  in  the  city  which  is  free  to  all, 
particularly  young  men),  presents  a  rich  and  varied  repast  to  all  of  any 
literary  or  intellectual  taste,  being  amply  supplied  with  the  best  periodi 
cal  literature  of  the  times,  both  European  and  American,  religious  and 
secular,  as  follows  :  Twelve  standard  quarterly  reviews  and  monthly 
magazines  ;  twelve  religious  newspapers,  representing  the  principal  evan 
gelical  denominations ;  and  six  secular  papers,  being  the  dailies  of  our 
own  city ;  these  latter  being  furnished  gratuitously  by  the  publishers. 
These  papers,  after  remaining  one  month  in  our  rooms,  are  then  donated 
to  the  House  of  Refuge.  Our  library  is  yet  in  embryo,  although  the 
few  hundred  volumes  which  now  serve  as  a  promising  nucleus,  by  confi 
dently  anticipated  and  steady  accretion,  may  soon  become  a  library  wor 
thy  of  the  name.  During  the  past  year,  several  prominent  and  liberal 
citizens  have  aided  this  department  by  generous  contributions  of  books 
and  money." 

POTTSVILLE. 

POTTSVILLE  SCIENTIFIC  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     373  vols. 

Organized  21st  October,  1854.  Incorporated  June  3,  1857.  This 
Association  is  devoted  to  the  development  of  scientific  interests  gene 
rally;  but  particularly  in  relation  to  those  branches  of  knowledge  usually 
denominated  "  natural  science."  Any  person,  desirous  of  becoming  a 
member,  must  be  proposed  by  two  members  to  the  Association,  a  ma 
jority  of  two-thirds,  present  at  the  next  meeting,  being  necessary  to  his 
election.  The  initiation  fee  is  $5,  besides  a  yearly  contribution  of  84. 

A  bulletin  was  published  in  1855,  containing  valuable  reports  on 
palaeontology,  geology,  the  height  of  Pottsville,  and  other  places  in  Penn 
sylvania,  above  tide-water,  the  falls  of  Niagara,  &c. 

The  Society  is  collecting  a  choice  museum,  and  furnishes  regular 
meteorological  observations  to  the  Smithsonian  Institution. 


ROXBOROUGH. 

ROXBOROUGH  LYCEUM.     (1858.)     800  vols. 

This   Society  has  been   incorporated ;    has   100   members,   and  has 
erected  a  fine  hall,  at  a  cost  of  84000. 


PENNSYLVANIA.  427 

WEST  CHESTER. 

CHESTER  COUNTY  ATHEN/EUM.     (1857.)     2092  vols. 

Founded  February  9,  1827,  and  incorporated  in  1828.  The  annual 
increase  is  70  volumes,  and  the  annual  expenditure  for  books  $85. 
There  is  a  written,  but  not  a  printed  catalogue.  The  library  is  open 
everyday,  at  all  hours,  till  8  o'clock  in  the  evening.  The  members  and 
subscribers  are  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library  on  the  following  terms  : 
Stockholders  pay  each  82  per  year;  subscribers,  82  per  year;  minors, 
81 ;  transient  subscribers,  6  cents  per  week  for  duodecimos,  8  cents  for 
Svos.  The  number  of  books  taken  out  usually  average  800.  Any 
respectable  person  can  have  the  opportunity  of  consulting  the  library, 
or  taking  home  the  books. 


CHESTER  COUNTY  CABINET  OF  NATURAL  SCIENCES. 

(1857.)     230  vols. 

"This  is  a  small  Society,  composed  of  some  half  dozen  naturalists,  and 
about  twice  that  number  of  public-spirited  gentlemen,  disposed  to  aid 
the  pursuit.  It  was  organized  in  this  place  in  March,  1826,  and  was 
incorporated  by  that  title  in  1831,  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  a  know 
ledge  of  natural  history  generally,  and  especially  of  this  county.  The 
Society  has  erected  a  hall,  at  a  cost  of  five  thousand  dollars,  and  formed 
a  museum  therein,  containing,  among  many  other  valuables,  a  large 
collection  of  minerals,  with  specimens  of  all  that  have  been  found  in 
the  county;  the  greater  portion  of  the  birds  which  annually  visit  it; 
and  specimens  of  nearly  8000  species  of  plants,  including  all  the 
•known  plants  of  the  county,  together  with  sections  of  the  trees  and 
shrubs;  the  entire  herbarium  completely  labelled,  and  arranged  ac 
cording  to  the  natural  method;  with  a  perpetual  insurance  of  four  thou 
sand  dollars  on  the  building  and  its  contents.  The  library  contains 
280  volumes,  viz.  :  Folios,  10 ;  quartos,  60 ;  octavos,  130 ;  duodeci 
mos,  30;  with  many  pamphlets;  and  consists,  almost  exclusively,  of 
works  on  natural  science ;  most  of  them  standard  works ;  with  the  cer 
tainty,  ere  long,  of  a  very  valuable  accession  to  the  botanical  depart 
ment.  The  average  expenditures  for  alid  additions  of  books  are  now 
small,  and  only  made  occasionally  for  new  and  choice  works  (such  as 
that  of  Professor  Agassiz,  now  in  press,  for  which  we  have  subscribed). 


428  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

The  books  are  not  often  lent  out,  as  in  common  circulating  libraries; 
but  are  always  accessible  to  and  at  the  service  of  all  students  and  culti 
vators  of  the  natural  sciences,  together  with  the  specimens  in  the  mu 
seum.  Our  few  working  members  are  quietly  and  steadily  making 
additions  to  the  museum  whenever  opportunity  offers ;  but,  of  late,  we 
have  not  deemed  it  necessary  to  publish  annual  reports.  This  Society 
is  now  out  of  debt,  and  has  a  small,  but  certain  revenue,  which  secures 
its  permanency." — Dr.  Darlington. 

The  number  of  volumes  reported  in  1855,  is  less  than  that  given  in 
Jewett's  "  Notices  of  Public  Libraries,"  on  account  of  the  removal  of 
a  case  of  books  which  had  been  conditionally  granted  to  and  deposited 
in  the  cabinet,  and  was  in  its  custody  upwards  of  twenty  years.  A 
more  numerous  and  valuable  library  of  natural  history  (chiefly  botani 
cal)  has  been  secured  to  the  cabinet  by  the  will  of  its  able  President, 
and  will  eventually  come  into  its  possession. 


RHODE  ISLAND. 


NEWPORT. 

MECHANICS'  LIBRARY.     (1850.)     1100  vols. 

The  Newport  Association  of  Mechanics  and  Manufacturers,  was  in 
corporated  in  1792.  The  library  was  founded  in  1828.  The  average 
expenditure  for  books  has  been  about  850  per  annum  j  the  average  in 
crease  of  the  library  from  30  to  60  volumes.  There  is  a  fund  of  81200 
belonging  to  the  Association,  the  income  of  which  is  applied  to  various 
objects  besides  the  library,  which  is  principally  supported  by  a  tax  on 
the  members.  The  library  is  open  every  Wednesday  and  Saturday 
evening,  from  6  till  1)  o'clock.  All  members  of  the  Association,  and 
the  apprentices  of  members  who  have  written  orders  from  their  em 
ployers,  are  allowed  to  take  out  books.  About  1500  volumes  are  thus 
lent  each  year. 


RHODE   ISLAND.  429 

REDWOOD  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     7052  vols. 

A  catalogue,  95  pages  Svo.,  of  this  library  was  published  in  1843. 
The  preface  contains  the  following  historical  sketch  of  this  institution : 

"  The  Redwood  Library  and  Athenaeum  owes  its  origin  to  a  literary 
and  philosophical  society,  which  was  established  in  Newport,  in  the  year 
1730.  This  Society  was  composed  of  some  of  the  most  respectable  men 
of  the  town  of  Newport,  at  that  period  one  of  the  most  remarkable  in 
the  American  colonies,  for  its  wealth,  learning,  and  public  spirit.  Its 
origin  is  connected  with  a  splendid  name  in  literature  and  philosophy. 
The  celebrated  Bishop  Berkeley,  who  resided  at  this  time  on  Rhode 
Island,  encouraged  the  formation  of  this  institution,  and  participated  in 
its  discussions.  He  was  the  intimate  friend  of  some  of  its  members; 
and  the  charm  of  his  conversation,  undoubtedly,  gave  a  delightful  inte 
rest  to  its  meetings.  Berkeley  resided  on  Rhode  Island  from  January, 
1729,  to  September,  1731;  and  from  frequent  intercourse  with  these 
vigorous-minded  men,  derived  that  knowledge  of  American  character 
which  prompted  his  muse  to  utter  the  prophetic  declaration,  t  Westward 
the  star  of  empire  takes  its  way.' 

"In  the  accomplishment  of  this  new  object,  a  great  impulse  was  given 
by  Abraham  Redwood,  Esq.,  who,  in  1747,  placed  at  the 'disposal  of  the 
Society,  £500  sterling,  for  the  purchase  of  standard  books  in  London. 
To  give  permanence  and  usefulness  to  his  donation,  Mr.  Redwood 
enjoined  on  the  Society  the  duty  of  erecting  an  edifice  as  a  depository 
for  such  books  as  might  be  purchased.  In  pursuance  of  their  object, 
a  charter  of  incorporation  was  obtained  in  1747,  and  the  Society,  in 
honor  of  their  most  liberal  benefactor,  assumed  the  name  of  the  Red 
wood  Library  Company.  For  the  erection  of  a  library  building,  £5000 
were  almost  immediately  subscribed  by  different  citizens  of  the  town. 
Henry  Collins,  Esq.,1  proved  a  noble  coadjutor  of  Mr.  Redwood,  and 
presented,  in  June,  1748,  to  the  Company,  the  lot  of  land,  then  called 
Bowling  Green,  on  which  the  present  library  edifice  now  stands. 

1  Henry  Collins  was  a  merchant  of  Newport,  distinguished  for  his  wealth,  libe 
rality,  and  taste.  He  employed  Smibert,  who  came  out  with  Dean  Berkeley,  to 
take  the  portraits  of  Callender,  Clap,  Hitchcock,  and  Berkeley.  Smibert  was  an 
excellent  artist,  and  had  been  previously  patronized,  while  at  Florence,  by  the 
Grand  Duke  of  Tuscany.  The  portrait  of  Henry  Collins,  taken  by  Smibert,  is  sup 
posed  to  be  in  the  possession  of  some  branch  of  the  Flagg  family ;  but  the  pro 
prietors  of  the  library  have  not,  as  yet,  been  enabled  to  obtain  it. 


430  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

"  The  library  building,  which  is  a  beautiful  specimen  of  the  Doric 
order,  was  commenced  in  174S,  and  completed  in  1750.  The  plan  was 
furnished  by  Joseph  Harrison,  Esq.,1  assistant  architect  of  Blenheim 
House,  England.  He  also  superintended  the  erection  of  the  edifice, 
with  the  committee  of  the  Company,  consisting  of  Samuel  Wickham, 
Henry  Collins,  and  John  Tillinghast.  The  master-builders  were,  Wing 
Spooner,  Samuel  Green,  Thomas  Melville,  and  Israel  Chapman.  The 
principal  front  is  ornamented  with  a  portico  of  four  Doric  columns,  17 
feet  in  height,  and  projecting  9  feet  from  the  walls  of  the  building. 
The  edifice  consists  of  a  main  building,  and  two  small  wings  on  each 
side,  ranging  in  a  line  parallel  with  the  west  end  of  the  building.  The 
wings  furnish  two  rooms,  of  about  12  feet  square.  The  principal  library 
room,  occupying  the  whole  of  the  main  building,  is  37  feet  long,  26  feet 
broad,  and  19  feet  in  height.  The  edifice  is  lighted  by  seven  whole 
windows,  and  three  attic  windows  in  the  east  and  west  ends. 

"The  first  meeting  of  the  Redwood  Library  Company,  after  their 
incorporation,  was  held  in  the  Council  Chamber,  in  Newport,  on  the 
last  Wednesday  of  September,  1747. 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  Company,  in  the  Council  Chamber,  on  the  4th 
of  July,  1748,  the  directors  presented  a  catalogue  of  the  books  which 
they  proposed  to  purchase  in  London.  The  liberal  share  given  in  this 
catalogue  to  the  ancient  classics,  evinced  a  disposition  to  provide  for  the 
scholar  the  objects  of  his  favorite  study.  In  these  times  of  customary 
appeal  to  direct  utility,  we  fear  a  less  liberal  expenditure  would  be 
allowed  for  the  gratification  of  classical  taste.  This  catalogue,  with  Mr. 
Redwood's  bills  of  exchange,  was  sent  immediately  to  Mr.  John  Thom- 
linson,  Esq.,  of  London,  who  appears  to  have  satisfactorily  executed  the 
commission  of  the  Society.  He  was  elected  an  honorary  member  in 
1749. 

<l  In  1750,  a  tax  of  twelve  hundred  pounds  was  assessed  on  the  mem 
bers  of  the  Company,  to  defray  the  expense  of  completing  the  building. 

"In  1755,  the  Rev.  Ezra  Stiles  was  admitted  an  honorary  member  of 
the  Society.  His  distinction,  as  a  scholar  and  theologian,  connected 
with  his  exertions  in  behalf  of  the  library,  justifies  some  allusion  to  his 
character,  in  an  historical  sketch  of  the  institution.  The  Redwood 
Library,  at  the  time  of  his  settlement  in  Newport,  contained  about  1500 
volumes  of  standard  books.  The  classical  and  theological  departments 
were  the  most  valuable,  and  constituted  the  principal  attraction,  which 

1  Harrison  was  architect  of  the  beautiful  little  Episcopal  Church  in  Cambridge. 


RHODE    ISLAND.  431 

determined  Dr.  Stiles  to  fix  his  residence  in  Newport.  He  remained  in 
Newport  twenty  years,  find,  during  the  greater  portion  of  the  time, 
officiated  as  librarian  of  the  Company.  Having  constant  access  to  this 
valuable  collection  of  books,  he  drew  from  it,  by  assiduous  study,  his 
great  and  various  learning.  He  held  an  extensive  correspondence  with 
European  scholars,  and  the  principal  object  of  that  correspondence  was 
to  illustrate  and  perfect  those  researches  and  investigations  in  philoso 
phy,  history,  antiquities,  and  physical  science,  to  which  his  mind  had 
been  prompted  by  the  perusal  of  books  which  he  found  on  our  shelves. 
His  zeal  for  the  diffusion  of  knowledge,  led  him  to  solicit  for  the  library 
valuable  works  from  European  authors.  Many  of  these  works,  obtained 
through  his  instrumentality,  are  still  preserved  in  the  library.  The  copy 
of  Montanus's  Hebrew  Bible  and  Dictionary,  now  belonging  to  the  library, 
enabled  him  to  perfect  his  knowledge  of  the  Hebrew  language ;  and  a 
folio  copy  of  Homer  still  bears  the  marks  of  his  profound  study,  in  the 
form  of  Greek  annotations,  in  his  own  handwriting.  He  was  one  of  the 
most  eloquent  advocates  of  liberty  in  the  colonies  before  the  Revolution. 

"No  meetings  of  the  Library  Company  were  held  from  1778  to  1785. 
During  the  Revolution,  the  town  of  Newport  was  occupied  by  various 
armies.  The  disastrous  state  of  the  town  compelled  many  of  the  best 
citizens  to  leave  their  homes,  and  to  seek  shelter  for  themselves  and 
families  in  the  more  secure  retreats  of  the  country.  The  tumults  of  war 
and  revolution  interrupted  the  peaceful  pursuits  of  literature,  and  exerted 
a  chilling  influence  on  the  growth  of  knowledge,  and  the  prosperity  of 
institutions  like  that  which  forms  the  subject  of  our  sketch.  During  the 
war,  the  library  building  is  said  to  have  been  defaced,  and  many  of  the 
books  carried  off.  To  the  honor  of  Gen.  Prescott,  it  is  said  that,  on 
being  informed  of  the  exposed  state  of  the  library,  he  stationed  a  mili 
tary  guard  to  protect  it  from  further  injury  and  depredation. 

"  The  public  attention  was  not  directed  to  the  importance  of  the  insti 
tution  till  the  year  1810,  when  the  Society  received  an  accession  of  spirit 
and  ability  by  the  admission  of  a  large  number  of  new  proprietors,  In 
March,  1810,  James  Ogilvie,  Esq.,  visited  the  town,  and  delivered 
several  lectures  on  the  advantages  of  public  libraries,  which  contributed 
essentially  to  awaken  the  public  to  the  claims  of  the  Redwood  Library 
on  their  generosity  and  support.  He  made  the  Society  a  liberal  dona 
tion  of  select  and  valuable  books.  From  1810  to  the  present  time,  a 
very  respectable  interest  has  been  maintained  in  the  institution,  and  the 
funds  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Society  have  been  judiciously  managed 
in  accomplishing  the  plans  of  its  founders. 


432  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

"The  exertions  of  the  late  Robert  Johnston,  Esq.,  in  behalf  of  the 
institution,  demand  honorable  mention.  By  his  solicitation,  some  of  the 
most  rare  and  valuable  works  in  the  library  were  obtained  from  different 
individuals  in  Newport  and  its  neighborhood.  In  1834,  he  made  great 
efforts  to  enrich  the  library  with  the  public  records  of  England.  He 
succeeded  in  obtaining  84  volumes  (72  large  folios,  and  12  octavos)  from 
the  Lords  Commissioners  and  Lord  Lyndhurst,  in  consequence  of  his 
application  to  them,  through  the  medium  of  his  friend  and  agent, 
Thomas  Bland,  Esq.,  of  London.  These  volumes,  containing  the  most 
valuable  materials  of  English  history,  were  understood  to  be  obtained  as 
a  present  from  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  on  the  application  of  Lord 
Lyndhurst.  As  such  they  will  be  perpetually  preserved  in  the  Redwood 
Library. 

"In  1813,  Solomon  Southwick,  Esq.,  of  Albany,  gave  to  the  library 
120  acres  of  land,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  for  the  purpose  of  advanc 
ing  the  institution,  and  thereby  perpetuating  the  memory  of  Henry 
Collins,  Esq.,  one  of  its  principal  founders. 

"In  1834,  Abraham  Redwood,  Esq.,  of  Dorset  Place,  Marylebone, 
England,  being  desirous  of  promoting  an  institution  founded  by  his 
honored  grandfather,  gave  to  the  Company  the  homestead  estate,  situated 
in  Newport,  which  he  inherited  from  his  father,  Jonas  Redwood,  Esq. 

"  In  1837,  Baron  Hottinguer,  a  distinguished  banker  of  Paris,  who 
was  connected  by  marriage  with  the  Redwood  family,  presented  to  the 
Company  one  thousand  francs,  for  the  restoration  of  the  building. 

"  In  1840,  the  Hon.  Christopher  G.  Champlin  bequeathed  to  the 
Company  8100,  and  some  valuable  books. 

"  The  proprietors  are  also  indebted  to  the  Hon.  William  C.  Gibbs,  for 
his  liberality  in  permitting  a  free  access  to  a  valuable  collection  of  books, 
at  present  deposited  by  him  in  the  library. 

"  The  library-room  is  adorned  by  several  paintings  and  busts.  The 
beautiful  bust  of  John  Marshall  was  presented,  in  1839,  by  Augustus 
E.  Silliman,  Esq.,  of  New  York.  The  acknowledgments  of  the  Com 
pany  are  due  to  Charles  B.  King,  Esq.,  of  Washington,  for  his  nume 
rous  and  valuable  donations;  among  which  are  the  portraits  of  Columbus, 
and  that  of  Abraham  Redwood,  the  founder  of  the  library/' 

About  125  volumes  are  added  yearly.  Receipts,  during  1854,  $207  65. 
Expended  for  books,  $59  11.  Binding,  $10  12.  Periodicals,  $51. 
Salaries,  $50.  Incidentals,  $97  42.  The  annual  cost  of  support  is 
$250.  During  the  last  five  years,  $643  18  have  been  expended  for 


RHODE   ISLAND.  433 

books.  The  library  is  open  twice  a  week.  During  1854,  4000  volumes 
were  lent  to  102  persons.  6583  volumes  are  in  English,  79  French,  97 
Latin,  12  Greek,  9  Hebrew.  15  periodicals  are  taken. 


PROVIDENCE. 

BROWN  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     28,500  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1764.  This  University  was  originally  established  in 
the  town  of  Warren,  where,  in  the  year  1769,  the  first  commencement 
took  place.  It  was  removed  to  Providence,  and  the  College  edifice 
erected  there  in  1770. 

The  library  was  commenced  by  the  purchase  of  books  to  the  amount 
of  £20,  through  the  agency  of  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  in  1768.  In 
1776,  the  library  was  removed  to  the  country  for  safety,  during  the 
war. 

The  College  was  disbanded  December  6,  1776,  immediately  after 
the  British  troops  took  possession  of  Newport.  From  December  7, 1776, 
to  June,  1782,  the  College  building  (now  University  Hall)  was  occupied, 
first  as  a  barrack  for  the  American  militia,  and  afterwards  as  a  hospital 
for  the  French  army,  commanded  by  Count  Rochambeau.  On  the 
return  of  peace,  the  College  edifice  was  purified  and  refitted,  the  library 
was  brought  back,  and  the  business  of  instruction  resumed. 

To  encourage  a  liberal  subscription  to  the  library,  Mr.  John  Brown 
agreed  to  furnish  an  amount  equal  to  whatever  the  corporation  could 
raise.  In  1784,  £350  were  appropriated  for  books.  Donations  of  books 
were  made  in  1784,  by  the  Bristol  Education  Society,  in  England;  in 
1785,  by  Granville  Sharp;  in  1787,  by  Mr.  John  Francis;  in  1792  and 
1815,  by  Nicholas  Brown;  in  1806,  by  Rev.  Isaac  Backus;  in  1818, 
by  Rev.  William  Richards,  of  Lynn,  England. 

The  libraries  of  the  Philophysian  and  Franklin  Societies,  composed 
of  undergraduates,  when  these  societies  became  extinct,  were,  by  provi 
sions  of  their  constitutions,  incorporated  with  the  College  library.  They, 
together,  contained  300  or  400  volumes. 

o 

"  Among  the  additions  to  the  library,  a  collection  of  58  volumes  of 
Ordination  Sermons,  presented  by  the  Hon.  Theron  Metcalf,  of  Boston, 
a  graduate  of  the  College  in  the  class  of  1805,  deserves  particular 
notice.  These  volumes  contain  1300  discourses  preached  at  ordina 
tions,  installations,  and  inaugurations  in  the  United  States,  and  mostly 

28 


434  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

in  New  England.  This  is,  without  doubt,  the  largest  collection  of  the 
kind  that  has  ever  been  made,  and  is  of  much  importance  as  con 
nected  with  the  ecclesiastical  history  of  the  country." 

"In  the  year  1818,  1300  volumes  relating  principally  to  Welsh  his 
tory  and  antiquities,  were  received  from  the  bequest  of  Rev.  TVm. 
Richards,  of  Lynn,  England. 

"In  1831,  a  subscription  amounting  to  819,437  50,  of  which  Nicholas 
Brown  gave  810,000,  was  raised  and  placed  at  interest,  until,  in  1839. 
it  had  accumulated  to  825,000,  and  was  then  invested  as  a  permanent 
fund. 

"  The  room  appropriated  to  the  library,  at  the  time  when  the  library 
fund  was  raised,  -was  an  apartment  in  University  Hall,  crowded  to 
excess,  unsightly  and  wholly  unsuited  for  the  purpose,  to  which,  from 
necessity,  it  was  devoted.'  To  remedy  this  defect,  the  Hon.  Nicholas 
Brown  erected,  at  his  own  expense,  a  beautiful  edifice  for  a  library  and 
chapel  ]  to  which,  in  testimony  of  veneration  for  his  former  instructor, 
he  gave  the  name  of  Manning  Hall.  The  building  was  dedicated  in 
1835. 

"Soon  after  the  removal  of  the  library  to  the  new  building  it  was 
newly  arranged,  and,  in  1843,  a  full  catalogue  of  its  contents,  by  Pro 
fessor  Jewett,  was  printed.  This  catalogue  was  favorably  noticed  in  the 
North  American  Review,  and  in  other  leading  periodicals,  and  drew 
special  attention  to  this  important  department  of  the  institution. 

"  Soon  afterwards,  a  chair  of  modern  languages  was  established  at  the 
College ;  and  the  professor  elect  was  encouraged  to  visit  Europe,  partly 
for  the  purpose  of  professional  study,  and  partly  to  enable  the  friends  of 
the  College  to  carry  out  more  effectually  their  wishes  for  the  increase  of 
the  library.  This  agent  was  authorized  by  Mr.  John  Carter  Brown  to 
select  and  purchase,  at  his  expense,  such  books  in  the  French,  German, 
and  Italian  languages,  to  the  value  of  about  82700,  as  he  might  think 
most  useful  for  the  College.  The  selection  was  made,  both  of  works 
and  of  editions,  without  regard  to  cost;  but  the  books  were  purchased 
with  the  closest  reference  to  economy.  For  about  82GOO  the  number  of 
volumes  of  bound  books  purchased  was  2921,  viz.,  121  folios,  392  quartos, 
1027  octavos,  and  781  duodecimos,  besides  74  valuable  maps  and  engrav 
ings.  These  books  were  all  well  bound,  most  of  them  newly  and  elegantly, 
in  half  calf,  plain  gilt.  The  average  price  per  volume,  including  binding 
and  all  other  expenses,  was  about  89  cents.  This  collection  includes  a 
set  of  French,  German,  and  Italian  classics,  in  the  best  and  fullest 


RHODE    ISLAND.  485 

library  editions;  the  principal  philosophical,  scientific,  and  historical 
works  of  late  continental  scholars;  a  complete  set  of  the  Moniteur  Uni- 
versel,  from  its  commencement  to  1826 — a  clean,  beautiful,  well-bound 
copy  of  the  original  edition,  with  the  introduction,  indexes,  &c.,  in  77 
volumes  folio;  a  set  of  the  memoirs  of  the  French  Institute  since  its 
reorganization,  volumes  4to. ;  the  collection  of  memoirs  relative  to  the 
history  of  France,  by  Gruizot  and  Petitot,  162  volumes  Svo.;  a  complete 
set  of  the  Allgemeine  Literatur-Zcitung,  134  volumes  4to. ;  and  of  the 
Allgemeine  Deutsche  Bibliothek,  133  volumes  Svo. ;  II  Vaticano,  8 
volumes  folio,  elegantly  illustrated;  II  Campidoglio,  2  volumes  folio; 
the  Museo  Borbonico,  13  volumes  4to.,  the  original  Naples  edition;  the 
works  of  Canova  and  Thorwaldsen;  the  Musee  Fran§ais  and  Musee 
Royal,  in  6  volumes  folio;  the  Description  del'Egypte,  Canina's  Architec 
ture,  and  many  more  illustrated  works  of  great  beauty  and  value,  besides 
rare  and  costly  maps  and  prints.  These  books  were  mostly  purchased 
at  auctions  in  Paris,  Romcj  Leipsic,  Frankfort-on-the-Mainc,  and  Berlin. 
Many  were  procured  at  provincial  sales.  To  supply  the  deficiencies  of 
the  library  in  standard  English  works,  a  subscription  was  opened  among 
the  friends  of  the  College,  amounting  to  about  85000,  and  the  same 
agent  was  appointed  to  select  and  purchase  the  books.  This  collection 
was  received  in  the  library  in  1845,  and  raised  the  whole  number  of 
volumes  to  nearly  20,000. 

"  The  class  which  graduated  in  1821,  held  a  meeting  in  Providence, 
a  quarter  of  a  century  from  the  time  of  their  graduation,  at  which  a 
considerable  sum  of  money  was  subscribed  for  the  benefit  of  the  library, 
in  token  of  their  grateful  interest  in  the  institution  at  which  they  were 
educated.  The  money  thus  obtained  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  Dr. 
Thomas  H.  Webb,  of  Boston,  who  purchased,  with  excellent  judgment, 
about  500  volumes,  mostly  from  the  library  of  the  Hon.  John  Picker 
ing. 

"  The  next  year,  1847,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Osgood,  then  a  clergyman 
in  Providence,  and  now  in  New  York,  proposed  to  the  several  religious 
societies  of  the  city  a  subscription,  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the 
deficiencies  of  the  library  in  the  best  editions  of  the  Fathers  of  the 
Church,  and  the  standard  theological  writers  of  the  Reformation.  About 
82000  were  raised,  and  a  superb  collection  was  purchased  of  the  Bene 
dictine  editions  of  several  of  the  Fathers ;  the  Bibliothcca  Maxima 
Veterum  Patrum,  30  volumes,  folio  ;  Harduin's  Collectio  Conciliorum, 
12  volumes,  folio ;  besides  the  choicest  and  most  elegant  editions  of 


436  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

many  of  the  Fathers  not  edited  by  the  Benedictines,  and  a  large  collec 
tion  of  works  connected  with  patristic  literature,  and  the  history  of  the 
Reformation. 

"  The  Library  Committee  had  before  this  issued  a  circular,  soliciting 
the  donation  of  files  of  newspapers,  important  pamphlets,  &c.  In  answer 
to  this  call,  a  vast  mass  of  pamphlets  and  papers  were  sent  to  the  library. 
From  the  whole,  about  5000  were  assorted  and  arranged,  and  they  form 
now  an  invaluable  collection.  Brown  University  certainly  deserves  great 
credit  for  the  care  with  which  she  has  garnered  and  guarded  these 
neglected,  but  precious,  memorials  of  our  earlier  history. 

" In  1793,  the  library  contained  2173  volumes;  in  1826,  5818  volumes; 
in  1843, 10,235;  in  January,  1849,  21,520,  exclusive  of  pamphlets  and 
of  duplicates;  in  January,  1850,  23,000;  in  1857,  29,000. 

"It  has  a  large  number  of  maps,  charts,  engravings,  and  elegantly 
illustrated  works.  From  the  income  of  the  fund,  about  $1200  per  an 
num  is  appropriated  to  the  purchase  of  books.  The  building  (called 
Manning  Hall)  is  built  of  rubble  stone,  and  is  stuccoed.  The  library 
occupies  the  whole  of  the  ground  floor.  Its  dimensions  are  64  by  38 
feet,  height  13  feet.  In  the  centre  is  a  double  row  of  fluted  columns, 
from  which  the  shelves  extend  to  the  walls,  forming  twelve  alcoves.  The 
books  are,  so  far  as  convenient,  arranged  on  the  shelves  according  to 
subjects. 

"  The  first  catalogue  was  printed  in  1793 ;  the  second  in  1826  ;  and  the 
third  and  last  in  1843  (560  pages,  8vo.);  cost  $1000  for  750  copies. 
This  catalogue  is  alphabetical,  according  to  the  authors'  names,  and  has 
a  copious  alphabetical  and  analytical  index  of  subjects.  The  library  is 
open,  during  term  time,  daily,  from  9  A.M  till  1  P.M.;  during  vacations, 
weekly,  on  Saturdays,  from  10  to  12*.  The  members  of  the  corporation  ; 
the  president,  professors,  tutors,  and  register ;  all  resident  graduates ;  all 
the  donors  to  the  library  fund ;  all  donors  to  the  fund  for  building  Rhode 
Island  Hall;  and  all  donors  to  the  library  to  the  amount  of  $40,  residing 
in  the  City  of  Providence,  arc  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library  without 
charge.  Undcr-graduates  arc  entitled  to  the  use  of  the  library,  and  are 
charged  therefor  $3  per  annum.  During  the  year  1848,  from  January 
7  to  December  5,  4069  volumes  were  taken  out." 

During  1854,  6000  volumes  were  taken  out  by  600  persons.  The 
books  most  called  for  arc  those  connected  in  various  ways  with  the 
courses  of  study  pursued  in  college,  and  embracing  more  especially  those 
departments  of  knowledge  relating  to  the  classics,  mathematics,  chemis- 


RHODE    ISLAND.  437 

try,  physiology,  history  (general),  English,  French,  and  German  litera 
ture,  mental  and  moral  philosophy,  political  economy;  besides  standard 
theological  works,  commentaries,  dictionaries,  &c. 

The  salary  of  the]  librarian  is  $900;  assistant,  8180.  About  15,000 
volumes  are  in  English,  3500  French,  2000  German,  500  Spanish,  1000 
other  modern  languages,  4000  Latin,  1500  Greek,  100  Hebrew,  100 
Oriental. 

About  1000  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During  the  last  five  years, 
$8000  have  been  expended  for  books.  28  periodicals  are  taken. 

The  University  has  upwards  of  10,000  unbound  pamphlets. — R.  A. 
Guild. 

PHILERMENIAN  SOCIETY  (BROWN  UNIVERSITY). 

(1857.)     4000  vols. 

"  In  July,  1794,  a  few  individuals  formed  themselves  into  a  combina 
tion,  under  the  name  of  MISOKOSMIAN  SOCIETY,  for  the  promotion  of 
social  intercourse,  and  for  improvement  in  forensic  discussion. 

"  In  1798,  the  constitution  was  remodelled,  and  the  project  of  form 
ing  a  library  being  for  the  first  time  entertained,  the  Society  assumed 
the  more  appropriate  name  of  Philermenian. 

"  The  College  Library  was,  in  1800,  situated  in  University  Hall,  and 
in  the  same  apartment  a  case  was  allotted  for  depositing  the  Society's 
collection ;  in  consideration  of  which,  by  an  article  in  the  constitution, 
the  books  were  to  become  the  property  of  the  University  Library,  in 
case  the  Society  should  ever  be  disbanded. 

"  In  the  year  1820,  26  undergraduate  members  presented  to  the 
library  a  handsome  donation  of  $138,  which  was  placed  in  the  hands  of 
a  committee,  to  be  expended  at  their  discretion  in  the  purchase  of  books; 
$45  were  also  subscribed  soon  after,  for  procuring  the  necessary  book 
cases. 

"  The  regular  meetings  had  thus  far  been  held  in  succession  at  the 
rooms  of  the  different  members;  but  after  the  erection  of  Hope  College, 
a  suitable  apartment  was  appropriated  by  the  Corporation  for  the  use  of 
the  Society,  and  in  1823,  the  library  was  transferred  to  the  new  build- 
ino;. 

G 

"  In  the  following  year,  the  FRANKLIN  SOCIETY  was  established. 
The  circumstances  of  its  origin  are  briefly  these :  In  the  year  1824,  an 
unusually  large  class  entered  the  University;  the  limited  numbers  of 
both  the  other  Societies  were  completely  filled,  and  no  other  resource 


438  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

was  left  to  those  who  wished  to  enjoy  similar  advantages,  than  the  for 
mation  of  a  third  association.  It  existed,  however,  but  ten  years  ;  and 
in  1834,  the  handsome  collection  of  several  hundred  volumes  which  it 
had  accumulated  was,  by  the  provision  of  its  charter,  incorporated  with 
the  College  library." 

The  library  is  open  one  hour  on  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays.  The 
books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  All  are  in  English.  During  1854, 
1925  volumes  were  lent  to  200  persons.  Scott,  Cooper,  Irving,  Macau- 
lay,  Bancroft,  and  Poe,  are  the  favorite  authors.  Receipts  during  1854, 
8303  62;  expenditures  for  books,  $200;  binding,  829  27;  periodicals, 
811;  salaries,  830;  incidentals,  $25  37.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in 
1849.  Salary  of  librarian,  825. 


UNITED  BROTHERS'  SOCIETY  (BROWN  UNIVERSITY). 

(1857.)     4000  vols. 

Founded  in  1806.  In  the  year  1806,  upwards  of  100  students  were 
residents  of  the  University,  only  45  of  whom  could,  by  the  constitution, 
be  admitted  to  the  privileges  of  the  Philermenian  Society.  Great 
dissatisfaction  at  this  spirit  of  exclusiveness  was  naturally  occasioned, 
and  another  Society  was  accordingly  established,  under  the  name  of  the 
UNITED  BROTHERS,  similar  in  its  constitution  to  the  Philermenian.  The 
library  is  open  one  hour  every  Wednesday  and  Saturday.  During 
1854,  2034  volumes  were  lent  to  200  persons.  In  1856,  521  volumes 
were  lent  to  153  persons.  Nearly  all  the  books  arc  in  English.  A 
catalogue,  54  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  in  1843,  cost  8140  for  800  copies. 
During  the  last  five  years,  $75  have  been  expended  annually  for  books. 
5  reviews  are  taken.  Salary  of  librarian,  825. 


FRANKLIN  LYCEUM.     (1857.)     2500  vols. 

"Established  in  the  summer  of  1831.  In  April,  1832,  the  name  of 
1  Providence  Lyceum'  was  adopted ;  but  this,  on  the  22d  December 
following,  was  changed  to  that  which  it  has  since  borne,  of  l  Franklin 
Lyceum/  In  July,  1833,  the  Society  consisted  of  thirteen  resident, 
and  two  corresponding  members.  In  April,  1835,  after  having  been 
previously  located,  for  different  periods,  in  three  other  places,  the  first 
at  the  house  of  Mr.  Shove,  they  removed  to  the  De  Witt  Building,  in 
Waterman  Street,  where,  first  in  the  smaller  room,  and  afterwards  in  the 
enlarged  arid  spacious  hall,  they  continued  until  the  year  1849.  In  1843, 


RHODE    ISLAND. 

an  act  of  incorporation  from  the  Legislature  was  obtained,  the  Society 
at  that  time  numbering,  according  to  the  list  compiled  with  the  Consti 
tution  and  By-Laws  then  published,  thirty-one  resident,  and  twenty-four 
corresponding  members ;  the  latter,  nearly  all  of  them,  having  previously 
been  resident  members,  but  had  removed  from  the  city.  In  the  fall  of 
1848,  having  received  a  large  accession  of  members,  from  a  Society 
formed  a  short  time  before,  and  called  the  'Westminster  Lyceum/  but 
which  now  merged  their  name  and  existence  in  this,  it  was  decided  to 
remove  to  a  more  central  location;  and,  on  the  1st  of  January,  1849, 
the  Society  held  their  first  meeting  in  the  beautiful  hall,  Westminster 
Street,  which  they  now  occupy. 

"The  records  of  the  Society,  from  its  commencement,  show  a  list  of 
436  members ;  which,  reduced  by  the  hand  of  death,  and  the  withdrawal 
of  names,  leaves  (in  185G)  an  active  membership  of  about  280  persons. 
The  library,  from  its  commencement,  has  been  continually  receiving 
additions  to  its  shelves,  and  now  contains  some  two  thousand  volumes ; 
which,  with  the  yearly  appropriation  for  the  purchase  of  new  publica 
tions,  constitutes  it  one  of  the  best  libraries  for  the  practical  business 
man  and  general  reader  that  the  city  affords.  Upon  the  table  of  the 
reading-room  are  placed  a  number  of  the  choicest  magazines  and  literary 
periodicals  as  they  appear,  together  with  the  daily  newspapers  of  our 
own  city,  and  those  of  Xew  York  and  Boston,  rendering  this  an  agree 
able  resort  for  leisure  evenings.  Spirited  debates  are  conducted  weekly 
in  the  hall  of  the  Lyceum,  proving  alike  instructive  to  those  who  parti 
cipate  in  the  discussions  and  those  who  listen.  A  course  of  popular 
lectures,  from  speakers  of  a  high  order,  have  been  delivered  each  sea 
son  for  a  number  of  years  past,  which  have  been  well  received,  and 
sustained  by  our  citizens." 

In  1852,  the  library  contained  400  volumes.  The  annual  increase  is 
600  volumes.  During  the  winters  of  1852—3,  §2000  were  raised  for 
the  purchase  of  books.  The  total  amount  expended  for  books  has  been 
83400.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1856,  45  pages,  Svo. ;  cost  $75 
for  600  copies.  Receipts,  1855,  $1011  68.  Expenditures,  $771  09. 
Salary  of  librarian,  875.  Annual  cost  of  support,  8500.  The  library 
is  open  from  7  to  9  every  evening.  All  the  books  are  in  English. 
During  1856,  3000  volumes  were  taken  out,  chiefly  works  of  fiction.  21 
periodicals  are  taken. 

FRANKLIN  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     GOO  vols. 
Founded  in  1823.     The  Providence  Franklin  Society  is  an  associa- 


440  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

tion  devoted  especially  to  the  study  of  natural  science  and  the  mechanic 
arts.  It  holds  weekly  meetings  during  a  considerable  part  of  the  year, 
at  which  papers  are  read,  and  specimens  and  experiments  are  exhibited 
by  the  members  and  other  citizens.  It  has  also  valuable  collections  in 
different  departments  of  natural  history,  which  are  increasing  by  the 
labor  of  members  in  collecting  and  exchanges.  The  library  is  intended 
as  a  help  in  these  active  operations,  and  is  not  complete  in  any  depart 
ment.  It  contains  many  manuals  in  different  branches  of  science,  with 
a  large  number  of  elaborate  and  expensive  works.  The  cabinets  of  the 
Society  embrace  a  large  collection,  illustrating  the  geology  and  minera 
logy  of  the  State  of  Rhode  Island,  with  duplicates  :  collections  in  also 
every  department  of  natural  history  •  fossils,  antiquities,  &c.  The  So 
ciety  is  in  possession  of  valuable  anatomical  preparations,  with  a  labora 
tory,  and  chemical  and  philosophical  apparatus. 


FRIENDS'  BOARDING  SCHOOL.     (1850.)     1500  vols. 

11  A  valuable  collection,  consisting  of  Friends'  books,  and  scientific 
and  miscellaneous  works,  the  bequest  of  that  benevolent  patron  of  the 
institution  and  of  learning,  the  late  Obacliah  Brown,  has,  by  a  provision 
in  the  will  of  the  venerable  Moses  Brown,  received  a  large  addition. 
This  library  now  contains  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  valuable  collec 
tions  of  Friends'  books  in  the  country/' 

PERRIN'S  CIRCULATING  LIBRARY.     (1855.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  in  1820,  by  George  Dana.  During  1854,  receipts,  §1300. 
Expended  for  books,  8215  50.  Binding,  638  31.  Periodicals,  $10. 
Salaries,  $200.  Incidentals,  8130.  Subscribers  pay  $1  for  three  months; 
$1  75  for  six  months ;  83  per  year.  Non-subscribers  pay  10  cents  a 
volume. 

During  1854,  20,000  volumes  were  lent  to  2500  persons.  Seven- 
eighths  of  the  works  read  were  fiction ;  one  eighth  travels  and  history. 
A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1854,  44  pages  12mo;  cost  $90  for  2500 
copies. 

PROVIDENCE  ATHENAEUM.     (185G.)     20,2G7  vols. 
"  The  Providence  Athenaeum  originated  in  a  compromise,  effected 


RHODE    ISL'AND.  441 

in  the  year  1836,  between  two  previously  existing  library  institutions, 
which  had,  for  some  years,,  divided  the  sympathies  and  support  of  the 
community;  and  which,  experience  had  shown,  could  not  both  be  suc 
cessfully  maintained.  It  was  accordingly  agreed,  after  ineffectual  at 
tempts  to  unite  them,  that  each  should  surrender  its  separate  existence, 
for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  new  and  enlarged  institution. 

"  These  two  institutions  were,  l  The  Providence  Library  Company/ 
formed  in  1753,  but  not  incorporated  until  1798,  and  (  The  Providence 
Athenaeum/  formed  and  incorporated  in  1831. 

"  The  Providence  Library  was,  for  nearly  eighty  years,  the  only  pub 
lic  library  established  for  the  benefit  of  the  people  of  Providence  and  its 
vicinity.  The  Providence  Library  was  first  established  in  the  year  1753, 
and  placed  in  the  Town  House,  in  which  the  courts  and  the  General  As 
sembly  of  the  colony  then  held  their  sessions.  On  the  night  of  the  24th 
of  December,  1758,  the  house,  together  with  the  library,  except  about 
seventy  volumes,  which  were  in  the  hands  of  proprietors,  was  consumed 
by  fire.  In  1762,  by  the  great  exertions  of  several  of  the  proprietors, 
it  was  re-established,  by  the  importation  of  books  from  London ;  a  cata 
logue  of  which  had  been  sent  out  by  their  committee.  In  1764,  the 
books,  by  permission  of  the  General  Assembly,  were  placed  in  the  Coun 
cil  Chamber  in  the  new  Court-house,  when  the  expense  of  finishing 
the  east  end  of  that  elegant  room  was  paid  by  the  Library  Company,  for 
the  privilege  of  keeping  the  books  in  this  place ;  and  it  was  further 
agreed,  that  the  members  of  both  Houses  of  the  Assembly  should  have 
the  use  of  the  books  during  their  sessions  here.  In  the  year  1770, 
Rhode  Island  College  was  established  in  this  town,  and  the  college  edifice 
erected  the  same  year.  On  this  occasion,  the  Library  Company  offered 
the  use  of  the  books  to  the  students  and  officers  of  that  institution,  until 
a  library  could  be  procured  sufficient  for  that  respectable  establishment. 
Under  these  circumstances,  and  from  the  doors  being  left  open  to  ac 
commodate  the  members  of  the  Legislature,  other  persons,  in  the  absence 
of  the  librarian,  had  access  to  the  books ,  many  of  which  were  lost,  and 
the  value  and  usefulness  of  the  library  were  evidently  declining;  and 
the  proprietors,  having  no  corporate  powers,  had  not  sufficient  authority 
to  enforce  a  compliance  with  their  votes  and  regulations.  It  was,  there 
fore,  determined  to  apply  to  the  General  Assembly  for  an  act  of  incor 
poration  ;  and,  on  that  being  obtained,  to  adopt  such  measures  to  pre 
serve  the  books,  and  increase  their  numbers,  as  might  render  the 


442  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

institution  more  useful  and  respectable,  and  to  bear  some  proportion  to 
the  progressive  increase  of  the  town.  Application  was  accordingly  made 
to  the  Assembly,  and  the  charter  of  incorporation  was  granted  in  Octo 
ber,  1798. 

"  The  original  act  of  incorporation  was  farther  amended  by  an  act 
passed  October,  1818.  Under  this  charter,  as  amended,  the  Providence 
Library  Company  continued  in  being  till  it  was  merged,  by  its  own  con 
sent,  in  the  Athenaeum.  It  appears,  from  a  printed  catalogue  of  the 
books  belonging  to  the  Providence  Library,  in  the  year  1768,  that  the 
total  number  was  911  volumes.  In  this  number,  comparatively  few 
works  of  fiction  were  to  be  found ;  the  age  of  cheap  editions,  and  of  pens 
prolific  in  works  of  fancy,  not  having  then  dawned  upon  the  world. 
When  it  is  considered  that  the  original  library  was  nearly  all  destroyed 
by  fire  in  1758,  and  that,  in  the  year  1768,  the  population  of  Providence 
was  only  3869,  a  collection  of  substantial  books,  belonging  to  a  private 
association,  and  numbering  nearly  1000  volumes,  speaks  well  for  the 
liberality  and  taste  of  our  forefathers.  There  exists  a  manuscript  cata 
logue,  which  was,  probably,  after  the  accession  of  books,  having  been 
made  in  that  year. 

"By  a  catalogue,  it  appears  that  the  library  then  contained  194  folios 
and  quartos,  1148  octavos,  and  450  duodecimos,  and  smaller;  total, 
1792  volumes.  And  from  a  list  appended,  it  appears  that  there  were, 
at  that  time,  273  proprietors,  owning  292  shares.  The  library  room, 
mentioned  above,  to  which  the  books  were  removed  from  the  Council  or 
Senate  chamber  of  the  court-house,  and  where  they  continued  to  remain 
until  merged  in  the  Athenaeum,  is  well  remembered  by  most  of  our 
citizens.  It  was  in  the  third  story  of  the  building,  owned  and  in  part 
occupied  by  the  Washington  Insurance  Company,  and  wrhich,  in  the 
year  1844,  was  demolished,  and  their  present  building  erected  on  the 
same  spot.  The  Providence  Library  had  now,  for  some  years,  fallen 
into  great  neglect.  Its  affairs  were  very  carelessly  managed,  and  no 
new  books  were  added.  This  led  to  the  formation  of  the  other  institution, 
from  which  the  present  one  derives  its  origin,  the  first  Providence  Athe 
naeum,  which  'was  incorporated  by  the  General  Assembly  of  Rhode 
Island,  at  its  June  session,  1831,  and  went  into  operation  on  the  18th 
of  June,  of  the  same  year/ 

"  The  building  was  opened  for  the  use  of  the  proprietors  on  the  fol 
lowing  Monday,  July  16th.  It  was  built  in  the  most  substantial  manner, 
as  is  described  in  detail  in  the  report  of  the  Building  Committee,  ap- 


RHODE    ISLAND.  443 

ponded  to  their  third  Annual  Report.  Its  cost  was  about  815,000 ; 
and  for  the  incidentals  of  the  building,  excavations,  embankments,  fences, 
&c.,  about  84000  more.  The  total  receipts  of  the  institution,  at  its 
commencement,  from  donations,  subscriptions,  sale  of  shares,  and  con 
tribution  of  the  Franklin  Society,  were  between  830,000  and  834,000. 
Of  this  sum,  819,000  were  expended  on  the  building  and  grounds,  and 
85000  invested  in  bank  stock,  leaving  89000  to  commence  the  purchase 
of  books. 

"  The  Athenaeum  occupies  a  commodious  and  beautiful  building,  in 
a  central  situation;  and  safe,  as  regards  danger  from  fire.  It  is  of  the 
Grecian  Doric  order  of  architecture,  built  of  granite,  48  feet  in  width, 
and  78  feet  in  depth,  consisting  of  a  basement  and  principal  story. 
The  front  is  of  fine  hammered  Quincy  granite,  and  has  a  recess  sup 
ported  by  two  fluted  granite  columns,  14  feet  high,  each  shaft  in  one 
piece.  The  side  walls  are  of  rough  granite,  from  Johnston,  in  this 
State;  and  the  rear  is  of  rough  stone  wall,  plastered.  The  roof  is 
covered  with  zinc.  The  lower  basement-story  has  two  entrances,  one  at 
the  north,  and  one  at  the  south  ;  the  latter  communicating,  by  a  stair 
case,  with  the  upper  part  of  the  building.  The  height  of  this  story  is 
10-J  feet,  and  it  contains  two  rooms.  The  largest,  and  the  one  first 
entered,  is  80  by  43  feet;  and  the  rear  one  is  20  by  43  feet.  The  first 
mentioned  forms  a  commodious  reading-room;  and  a  stairway  in  the 
centre  connects  it  with  the  library  above.  The  rear  is  appropriated  to 
a  more  convenient  arrangement  and  display,  than  it  has  hitherto  been 
possible  to  make,  of  maps,  charts,  engravings,  and  large  illustrated 
works.  The  upper  or  principal  story  has  its  main  entrance  in  front, 
approached  over  a  bank  with  steps  at  each  end,  and  steps  in  the  centre 
of  the  building,  conducting  to  an  entry  eight  feet  wide  by  thirteen  long; 
on  each  side  of  which,  and  communicating  with  it,  is  a  room  13  by  18 
feet,  formerly  used  as  the  reading-room,  and  now  as  the  librarian's  room ; 
the  other,  for  directors'  meetings,  committees,  &c.  The  library,  or  prin 
cipal  room,  is  entered  through  the  front  entry,  or  through  either  of  the 
rooms  just  mentioned;  it  is  18  feet  high,  32  feet  long  by  43  wide,  on 
the  floor,  and  about  44  feet  long  by  43  wide  from  within,  about  7  feet 
below,  and  up  to  the  ceiling;  this  difference  in  length  is  caused  by  the 
space  (forming  the  gallery  before  mentioned)  left  over  the  librarian's 
and  directors'  rooms,  which  are  10  feet  high.  The  east  room,  so  called, 
in  the  rear  of  the  library  room,  and  entered  through  it,  is  18  feet  high, 
and  20  by  43  feet  in  dimensions,  and  contains  a  part  of  the  library. 


444  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

Both  these  rooms  are  furnished  with  ornamental  and  convenient  alcoves, 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  books.  The  number  of  volumes  that  can  be 
accommodate^  in  the  library,  with  the  present  arrangements,  is  about 
25,000;  and  these  accommodations  could  be  greatly  increased,  by  en 
larging  and  changing  the  disposition  of  the  alcoves,  and  by  occupying 
the  basement  story. 

"The  library  of  the  Athenaeum  contains  many  rare  and  valuable 
works,  besides  those  heretofore  named  as  donations,  such  as  Audubon's 
larger  work  on  the  Birds  of  America;  his  work  on  Quadrupeds;  Boy- 
dell's  Shakspeare,  American  edition;  Biographic  Universelle ;  and 
others,  which  will  be  found  on  the  catalogue.  It  has  been  selected 
with  great  care,  the  intention  having  been,  while  a  sufficient  amount  of 
current  entertaining  literature  has  been  furnished  for  miscellaneous 
readers,  to  employ  by  far  the  larger  portion  of  the  library  fund,  in  the 
purchase  of  books  of  substantial  merit  and  permanent  value.  The  de 
partments  of  history,  biography,  and  voyages  and  travels,  considering 
the  size  of  the  library,  are  richly  supplied.  Particular  attention  has 
been  paid  to  the  department  of  periodicals,  of  which  the  library  contains 
about  2800  volumes,  and  pains  have  been  taken  to  preserve  complete 
sets  of  the  most  valuable.  The  Athenaeum  is  now  in  the  receipt  of  59 
foreign  and  American  periodicals,  and  10  newspapers;  three  of  the  former 
in  the  French  language. 

"  The  sum  of  810,000  was  received  by  the  Athenaeum  from  the  estate 
of  Cyrus  Butler. 

11  The  greatest  freedom  exists  in  the  sale  and  transfer  of  shares;  the 
price  of  which  is  §15  ;  and  the  annual  tax  on  which  cannot,  by  the  Con 
stitution,  exceed  §5,  and  has  never  been  less.  The  books,  except  the 
most  costly  illustrated,  and  other  works,  and  such  as  are  solely  works  of 
reference,  and  unbound  periodicals,  are  freely  circulated.  The  average 
annual  increase  of  the  Library,  since  its  commencement,  exclusive  of  the 
two  old  libraries,  has  been  875  volumes;  and  the  average  annual  amount 
expended  for  books,  during  the  same  period,  including  periodicals  and 
binding,  has  been  about  81550." — Catalogue. 

The  following  table,  corrected  and  continued  from  one  prepared  for 
the  eleventh  annual  report,  in  September,  1846,  gives  a  concise  and 
comprehensive  view  of  the  growth  and  expenses  of  the  institution  from 
its  commencement  until  September,  1857  : — 


RHODE    ISLAND. 


445 


INCiiKASK    OF    LIlillARY 


ANNUAL    EXPENSES. 


No.  and  date 

13ooks 

Hooks 

Books. 

hxpense  oJ 

Other  ex 

Total  ex 

Share 

No.  of 

of  report. 

added. 

g\  ven  . 

total. 

books. 

penses. 

pense. 

holders. 

shares. 

1  Feb.,  1837," 

4162 

4 

4.162) 

292 

293 

2  Sept.,  " 

838 

6 

5.000  V 

59377  29 

22.225  59 

31,602  88 

302 

303 

3  '•   1838, 

1041 

34 

6,041  S 

374 

375 

4   "   1839, 

1154 

251 

7.195 

853  43 

2.133  86 

2.987  28 

383 

386 

5   <;  1840, 

1190 

321 

8,385 

1145  81 

1,399  38 

2.545  19 

396 

400 

6   «   1841, 

702 

85 

9,087 

1202  55 

1,765  89 

2.968  44 

406 

411 

7   "  1842, 

506 

93 

9,593 

691  09 

1,156  48 

1,847  57 

416 

422 

8   «  1843, 

892 

19 

10,485 

1555  39 

1,412  01 

2,967  40 

421 

427 

9   "  1844, 

787 

15 

11,272 

1799  50 

1,187  38 

2,986  88 

421 

427 

10  "   1845, 

813 

01 

12,085 

1326  55 

1,486  19 

2,812  74 

422 

428 

11  "  1846, 

817 

34 

12,902 

1485  66 

1.469  81 

2.955  47 

429 

435 

12  "  1847, 

531 

21 

13.433 

1380  37 

1.716  43 

3,069  80 

440 

449 

13  ''•  1848, 

1018 

97 

14.451 

1227  96 

1,922  55 

3.150  51 

477 

486 

14  "  1S49, 

653 

19 

15.104 

1237  04 

1,717  74 

2.954  78 

401 

501 

15  "   1850, 

707 

20 

15,811 

1752  03 

3,257  19 

5^09  22 

516 

524 

16  "  1851, 

691 

32 

16,502 

1440  60 

2.086  60 

3.533  20 

531 

537 

17  "  1852, 

775 

84 

17.277 

1756  97 

4,570  27 

6,327  24 

538 

545 

18  '•   1853, 

18.021 

19  «   1854. 

676 

104 

18,801 

4.546  16 

558 

564 

20  "   1855, 

424 

190 

19,519 

3,646  92 

561 

567 

21  «   1856, 

527 

131 

20.267 

1152  74 

3,415  68 

567 

572 

22  "  1857. 

1437 

125 

21,829 

1686  33 

4,293  97 

576 

580 

u  An  excellent  map-case,  invented  by  Stephen  P.  Fisk,  of  Pawtucket, 
Massachusetts,  has  been  constructed  for  the  Athenaeum.  The  plan  is 
simple  and  convenient,  consisting  of  a  number  of  upright  frames  placed 
in  front  of  each  other,  at  intervals  of  about  one  inch,  and  sliding  upon 
grooves  ]  to  these  frames  the  maps  are  attached,  and  upon  the  margin 
of  the  frames,  which  project  each  a  little  beyond  the  other,  arc  placed 
the  names  of  the  maps,  which  can  thus  be  read  at  a  glance,  and  drawn 
out  at  pleasure.  The  case  contains  from  30  to  40  maps,  estimating 
the  proportions  that  will  usually  be  found  of  the  different  sixes. 

"In  the  Report  for  1853,  attention  is  called  to  a  serious  abuse  requir 
ing  correction  : — 

"  Many  young  persons  are  in  the  habit  of  using  the  Athenaeum  as  a 
place  of  fashionable  conference ;  those  most  conspicuous  in  this  respect 
hardly  come  for  any  other  purpose,  as  they  but  seldom  use  the  books; 
while  those  who  come  for  the  legitimate  purposes  of  the  institution,  are 
greatly  annoyed  by  the  disturbance.  There  is  no  other  institution  of 
the  kind  in  the  country,  in  which  this  has  been  carried  to  so  great  an 
extent  as  here." 


PROVIDENCE  BAR  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     1700  vols. 

Founded  in  1830.  Any  person  who  pays  $10,  is  entitled  to  the  use 
of  the  library.  The  books  of  the  library  can  be  used  only  at  the  library 
room,  and  only  by  the  members  of  the  corporation ;  by  candidates  who 


446  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

have  paid  the  sum  of  $10;  by  the  Judges  of  the  Courts  of  this  State, 
and  of  the  United  States;  by  persons  pursuing  the  study  of  law  in  the 
offices  of  members;  by  persons  specially  licensed  by  the  librarian  or 
some  member  of  the  Library  Committee ;  and  (for  the  first  year  after 
admission  to  the  bar)  by  persons  regularly  admitted  by  the  court  to 
practice  in  the  Courts  of  Rhode  Island. 

Receipts  during  1855,  8326 ;  expenditures  for  books,  850 ;  binding, 
§12  11;  periodicals,  810;  incidentals,  8158  95.  No  salaries  are  paid. 
The  books  are  principally  law  reports;  and  are  arranged  by  States.  All 
the  volumes  are  in  English.  About  60  volumes  are  added  annually. 
Annual  cost  of  support,  $250.  During  the  last  five  years,  8250  were 
expended  for  books. 

RHODE  ISLAND  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY.     (18.37.)     3000  vols. 

Founded  on  the  19th  of  April,  1822,  and  incorporated  by  the  Gene 
ral  Assembly  the  June  following.  The  Society  has  published  several 
volumes  of  "  Collections."  It  has  been  faithful  and  active  in  collecting 
the  materials  for  the  history  of  the  State,  and  preserving  them  for 
future  use. 

"  After  the  decease  of  the  Hon.  Theodore  Foster,  the  Society  pur 
chased  of  his  representatives  the  collections  which  lie  had  been  engaged 
in  making  during  a  long  life  devoted  to  historical  research.  They  have 
procured  copies  to  be  made  of  all  orders  and  papers  in  the  office  of  the 
Secretary  of  State  of  Massachusetts,  relating  to  this  State.  The  papers 
collected  by  the  Rev.  Isaac  Backus,  author  of  the  History  of  the  Bap 
tists,  are  deposited  in  the  cabinet,  as  arc  also  the  letter-book  and  corre 
spondence  of  Ezekiel  Hopkins,  the  only  individual  who  ever  received  a 
commission  as  admiral  in  the  navy  of  the  United  States." 

The  Society  has  taken  great  pains  to  complete  its  files  of  newspapers 
printed  in  this  State.  Most  of  them,  including  the  Providence  Gazette, 
are  nearly  perfect. 

Soon  after  its  incorporation,  the  State  gave  the  Society  8500.  The 
heirs  of  the  late  Nathan  Waterman  presented  a  lot  of  land  for  a  build 
ing.  In  184o,  the  Society  had  accumulated  a  fund  of  84000  for  an 
edifice.  About  82000  more  were  then  raised  by  subscription ;  and  in 
1844,  a  stone  building  was  erected  on  Waterman  Street,  facing  the  Col 
lege  square,  to  which  the  collections  of  the  Society  were  removed,  and 
in  which  its  meetings  have  since  been  held. 


SOUTH    CAROLINA.  447 


WINSOR'S  CIRCULATING  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     4700  vols. 

Established  in  May,  1848.  Subscriptions  for  three  months,  $1 ;  six 
months,  81  75;  one  year,  $3.  Persons  may  take  out  books  without 
subscribing.  To  such,  the  terms  are  six  cents  per  week  for  each  volume. 
Receipts,  1854,  $1340;  expended  for  books,  8215;  binding,  825;  sala 
ries,  8300;  incidentals,  8175.  During  1854,  20,000  volumes  were 
lent  to  2000  persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1852,  52  pages, 
12mo. ;  cost  890  for  2000  copies. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1650  vols. 

Organized  in  September,  1853.  Incorporated  in  January,  1854.  Any 
young  man,  of  good  moral  character,  can,  by  the  payment  of  81  an 
nually,  become  a  member.  The  library  is  open  daily,  from  12  M.  till  9J 
P.M.  During  1856,  1850  volumes  were  taken  out  by  180  persons.  A 
catalogue,  48  pages  12mo.,  was  printed  in  November,  1856;  cost  835 
for  500  copies.  Salary  of  librarian,  8800  per  annum.  18  periodicals 
and  59  newspapers  are  taken.  Annual  cost  of  support,  82000. 


SOUTH   CAROLINA. 


CHARLESTON. 

APPRENTICES'  LIBRARY.     (1855.)     7000  vols. 

"The  Society  was  incorporated  18th  December,  1824,  and  re-chartered 
in  December,  1840.  The  library  was  first  opened  June  1,  1824.  It 
now  contains  about  7000  volumes,  about  50  maps  and  charts,  and  six 
portraits  of  gentlemen  distinguished  in  the  Revolution ;  also  a  philoso 
phical  apparatus,  worth  about  8500,  and  a  pair  of  globes,  of  three  feet 
diameter.  The  average  annual  increase  is  about  500  volumes.  The 
average  annual  expenditure  for  books  is  about  8150.  A  brick  building, 
with  a  tin  roof,  was  erected  for  the  institution  in  1840,  at  a  cost  of 
814,500.  It  is  78  feet  long,  34  feet  wide,  and  two  stories  high.  The 


448  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

upper  story  is  occupied  solely  as  a  lecture-room.  The  lower  story  con 
tains  a  library,  37  feet  by  29,  and  two  reading-rooms,  each  28  feet  by 
12.  A  catalogue  (336  pages  small  8vo.)  was  printed  in  1840. 

"  The  library  is  open  every  clay  (except  Sundays),  from  4  o'clock  P.M. 
till  9  in  winter,  and  10  in  summer.  Books  are  lent  to  members  of  the 
Society,  their  families,  and  apprentices,  and  to  other  young  persons 
recommended  by  members  as  beneficiaries.  Each  member  pays  $1  for 
admission,  and  82  50  per  annum  in  advance." 

During  1854,  1403  volumes  were  lent.  6300  volumes  are  in  Eng 
lish,  449  in  French,  205  Latin,  55  Greek.  During  1854,  the  receipts 
were  8782  85 ;  expenditures,  846  for  periodicals,  8300  salaries,  8439  62* 
incidentals.  The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  8300. 

"  All  strangers  are  welcomed  to  the  use  of  the  books  at  the  library. 
Besides  these,  eight  or  ten  residents  resort  to  it  daily  as  a  reading-room. 
1  The  old  books,  and  those  not  often  consulted;  unless  bound  with  Rus 
sia  leather,  are  apt  to  be  injured  by  insects.  They  may  be  saved  by 
taking  them  out  every  week  or  two,  and  striking  the  backs  together, 
also  by  clippings  of  Russia  leather  scattered  about  on  the  shelves/  '; 

CHARLESTON  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     7000  vols. 

"In  the  year  1785,  three  colleges — one  at  Charleston,  another  at 
Winnsborough,  and  a  third  at  Cambridge — received  a  common  charter 
from  the  Legislature  of  South  Carolina,  In  1791,  a  separate  charter 
was  granted  to  the  College  of  Charleston.  This  institution  was  re-or 
ganized  on  the  20th  of  December,  1837,  at  which  time  an  act  of  the 
Legislature  was  passed  authorizing  the  transfer  of  all  the  College  pro 
perty  to  the  City  Council  of  Charleston.  The  City  Council  is  bound  to 
maintain  the  College. 

aln  the  year  1828,  a  considerable  donation  of  valuable  books  was 
made  by  the  citizens  of  Charleston. 

"  This  library  was,  for  many  years,  totally  neglected ;  there  being  no 
librarian,  and  it  consequently  fell  into  almost  complete  ruin.  Many 
volumes  were  lost,  many  defaced,  and  many  destroyed.  In  1S49,  there 
was  a  very  imperfect  catalogue  of  the  books  made  by  a  volunteer  hand; 
but,  since  that  time,  many  books  have  disappeared.  The  library  origi 
nated  in  the  gradual  accumulation  of  volumes  sent  to  the  College,  from 
time  to  time,  by  various  donors.  Among  these  books  were  many  valu 
able,  and  sonic  rare  works,  given  by  literary  and  learned  gentlemen.  The 


SOUTH    CAROLINA.  449 

existing  portion  of  the  old  library  is  a  mere  wreck  from  the  original  col 
lection. 

"  The  incredible  neglect  and  apathy  which  the  old  library  so  long  and 
so  ruinously  experienced,  was,  at  length,  happily  dissipated  by  the  mu 
nificent  gift  to  the  College  of  a  valuable  collection  of  books,  being  the 
private  library  of  Dr.  Lingard  A.  Frampton,  a  citizen  of  Charleston. 
Dr.  F.,  having  presented  his  library  to  the  College,  the  trustees,  with 
the  aid  of  a  grant  from  the  Legislature  of  the  State  (88000),  caused  a 
suitable  building  to  be  erected  as  the  library  in  the  campus  of  the  Col 
lege. 

"  Our  present  library  is  thus  a  very  recent  institution.  There  is,  at 
present,  no  fund  or  appropriation  for  the  increase  of  the  library. 

"  The  librarian  has  a  salary  of  six  hundred  dollars ;  no  assistants.  The 
books  are  arranged  in  alcoves,  devoted  to  one  or  more  particular  subjects. 
There  is,  on  either  side  of  the  library  room,  a  row  of  alcoves,  or  cases, 
against  the  wall,  and,  with  an  intervening  aisle,  a  corresponding  row  of. 
alcoves.  The  cases  against  the  wall  are  lettered  with  italic  capitals 
(A,  J3,  &c.),  from  A  to  S ;  and  the  alcoves  are  lettered  in  a  correspond 
ing  manner  with  Roman  capitals  (A,  B,  &c.).  Each  shelf  is  lettered 
with  the  letter  of  its  alcove  and  its  own  (A,  a,  A,  b;  B,  a,  B,  b,  &c.). 
The  alcoves,  which  are  separated  from  the  cases  against  the  wall  by  an 
aisle,  have  shelves  on  both  sides.  These  shelves  are  lettered  the  same 
on  either  side;  but  the  addition  of  s  or  n  to  the»book-label  indicates 
which  shelf  is  meant  (A,  a  (s),  A,  a  (n),  &c.).  Each  alcove  (or  where 
a  case  and  alcove  are  devoted  to  the  same  subject,  the  two  (or  more) 
combined),  will  have  special  catalogues  of  its  contents.  These  cata 
logues  will  be  indexed  j  so  that  not  only  the  place  of  each  book  will  be 
indicated,  but  also  the  particular  shelves  upon  which  particular  subjects 
are  placed ;  and  also,  in  a  single  alphabetical  view  will  be  found,  upon 
any  given  specific  subject,  all  the  works  in  the  library  upon  that  subject.1 

"  These  alcove  catalogues,  however,  I  contemplate  as  only  a  tempo 
rary  means  of  facilitating  the  use  of  the  library,  in  its  present  embryo 
condition.  When  the  number  of  volumes  increases  considerably,  there 
shall  be  special  catalogues  for  each  subject.  A  general  register  is  kept 
of  all  books,  in  which  they  are  entered  as  they  accrue,  with  description, 

1  This  index  is  added,  because  some  alcoves  contain  a  number  and  variety  of 
subjects. 

29 


450  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

whence  obtained,  &c.  The  numbering  of  the  volumes  corresponds  to 
this  register.  As  in  the  alcove  catalogues,  the  number  of  each  book  is 
also  given.  A  reference  to  the  register  is  easy,  in  order  to  obtain  any 
information  omitted  in  the  alcove  catalogue.  It  will  be  some  time 
before  a  general  catalogue,  to  be  printed,  can  be  prepared.  The  library 
contains  between  4000  and  5000  volumes,  in  the  chief  departments  of 
science,  learning,  and  literature." — J.  W.  Miles,  February  Sfh,  1857. 

MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  (COLLEGE  OF  CHARLESTON). 

11  It  is  but  little  more  than  two  years  since  the  establishment  of  this 
cabinet,  and  it  will  now  compare  favorably  with  the  oldest  and  best  insti 
tutions  of  the  kind  in  the  United  States.  More  than  300  persons  have, 
within  that  time,  presented  specimens  of  natural  history,  books,  coins, 
medals,  charts,  models,  &c. 

"The  museum  is  open  every  Saturday,  from  9  o'clock  A.M.  until 
sunset,  for  the  free  admission  of  the  citizens,  and  sometimes  visitors 
from  all  parts  of  the  country,  crowd  the  halls. 

"That  it  exerts  a  beneficial  influence  among  the  people,  especially  the 
young,  there  can  be  no  doubt.  The  discovery  of  a  single  fact  or  law  of 
nature,  simple  though  it  be,  yet  never  before  realized  by  the  individual, 
has  often  called  forth  expressions  of  surprise  and  gratification,  that  have 
been  heard  throughout  the  halls;  and  many  have  been  thus  led  to  exa 
mine  for  themselves,  and  study  the  philosophy  of  these  mysterious  crea 
tures  of  the  great  Creator,  and  to  realize  and  confess  that  a  knowledge 
of  them  is  indeed  good  for  man  to  possess,  and  will  aid  him  in  the  every 
day  transactions  of  life." — F.  S.  Holmes,  1854. 

CHARLESTON  LIBRARY  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     20,000  vols. 

Founded  in  1748.  On  the  15th  of  January,  1778,  it  was  nearly 
destroyed  by  fire;  only  185  volumes  of  5000  or  6000  being  saved.  Its 
average  annual  increase  has  been  180  volumes,  besides  pamphlets.  Ave 
rage  annual  expenditure,  about  $1000.  The  income  of  the  institution 
is  derived  from  an  annual  assessment  upon  the  members  of  $ 10  each ; 
from  rents  of  rooms  and  buildings  belonging  to  the  Society,  and  from 
admission  fees  of  new  members,  $25  each.  It  of  course  varies  with  the 
rise  or  fall  of  rent,  and  the  number  of  new  members  admitted.  It  was, 
in  1850,  about  $2500.  A  brick  building,  erected  and  long  occupied 


SOUTH    CAROLINA.  451 

by  the  Bank  of  South  Carolina,  was  purchased  about  the  year  1840  by 
the  Society,  and  the  upper  story,  consisting  of  one  room  40  feet  by  85, 
and  two  others,  each  20  feet  square,  was  fitted  up  at  an  expense  of  82000 
for  the  library.  The  rooms  on  the  first  story  are  rented  as  offices.  A 
three-story  brick  building  belonging  to  the  estate  is  rented  as  a  dwelling- 
house. 

Receipts  during  1854,  82200 ;  expenditures  for  books,  8450 ;  salary 
of  librarian,  81000;  incidentals,  8560.  11  magazines  and  4  newspapers 
are  taken. 

A  catalogue  of  the  books  belonging  to  the  Charleston  Library  Society, 
published  by  order  of  the  Society,  containing  375  pages  8vo.,  was  printed 
at  Charleston,  in  1826.  This  is  a  classed  catalogue,  with  an  alphabe 
tical  index  of  authors  and  the  titles  of  anonymous  works.  The  preface 
contains  a  minute  history  of  the  Society,  with  some  excellent  remarks 
on  the  arrangement  and  cataloguing  of  a  library.  Volume  II  of  the 
catalogue,  containing  books  purchased  since  1826,  in  144  pages  8vo., 
was  printed  at  Charleston,  in  1845.  This  volume  is  classified,  but  the 
classification  is  different  from  that  of  the  first  volume.  It  has  no  index. 

A  list  of  books  obtained  by  the  Charleston  Library  Society  since 
the  publication  of  the  second  volume  of  the  catalogue  of  books,  being 
the  first  supplement  to  the  same,  prepared  by  the  librarian,  and  printed 
by  order  of  the  Society,  was  published  in  1847,  at  Charleston.  It  is 
alphabetical,  and  contains  23  pages  8vo.  Several  catalogues  were  printed 
before  the  destruction  of  the  first  library :  in  1790,  in  1802,  in  1806, 
another  in  1811,  when  the  library  contained  7000  volumes.  Some  sup 
plementary  pages  were  printed  in  1816  and  1818.  The  last  catalogue 
was  printed  in  1854,  cost  870  for  300  copies. 

The  library  is  open  every  day,  Sundays  and  holidays  excepted,  from 
10  o'clock  A.M.  to  3  o'clock  P.M.  About  5000  volumes  are  lent  out 
annually  to  members  of  the  Society  or  to  their  orders.  The  book  com 
mittee  may  extend  the  privileges  of  the  library  occasionally  to  others. 

The  following  interesting  sketch  of  the  history  of  this  important  insti 
tution  is  taken  from  the  preface  to  the  catalogue  of  1826. 

"The  Charleston  Library  Society  owes  its  origin  to  seventeen  young 
men,  who,  in  the  year  1748,  associated  for  the  purpose  of  raising  a 
small  fund  to  '  collect  such  new  pamphlets'  and  magazines  as  should 
occasionally  be  published  in  Great  Britain.  They  advanced  and  remitted 
to  London  £10  sterling,  as  a  fund  to  purchase  such  pamphlets  as  had 
appeared  during  the  current  year,  acting  at  first  under  a  mere  verbal 


452  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

agreement  and  without  a  name.  Before  the  close  of  the  year,  their 
views  became  more  extensive;  and  on  the  28th  of  December,  rules  for 
the  organization  of  the  Society  were  ratified  and  signed,  when  they  as 
sumed -the  name  of  a  Library  Society,  and  made  arrangements  for  the 
acquisition  of  books  as  well  as  of  pamphlets. 

"  Officers  were  first  elected  on  the  1st  of  April,  1749,  and  a  few  mem 
bers  were  added  during  the  spring  and  summer  of  that  year.  But  as 
soon  as  the  benefits  of  such  an  association  were  distinctly  understood, 
the  Society  became  popular,  and  before  the  close  of  the  year  1750,  num 
bered  more  than  160  members. 

"  Efforts  were  made  at  an  early  period,  to  obtain  an  act  of  incorpora 
tion.  In  the  spring  of  1751,  through  the  influence  of  some  of  its  mem 
bers,  a  bill  for  incorporating  the  Society,  was  passed  through  both  houses 
of  Assembly,  but  was  defeated  by  the  Governor,  who  refused  his  assent 
and  signature.  In  the  spring  of  1752,  another  bill  was  passed  through 
the  Legislature,  which  shared  the  same  fate;  and  in  1753,  the  agent  of 
the  colony  in  London  was  requested  to  make  every  exertion  in  his  power 
to  obtain  from  the  Privy  Council  in  Great  Britain,  a  charter  for  the  So 
ciety,  or  instructions  to  the  Governor  to  ratify  the  act  which  both  houses 
of  the  Colonial  Assembly  had  passed.  Upon  an  application  to  the 
Board  of  Trade  by  the  agent,  and  some  gentlemen  who  interested  them 
selves  in  behalf  of  the  Society,  they  were  informed  that  the  measure 
was  not  considered  as  contrary  to  his  Majesty's  instructions,  but  that  it 
was  unprecedented  to  ratify  in  England,  a  bill  to  which  the  Governor 
of  the  Province  had  refused  his  assent. 

"  It  is  difficult  now  to  ascertain  the  causes  which  created  these  ob 
structions  to  the  incorporation  of  a  literary  society.  But  the  effect  was 
injurious,  and  had  nearly  produced  a  dissolution  of  the  Association.  The 
members  finally  resolved  to  place  their  funds  at  interest,  and  make  no 
further  purchases  until  a  charter  could  be  obtained.  A  third  bill,  how 
ever,  was  passed  in  1754,  to  which  Governor  Glen  finally  gave  his 
assent;  and,  on  the  24th  of  June,  1755,  it  was  confirmed  by  the  Crown. 
From  this  time,  the  progress  of  the  Society  was  rapid  and  satisfactory. 
The  members  continued  to  invest  a  portion  of  their  income  in  bonds, 
and  soon  began  to  embrace,  in  their  views,  the  establishment  of  an  insti 
tution  for  education  in  connection  with  their  library.  Such  was  the 
increase  of  their  funds,  that,  in  January,  1775,  the  amount  in  bonds 
was  £18,000,  and  between  two  and  three  thousand  pounds  were  added 
to  this  sum  between  this  period  and  the  1st  of  January,  1778. 


SOUTH    CAROLINA.  453 

"The  library  of  the  Society,  at  the  same  time,  was  receiving  regular 
additions  from  annual  purchases  and  the  donations  of  individuals,  which 
were  then  frequent.  Great  attention  appears,  from  the  minutes  of  the 
Society,  to  have  been  paid,  at  this  period,  to  classical  literature,  and 
many  discussions  took  place  as  to  the  portion  of  the  funds  which  should 
be  annually  applied  to  this  department  of  literature.  The  collection  of 
classical  authors,  and  of  commentators  on  the  classics,  was  not  only  re 
spectable  from  its  number,  but  valuable  for  the  selection;  for  some 
excellent  scholars  then  superintended  this  portion  of  its  labors. 

"  It  was,  in  ail  probability,  this  steady  adherence  of  the  Society  to 
the  future  establishment  of  an  academy  or  college  (for  the  professors 
indicated  in  the  report  of  the  committee  were  adapted  to  a  collegiate 
course  of  studies),  and  the  complexion  of  the  library,  that  induced  Mr. 
John  McKenzie,  a  lawyer  of  eminence  in  Charleston,  who  died  in  the 
summer  of  1771,  to  bequeath  a  valuable  library  to  the  Society  for  the 
use  of  a  college,  when  erected  in  this  province.  These  books  were 
received,  distinctly  marked,  and  always  kept  apart  from  the  books  of 
the  Society. 

"The  commencement  of  our  Revolutionary  struggle  suspended  all 
schemes  of  improvement.  It  soon  became  difficult  for  >hc  Society  to 
collect  its  funds — it  became  more  difficult  to  invest  them  •  a  large  sum 
was  placed  in  the  treasury  of  the  State,  and  the  certificates  of  this  debt 
were  for  a  long  time  unproductive  memorandums. 

"But  a  heavier  calamity  awaited  the  Society.  The  fire  of  the  15th 
January,  1778,  which  destroyed  nearly  one-half  of  Charleston,  broke  out 
a  little  after  midnight  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  library.  From 
the  hour,  the  violence  of  a  north  wind  which  unfortunately  blew,  and 
the  combustible  materials  with  which  our  houses  were  usually  built,  the 
neighborhood  was  enveloped  in  flames  before  any  effectual  assistance 
could  be*rendered.  The  library,  which  then  contained,  according  to  the 
statement  of  Dr.  Ramsay,  who  was  a  member  at  the  time,  between  five 
and  six  thousand  volumes,  almost  totally  perished.  A  melancholy  record 
on  the  journals  state  that  only  185  volumes  were  saved,  and  many  of 
these  were  volumes  of  mutilated  sets.  McKenzie's  library,  from  some 
circumstance,  probably  accidental,  fared  better  than  that  of  the  Society  : 
about  two-thirds  of  the  books  were  saved,  though  many  of  the  sets  were 
broken.  This  loss  could  not,  at  that  time,  be  repaired.  The  war  closed 
our  communication  with  England,  and  the  British  maritime  force  inter 
cepted  our  intercourse  with  Europe.  A  few  books  were  procured  in  the 


454  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

city,  but  Charleston  itself  fell  into  the  possession  of  the  British  in  the 
spring  of  1780. 

"  From  a  report,  made  to  the  Society  in  October,  178G,  it  appears 
that  Fr.  J.  Fariau,  who  had  been  elected  librarian  in  January,  1780, 
remained  in  Charleston  during  the  time  that  the  city  was  occupied  by 
the  British  troops ;  that  he  took  charge  of  the  library,  removing  it  with 
him  from  place  to  place  as  circumstances  compelled  him  to  change  his 
habitation,  and  that  it  was  owing  to  his  assiduous  care  that  the  remnants 
of  these  libraries  were  saved  from  entire  destruction. 

"  Immediately  after  the  peace,  the  Society  was  reorganized,  officers 
were  appointed,  and  its  meetings  regularly  resumed.  But  its  funds 
were  in  a  ruinous  condition.  Its  members  had  been  widely  scattered  by 
the  accidents  of  war.  Some  had  perished,  many  left  the  country,  and 
those  that  remained  could  render  but  little  effectual  aid  to  its  treasury. 
The  country  had  been  rendered  desolate.  The  fortunes  of  individuals 
were  prostrated;  and,  where  the  bonds  remaining  to  the  Society  were 
eventually  good,  it  was  difficult  to  collect  either  the  principal  or  the 
interest.  For  several  years,  although  some  few  purchases  of  books  were 
made,  the  Society  seemed  to  exist  rather  as  a  social  club  than  as  a  lite 
rary  Association. 

"If  a  catalogue,  entered  on  the  books  on  the  3d  November,  1790,  is 
faithful,  and  there  seems  no  reason  to  doubt  its  correctness,  the  library 
of  the  Society  then  contained  only  342  volumes,  and  McKenzie's  books 
were  reduced  to  403  volumes.  The  librarian's  minutes  corroborate  this 
statement,  for  they  show  that,  in  1790  and  '91,  it  was  uncommon  for 
more  than  three  persons  to  take  out  books  in  the  course  of  a  month,  and 
in  some  months  none  were  borrowed. 

"  At  length,  in  1790,  some  debts  due  the  Society  were  put  in  a  train 
for  payment ;  and  the  indents  which  had  been  received  for  the  money 
deposited  at  the  commencement  of  the  war  in  the  treasury  of  the  State, 
amounting  to  about  §11,000,  which,  though  frequently  urged,  it  had 
wisely  declined  to  sell,  were  funded  and  rendered  valuable.  It  was 
then  ordered  that  this  stock  should  be  sold ;  that  $6400  should  be  sub 
scribed  to  the  Bank  of  the  United  States,  and  that  the  remainder,  with 
whatever  sum  should  be  received  from  their  bonds  or  notes,  should  be 
applied  to  the  purchase  of  books.  The  resolutions  for  the  establishment 
of  an  academy  were  at  this  time  finally  repealed.  The  books  which  were 
imported  in  consequence  of  these  orders,  and  which,  from  many  circum 
stances,  were  delayed  until  the  close  of  the  year  1792,  maybe  considered 


SOUTH    CAROLINA.  455 

as  the  foundation  of  our  present  collection.  From  this  time,  the  increase 
of  the  library  has  been  regular,  though  moderate ;  and  the  early  misfor 
tunes  of  the  Society  will  account  for  its  deficiency  in  ancient  literature, 
and  even  in  the  political  writings  which  preceded  our  Revolutionary 
contest.  In  1808,  the  books  in  the  library  amounted  to  4500  volumes; 
by  the  catalogue  of  1811,  to  7000;  in  1850,  12,000. 

"  If  this  library  should  be  found  small,  it  must  be  remembered  that 
it  has  been  formed  within  a  few  years,  from  the  very  moderate  contri 
bution  of  its  members.  It  has  no  patron  to  boast  of — no  act  of  public 
munificence  to  record.  If  we  except  a  few  donations  of  single  volumes  or 
sets  of  books,1  and  one  legacy  from  Benjamin  Smith,  in  1770,  of  about 
$600  (£1000  currency),  we  find  no  memorial  of  other  assistance. 

"  Previous  to  1765,  the  library  was  kept  at  the  houses  of  the  respec 
tive  librarians. 

"  Gabriel  Manigault,  Esq.,  who  had  been  president  or  vice-president 
of  the  Society  for  many  years,  then  presented  the  Society  with  a  lease 
for  21  years,  of  a  convenient  building,  in  or  near  Kinloch  Court,  and 
prepared  it  for  the  library  at  his  own  expense ;  and  the  library  was 
removed  there  in  the  beginning  of  1765,  and  continued  until  the  fire 
of  1778.  Mr.  Carwithen  died  in  the  summer  of  1770,  and  William 
Ilort  was  appointed  librarian;  he  resigned  in  a  few  months;  and  Tho 
mas  Powell  was  elected  on  the  4th  of  February,  1771;  after  holding 
the  office  14  months  he  resigned,  and  Samuel  Price  succeeded  in 
April,  1772;  he  continued  in  office  until  the  end  of  1778,  and  Francis 
J.  Fariau  was  elected  in  1779,  and  again  in  1780,  and  continued  libra 
rian  until  the  summer  of  1783.  After  the  fire  of  1778,  temporary 
accommodations  were  procured  for  the  library.  In  January,  1780, 
William  II.  Gibbes,  Esq.,  offered  a  part  of  his  office;  the  remnants  of 
the  library,  however,  appear  to  have  been  cased  up  after  this  time,  for, 
in  April,  1783,  a  committee  was  appointed  'to  inquire  for  a  proper 

1  It  deserves  to  be  noticed  that  the  individual  to  whom  this  Society  has  been 
most  frequently  and  perhaps  most  extensively  indebted,  is  an  inhabitant  of  Paris. 
Passing  some  time  in  Carolina  with  his  father,  many  years  ago,  they  received  from 
some  of  its  inhabitants  those  hospitable  attentions  which  the  citizens  of  this  coun 
try  take  so  much  pleasure  in  paying  to  strangers,  and  the  courtesy  has  never  been 
forgotten.  Scarcely  a  year,  for  some  time  past,  has  elapsed,  without  our  receiving 
from  him  some  volume  or  work,  as  a  testimonial  of  his  remembrance.  I  allude 
to  Andre  Michaux,  the  younger,  the  author  of  the  splendid  work  on  the  "Forest 
Trees  of  North  America." 


456  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

room,  that  the  books  may  be  opened/  Mr.  Daniel  Cannon  loaned  the 
Society  a  room  in  Queen  Street,  for  a  short  time;  but  when  Mr.  John 
McCall  was  elected  librarian,  on  the  1st  of  July,  1783,  he  removed  the 
books  to  his  office.  In  April,  1784,  the  intendant  and  wardens  of  the 
city  offered  the  Society  a  room  in  the  Exchange,  whither  the  books  were 
removed.  In  October,  1787,  the  Council  required  their  room,  and  the 
library  was  placed  at  the  corner  of  Broad  Street  and  the  Bay.  In  Janu 
ary,  1788,  it  was  removed  to  the  corner  of  Tradd  Street  and  the  Bay. 
In  January,  1791,  it  was  again  removed  to  the  corner  of  Broad  and 
Church  Streets,  and  in  November,  1792,  finally  placed  in  the  room  it 
now  occupies  in  the  upper  story  of  the  court-house. 

"  When  the  court-house  was  rebuilt  by  subscription,  after  having  been 
burnt,  in  1788,  the  members  of  the  Library  Society  subscribed  very 
liberally,  and  promoted  the  subscription  with  their  influence,  with  an 
understanding  that  their  books  would  be  permitted  to  occupy  some  por 
tion  of  the  building;  and  in  this  arrangement  there  has  been  hitherto 
a  liberal  acquiescence/' 

MEDICAL  SOCIETY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  SOUTH  CAROLINA. 
(1850.)     2450  vols. 

"The  library  of  the  Medical  Society  of  South  Carolina,  which  is 
deposited  in  the  College  building,  consists  of  an  extensive  and  valuable 
collection  of  medical  books.  It  embraces  most  of  the  modern  works 
that  are  of  value,  and  in  it  are  to  be  found  the  more  recent  periodical 
publications.  A  considerable  addition  has  recently  been  made  to  the 
same  by  a  subscription  for  that  purpose.  To  the  library,  the  student 
has  access  without  any  additional  charge;  an  order  from  one  of  the 
members  of  the  Faculty  being  the  only  condition  required." 

About  $120  are  yearly  expended  for-books.  The  library  occupies  a 
room,  say  22  by  18  feet,  in  the  Medical  College.  A  catalogue  was 
printed  in  1834;  and  another,  containing  40  pages  8vo.,  in  1842. 
The  library  is  open  four  times  a  week  for  two  hours,  and  is  freely  acces 
sible  to  members  of  the  Medical  Society,  and  all  others  to  whom  they 
may  grant  permits.  About  350  volumes  are  annually  lent  out;  and 
about  250  persons  each  year  consult  the  library  without  taking  away 
books. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.    (1857.)     440  vols. 
"The  expenses  of  the  Society  are  from  $700  to  $800  annually,  whilst 


SOUTH    CAROLINA.  457 

the  receipts  only  equal  8300  for  the  same  period.  To  voluntary  sub 
scriptions  we  look  for  the  deficiency.  Hon.  William  Aiken,  ex-Gover 
nor  of  our  State,  donated  as  a  nucleus  for  a  permanent  fund,  8500. 
But  the  principal  source  of  our  receipts,  recently,  has  been  the  '  Floral 
Fair/  to  which  the  ladies  of  the  different  denominations  in  our  city  have 
generously  contributed  their  time,  talents,  and  services  generally.  The 
community  are,  at  last,  beginning  to  experience  and  to  manifest  no  little 
interest  in  our  Association.  The  concourse  which  literally  overflowed 
the  capacious  hall  of  the  Fair  was  very  encouraging,  not  to  say  flatter 
ing.  The  receipts  from  this  source  alone  was  over  87000.  The  Asso 
ciation,  not  owing  more  than  8400,  and  having  8600  invested  as  a 
permanent  fund,  may  now  be  considered  as  permanently  established. 

" The  ladies  have  formed  a  branch  association,  called  the  'Ladies' 
Auxiliary  Christian  Association/  the  first  in  this  country,  and  already 
numbers  upwards  of  50  members.  Annual  subscription  81.  The 
object  is  to  assist  the  young  men  in  their  benevolent  enterprises.  The 
project  is  not  a  week  old,  and  there  is  no  little  evidence  of  earnest 
ness  and  zeal." — Quarterly  Reporter,  July,  1857. 


CHERAW, 

CHERAW  LITERARY  SOCIETY.     (1857.)     800  vols. 

Founded  in  184 S.  The  fee  for  membership  is  85  per  annum.  Ke- 
ceipts,  1855,  8130.  Expenditures  for  books,  8105.  Incidentals,  825. 
The  library  is  open  two  hours  one  day  every  week.  During  1855,  500 
volumes  were  lent  to  30  persons.  All  the  books  are  in  English.  About 
100  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During  the  last  five  years,  8500  were 
expended  for  books.  Annual  cost  of  support,  8130.  The  Society  is 
in  a  flourishing;  condition. 


COLUMBIA, 

LEGISLATIVE  LIBRARY  OF  SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

(1857.)     12,000  vols. 
• 

Established,  by  act  of  Legislature,  16th  December,  1814.     Average 

annual  amount  expended  for  books  since  1851,  about  8500.     Average 
annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  200.     It  is  not  a  circu- 


458  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

lating  library,  but  intended  for  and  restricted  to  the  use  of  members  of 
the  Legislature,  State  officers,  &c. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     25,000  vols. 

"  This  library  was  established  at  the  opening  of  the  College,,  in  1805. 
In  1802,  a  resolution  was  passed  in  the  Legislature  appropriating  the 
amount  of  $6000,  annually  allowed  the  professors,  to  be  applied  for  the 
purchase  of  a  library  and  philosophical  instruments,  until  the  professors 
should  enter  upon  their  duties.  How  much  of  the  $18,000  thus  accu 
mulated  was  applied  to  the  purchase  of  books  for  the  library,  it  is  im 
possible  at  this  time  to  ascertain.  The  records  of  the  trustees  merely 
mention  that  a  librarian  was  elected  with  a  salary  of  $100;  but  it  is 
probable  that  the  library,  though  small,  was  judiciously  selected,  as 
Chancellor  Johnson  had  charge  of  the  fund. 

"In  1813,  a  resolution  was  passed  by  the  trustees,  ordering  the  sur 
plus  of  the  tuition  money,  estimated  at  $520  per  annum,  to  be  applied 
for  the  increase  of  the  library.  From  this  time  until  1836,  the  expendi 
tures  amounted  to  $5757.  But  the  early  records  of  the  College  are  very 
deficient  with  regard  to  accounts ;  and  as  the  library,  when  Dr.  Cooper 
was  President  of  the  College,  sustained  a  high  reputation  at  the  South, 
it  is  probable  that  a  larger  amount  than  is  here  stated  was  expended 
upon  it. 

"When  the  Hon.  R.  W.  Barnwell  was  elected  President  of  the  Col 
lege,  he  bestowed  great  attention  upon  the  library.  It  is  to  his  exer 
tions,  principally,  that  we  are  indebted  for  the  library  hall.  The  Legis 
lature,  when  he  entered  upon  his  duties,  appropriated  $10,000  for  the 
increase  of  the  library,  and,  in  1838,  passed  a  resolution  to  appropriate 
$2000  annually  to  it.  During  Mr.  Barnwell's  term,  these  handsome 
supplies  were  expended  by  the  Rev.  Stephen  Elliott,  then  a  professor  in 
the  College,  and  now  Bishop  of  Georgia,  a  man  as  distinguished  for  his 
taste  as  he  is  for  his  learning  and  piety.  The  books  he  purchased  are 
perhaps  the  most  elegant  assortment  ever  brought  to  the  United  States. 

"  The  llcv.  Dr.  Henry  was  elected  President  of  the  College  in  1841, 
and  made  many  valuable  additions  to  the  library,  among  which  were 
many  works  of  the  Fathers  of  the  Church.  During  his  and  Mr.  Barn- 
well's  term,  there  was  a  surplus  from  the  tuition  fund,  amounting,  upon 
an  average,  to  $2000  per  annum,  which  was  added  to  the  annual  appro 
priation  of  the  Legislature. 


SOUTH    CAROLINA.  459 

"Under  the  Hon.  William  C.  Preston,  and  the  present  President,  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Thornwell,  valuable  additions  have  been  made  from  the  annual 
appropriations  of  the  Legislature,  the  surplus  of  the  tuition  fund  being 
devoted  to  other  purposes. 

"From  1836  to  1853,  §43,000  have  been  appropriated  by  the  Legis 
lature  for  the  increase  of  the  library.  In  addition,  $19,374  have  been 
expended  from  the  tuition  fund;  making  the  sum  of  862,374  expended 
for  books  since  1836.  Independent  of  this,  some  handsome  donations 
have  been  made.  The  Legislature  presented  Audubon's  Birds  of  Ame 
rica,  which  cost  $925.  lion.  J.  II.  Adams  presented  Audubon's  and 
Bachman's  Quadrupeds,  which  cost  8350.  Other  gentlemen  have  made 
presents  of  less  value. 

"  The  number  of  books  now,  which  is  constantly  being  increased  by 
the  annual  appropriation  of  the  Legislature,  is  above  20,000  volumes. 
The  library,  though  small,  is  well  selected  ;  and,  as  the  great  majority 
of  the  books  are  of  the  best  editions,  in  durable  and  elegant  English  and 
French  binding,  they  present  a  very  handsome  appearance. 

"  Among  some  of  the  valuable  works  of  the  Library,  it  may,  perhaps, 
be  well  to  mention  the  following,  viz.  :  Boydell's  Shakspeare  and  Illus 
trations,  10  volumes,  folio  ;  Lord  Kingsborough's  Mexican  Antiquities, 
7  volumes,  4to. ;  Dugdale's  Monasticon  Anglicanum,  6  volumes,  folio ; 
Piranesi  Opere,  27  volumes,  folio  5  Antichita  di  Ercolano,  9  volumes, 
folio ;  Inghirami  Monument!  Etruschi,  10  volumes,  4to. ;  Grsevius, 
Gronovius,  £c.,  Thesaurus  Antiquitatum,  32  volumes,  folio;  Stephanus, 
Thesaurus,  Linguae  Graccse,  6  volumes,  folio;  Archaelogia,  30  volumes, 
4to. ;  Albert!  Magni  Opera,  21  volumes,  folio;  Transactions  of  the  Lin- 
nocan  Society,  20  volumes,  4to. ;  Histoire  Naturelle,  163  volumes,  Svo. ; 
Goldfoss  Petrefactens  Deutschlands,  2  volumes,  folio;  Byzantine  Histo 
rians,  38  volumes,  folio;  Muratoria  Opera,  63  volumes,  cost  $600;  a 
beautiful  copy  of  Chrysostomi  Opera,  13  volumes,  4to.,  cost  $300;  Bona 
parte  Iconografia  della  Fauna  Italica,  3  volumes,  folio,  cost  $100 ;  Olevier 
Entomologie,  8  volumes,  4to.,  cost  $200;  Reeve's  Conchologia,  6  vo 
lumes,  cost  $200;  Maximilian's  Travels  through  America,  1  volume, 
folio,  cost  $150 ;  De  Bry  Admiranda  Narratio  de  Commodis  Virginia), 
cost  $54;  Purchases  Pilgrimes,  5  volumes,  folio;  Collection  of  Ameri 
can  Pamphlets,  by  S.  D.  Longtree,  90  volumes,  8vo. ;  4  small  folio 
volumes  of  the  Aldine  edition  of  Thernistius;  and  Simplicius's  and 
Alexander  of  Aphrodisia's  Commentary  on  some  books  of  Aristotle,  cost 
$190. 


460  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

"  The  first  copy  of  Rosselleni's  great  work  on  the  Antiquities  of  Egypt 
brought  to  the  United  States  was  imported  for  the  College  library.  The 
library  is  rich  in  books  on  Egypt.  Besides  this,  there  are,  Champol- 
lion  Monuments  de  L'Egypt,  4  volumes,  folio;  Description  de  L' Egypt, 
22  volumes,  folio;  Yyse  &  Perring  on  Pyramids  of  Egypt,  4  volumes; 
Panorama  of  the  Nile,  1  volume,  folio,  &c.  &c. 

"The  oldest  printed  work  in  the  library  is  Bartholomew's  De  Proprie- 
tatibus  Rerum,  1  volume,  folio,  printed  at  Nuremberg  in  1483. 

"  During  term  time,  the  library  is  open  every  secular  day,  from  9 
o'clock  A.M.  to  1  o'clock  P.M.  During  vacation,  it  is  open  every  Wed 
nesday,  from  9  o'clock  A.M.  to  12  M.  The  trustees,  professors,  and 
students  of  the  College,  and  all  persons  who  have  made  donations  to  the 
library  to  the  amount  of  §100,  are  entitled  to  its  use.  The  Library 
Committee  has  the  power  of  extending  the  privilege  of  the  library  to  any 
person.  The  librarian  has  the  discretion  of  allowing  any  one  to  use  the 
books  for  consultation  or  reading  during  the  prescribed  hours." — Nor 
ton1  s  Gazette. 

"A  brick  building  was  erected  in  1838,  for  the  use  of  the  library,  at 
a  cost  of  $22,000.  There  are  two  rooms  on  the  sides  of  the  passage  in 
the  lower  story.  The  library  room  is  100  feet  by  40,  and  is  modelled 
after  the  Congress  library.  An  architect  was  sent  to  Washington  to 
copy  the  plan.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1836,  of  112  pages  8vo., 
prepared  by  Edward  W.  Johnson.  Another,  151  pages  Svo.,  was  pub 
lished  in  1849." 

Receipts,  during  1854,  §2010  75.  Expenditures  for  books,  $1019  99. 
Binding,  850  22.  The  salary  of  the  librarian  is  §1500.  During  1855, 
2838  volumes  were  lent  to  190  persons.  The  books  are  arranged  in 
three  great  classes, — of  Memory,  of  Judgment,  and  of  Imagination  ;  or 
History,  Philosophy,  and  Poetry. 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  SOUTH 
CAROLINA  AND  GEORGIA.     (1857.)     1G.GOO  vols. 

This  institution  was  established  by  the  Presbyterians,  in  1828,  went 
into  operation  in  1831,  was  incorporated  in  1832.  The  library  was  com 
menced  in  1830.  Most  of  the  books  have  been  presented  by  indivi 
duals;  yet,  for  the  whole  time  since  the  library  was  commenced,  the 
average  annual  expenditure  for  books  has  been  §243.  The  library  is 
temporarily  placed  in  a  lofty  room,  25  feet  by  20,  in  one  of  the  build- 


SOUTH    CAROLINA.  461 

ings  of  the  Seminary,  and  is  open  four  or  five  times  a  week,  one  hour 
each  time.  There  is  no  printed  catalogue.  The  officers  and  students 
of  the  Seminary,  and,  by  courtesy,  clergymen  of  the  town,  are  allowed 
the  use  of  the  books.  About  1300  volumes  a  year  are  lent  out.  In 
answer  to  the  question,  "  Have  the  books  been  injured  at  any  time  by 
insects?"  the  librarian  writes  :  "Much  injured  by  a  small  shiny  moth, 
which  eats  off  the  pasted  titles  of  cloth-bound  books,  and  sometimes  by 
a  blackish  worm  of  the  'caterpillar  kind,  the  product  of  a  brown  miller 
or  moth,  which  eats  leather  binding.  It  is  also  found  that,  in  this  cli 
mate,  except  in  the  driest  situations,  and  occasionally  even  in  these, 
leather-bound  books  suffer  much  from  mould — English  leather-bound 
books  less  than  American,  and  French  perhaps  less  than  English.  One 
gentleman  amongst  us  has  suffered  so  much  from  this  cause,  that  he 
will  only  have  books  bound  in  cloth  ;  and  these,  if  the  letters  are 
stamped  on  the  back,  without  being  on  a  title  which  is  pasted,  are 
injured  less  by  mould  and  insects  than  any  other." 

The  SOCIETY  OF  INQUIRY,  composed  of  students  of  the  Seminary, 
possesses  about  200  volumes.  It  maintains  also  a  reading-room,  in 
which  the  principal  newspapers  and  reviews  of  this  country  arc  taken, 
as  well  as  the  reviews  of  Great  Britain,  and  one  or  two  German  publi 
cations.  This  room  is  accessible  at  all  hours.  There  is  also,  under  the 
control  of  this  Society,  a  museum,  containing  articles  illustrative  of  the 
natural  history  and  superstitious  usages  of  heathen  nations. 

The  extensive  and  choice  library  of  the  Hev.  Dr.  Smyth,  of  Charles 
ton,  has  been  added  to  the  former  library  of  the  Seminary,  during  the 
year  1856,  and  the  whole  collection  now  embraces  over  16,600  volumes, 
besides  the  private  libraries  of  the  professors,  containing  12,000  volumes 
more.  The  use  of  the  College  library  is  also  extended,  by  courtesy,  to 
the  instructors  of  the  Seminary,  a  collection  of  great  value,  and  now 
amounting  to  25,000  volumes. 


GREENWOOD. 

HODGES  INSTITUTE.     (1855.)     G15  vols. 

Founded  in  1848.  Students  only  have  the  use  of  the  library  by 
paying  §1  per  annum.  580  volumes  are  in  English,  5  French,  4  Ger 
man,  10  Latin,  15  Greek,  2  Chinese.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1855, 


462  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

12mo.,  cost  820  for  500  copies.    There  are  60  pamphlets,  8  manuscripts, 
and  55  maps,  in  the  library. 


LEXINGTON. 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  OF  THE  EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN 
CHURCH.     (1857.)     1800  vols. 

Founded  in  1833.  The  library  is  kept,  at  present,  in  the  house 
where  the  lectures  are  given,  and  occupies  a  room  25  feet  long,  and  10 
feet  wide.  It  is  hoped  that  better  accommodations  will  soon  be  obtained. 
There  is  a  written  catalogue,  somewhat  in  arrears.  The  library  is  open 
for  taking  out  and  returning  books  every  Wednesday  from  8  to  12 
o'clock.  The  library  is  intended  for  the  use  of  the  students  of  the 
Seminary  and  the  ministers  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  Others  may  be 
admitted  to  its  privileges  on  application  to  the  Professor  of  Theology, 
who  has  the  superintendence  of  the  library. 

N.B.  In  1857,  it  was  decided  to  remove  this  institution  to  Xewbcrry, 
South  Carolina,  and  to  give  it  the  title  of  NEWBERRY  COLLEGE  AND 
THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY. 


SPARTANBUKG. 

WOFFORD  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     1000  vols. 

Incorporated  November,  1853,  and  organized  August,  1854.  Ave 
rage  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the  library,  250. 

"  "Wofford  College  has  90  students;  an  endowment  of  865,000  funded, 
and  fair  prospects  of  usefulness." 


TENNESSEE.  463 


TENNESSEE. 

CLAEKSVILLE, 

STEWART  COLLEGE. 

This  institution  was  founded  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Masons,  and  was 
called  Montgomery  Masonic  College,  in  1848 ;  but  finding  it  impossible 
to  sustain  it  satisfactorily,  it  was  transferred  to  the  Nashville  Presbytery. 
In  consequence  of  the  munificent  donations,  the  long-continued  and  dis 
interested  services,  the  ardent  and  untiring  devotion  to  science,  and  the 
high  Christian  and  moral  character  of  William  M.  Stewart,  the  president 
of  the  institution,  his  name  was  given  to  the  College. 

"The  College  building  is  located  in  a  beautiful  grove  of  native  forest 
trees,  on  a  gently  elevated,  but  commanding  position,  well  calculated  to 
attract  the  eye,  and  improve  the  taste,  and  so  remote  from  the  business 
part  of  the  town,  as  to  be  well  adapted  to  quietude  and  study.  The 
edifice  is  one  of  the  most  stately,  elegant,  capacious,  and  imposing  in 
our  country,  built  in  the  Elizabethan  style  of  architecture,  a  fine  model 
of  a  castellated  building.  It  has  been  completed  at  an  expense  of 
$32,000.  The  rooms  are  large,  lofty,  well  ventilated,  and  well  fur 
nished.  The  chemical  and  philosophical  apparatus  are  new,  complete, 
and  of  the  most  recent  and  improved  character.  The  extensive  and 
elegant  mineralogical  and  geological  cabinet  of  the  late  Professor 
Vanuxem,  of  Philadelphia,  has  been  added  to  the  previous  collection, 
also  a  complete  laboratory,  &c. 

aln  1857,  the  president  and  trustees  offered  to  pay  four-fifths  of 
85000,  to  secure  a  library  for  the  College,  and  the  Synod  of  Nashville 
resolved  to  raise  the  other  fifth/' 


COLUMBIA, 

FEMALE  INSTITUTE.     (1850.)     3500  vols. 

Established    February,    1839.      Contains    3500    volumes,    and    a 
rich  collection  of  engravings.     About  350  volumes  per  year  are  added 


464  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

to  the  library.  About  8150  are  annually  expended  for  the  purchase  of 
books.  There  is  a  manuscript  catalogue.  The  library  is  open  one 
hour  each  day.  Members  of  the  Institute  pay  $1  per  annum  for  the 
use  of  the  books.  Books  are  not  taken  from  the  Institute  except  by 
day  pupils. 

JACKSON  COLLEGE.     (1854.)     3500  vols. 

The  College  library  was  begun  in  1834.  About  400  volumes  have 
been  added  during  the  last  ten  years.  There  is  a  manuscript  catalogue. 
The  library  is  open  once  a  week  for  an  hour.  Students  pay  50  cents 
per  session  for  the  use  of  the  books.  The  students'  libraries,  in  1850, 
contained  500  volumes. 

FRANKLIN  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     10,000  vols. 

Founded  in  1845.  The  library  has  increased,  since  1851,  at  the 
rate  of  200  volumes  a  year.  The  faculty  and  students  have  the  gratui 
tous  use  of  the  library. 

EUPHRONIAN  SOCIETY  (FRANKLIN  COLLEGE).   (1857.)    500  vols. 

Annual  cost  of  support,  $50.  During  the  last  five  years,  8250  were 
expended  for  books. 

APOLLONIAN  SOCIETY  (FRANKLIN  COLLEGE).    (1857.)    570  vols. 

Founded  in  1845.  "  The  library  is  free  to  all  persons,  and  open  every 
day,  and  at  all  hours.  560  volumes  are  in  English,  4  French,  9  Latin, 
6  Greek.  About  25  volumes  are  added  yearly.  Annual  cost  of  sup 
port,  $50." 


GERMANTOWST. 

SHELBY  MALE  HIGH  SCHOOL.     (185G.)     1200  vols. 

This  School  was  established  in  1854;  and  is  well  provided  with  in 
structors,  apparatus,  and  facilities  for  instruction.  The  EROMATIIEAN 
SOCIETY  OF  STUDENTS  has  a  select  library  of  1200  volumes. 


TENNESSEE.  4G5 

GREENEVILLE, 

GREENE VILLE  COLLEGE.     (1856.)     3300  vols. 

Founded  in  1800.  This  is  the  oldest  institution  in  the  State.  Its 
charter  was  the  first  act  of  the  first  General  Assembly  of  the  Southwest 
Territory.  Its  former  location  was  three  miles  south  of  Green eville. 
In  1838,  it  was  moved  to  that  place,  and  new  buildings  erected.  It 
remained  inactive  for  a  number  of  years.  In  1854,  W.  B.  Rankin  was 
elected  president,  and  the  College  was  reopened  in  September  of  that 
year.  The  library  contains  many  rare  and  valuable  works.  It  is 
open  one  hour  every  day,  except  Saturday  and  Sunday.  The  books  are 
arranged  by  subjects.  There  are  571  Latin,  215  Greek,  36  French,  32 
Hebrew,  8  German,  6  Spanish,  and  2430  English  volumes  in  the  library. 


HIAWASSEE  COLLEGE.     (1856.)     1100  vols. 

This  College  is  situated  two  and  a  half  miles  north  of  Madisonville. 
It  has  two  literary  societies — the  EROMATHESIAN  and  EROALETIIEAN — 
which  have  valuable  libraries,  containing  over  1100  select  volumes. 
Tuition  in  this  College  is  $10  per  session  of  five  months. 


JACKSON, 

WEST  TENNESSEE  COLLEGE. 

Incorporated  in  1843.  Reorganized  in  1849.  "The  College  pos 
sesses  a  valuable  set  of  philosophical  and  chemical  apparatus,  and  a 
library  sufficient  for  the  wants  of  the  College.  Additions  to  both  will 
be  made  from  time  to  time.  The  two  literary  societies  connected  with 
the  College  also  possess  libraries. 

"  The  institution  is  permanently  established,  as  there  is  an  endow 
ment  of  $40,000,  vested  in  State  bonds,  in  addition  to  a  considerable 
revenue  from  other  sources.  The  College  edifice  is  beautifully  situated,, 
and  admirably  adapted  to  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  erected/' 

30 


466  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

KNOXVILLE. 

EAST  TENNESSEE  UNIVERSITY.     (1854.)     3000  vols. 

"  The  University  was  founded  in  1807.  Its  fund  originated  in  grants 
of  land  made,  at  first,  by  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  and  subsequently 
(1806)  reserved  and  confirmed  by  the  act  of  Congress  admitting  the 
State  of  Tennessee  into  the  Union;  North  Carolina  having  ceded  to 
Congress  all  its  lands  in  this  territory. 

"  The  philosophical  and  chemical  apparatus  is  quite  complete,  and  the 
institution  possesses  facilities  for  illustrating  the  natural  sciences  equal 
to  any  in  the  South.  There  is  also  a  large  and  valuable  mineralogical 
and  geological  cabinet. 

•'The  College  library  was  founded  in  1810.  It  is  supported  by  fees 
for  the  use  of  the  books,  with  occasional  appropriations  from  the  funds 
of  the  University.  It  occupies  a  room  20  feet  square  and  14  feet  high, 
in  the  main  building  of  the  University,  which  is  of  brick.  The  library 
is  open  regularly  once  a  week,  and,  on  application,  at  other  times. 
Officers  of  the  University  are  allowed  to  use  the  books  without  charge ; 
students  pay  81  a  year  for  the  privilege.  About  150  books  are  lent  out 
in  a  year;  and  about  240  persons  consult  the  library  without  taking 
away  books.  There  are  two  literary  societies  connected  with  the  College 
(the  CIII-DELTA  and  the  PHILOMATHESIAN),  which  have  each  about 
1100  volumes,  in  rooms  belonging  to  the  University,  connected  with  the 
society  halls.  These  libraries  are  rapidly  increasing  and  much  used." 


LEBANON. 

CUMBERLAND  UNIVERSITY.     (18.57.)     5000  vols. 

This  flourishing  institution  has  been  in  existence  since  1844.  Its 
law  school,  for  several  years,  has  maintained  the  rank  of  second  in  the 
United  States  in  point  of  numbers.  In  the  catalogue  for  1856,  an 
increase  of  thirty-four  per  cent,  is  exhibited  over  the  year  before.  In 
all  its  departments  it  is  well  provided  with  instructors,  and  large  classes 
of  students.  It  has  no  library.  The  theological  department  was  or 
ganized  in  1854,  and  a  library  commenced. 


TENNESSEE.  467 

MARYVILLE. 

MARYVILLE  COLLEGE.     (1855.)     4275  vols. 

This  institution  was  founded  in  1821,  and  was  called  the  "  Southern 
and  Western  Theological  Seminary."  It  was  chartered,  under  its  pre 
sent  name,  by  the  Legislature,  in  1842.  A  large  and  handsome  brick 
building,  three  stories  high,  110  feet  front,  has  been  erected  for  the 
College,  at  a  cost  of  810,000.  The  students,  all  persons  educated  at 
the  College,  and  residing  within  fifty  miles  of  Maryville,  can  use  the 
library  by  paying  81  a  year.  It  is  opened  whenever  desired.  During 
1854,  200  volumes  were  lent  to  50  persons.  The  increase  of  the  library 
is  slow,  only  $10  having  been  received  from  all  sources  during  the  year 
1854.  The  library  has  increased,  since  1851,  at  the  rate  of  about  100 
volumes  per  annum.  The  BETH  HAG  MA  Society  of  students,  and  the 
BETH  HACMA  VE  BERITII  Society  have  libraries. 


MTJRFREESBORO, 

UNION  UNIVERSITY.     (1855.)     2500  vols. 

The  library  contained  500  volumes  in  1851,  and  had  been  increased 
to  2500  in  1855.  The  books  are  of  a  miscellaneous  character,  and 
arranged  by  size.  The  library  is  open  to  the  free  use  of  the  professors, 
students,  and  citizens,  two  hours  every  Friday. 


NASHVILLE. 

MECHANICS'  INSTITUTE. 

Incorporated  February  14,  1854.     The  library  is  open  daily,  from  8 
A.M.  to  10  P.M.     Members  pay  £3  a  year. 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1856.)     13,300  vols. 
Until  1855?  the  State  Library  had  no  legal  existence,  and  was  merely 


468  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

a  collection  of  public  documents,  exchanges,  &c.  The  Legislature  of 
1854-5,  passed  an  act  appropriating  85000,  for  the  purpose  of  com 
mencing  a  collection  of  miscellaneous  books  j  and  another  appropriation 
was  made,  in  1855-6,  of  8500  for  the  same  purpose.  The  library  is 
open  every  day,  from  8  A.M.  to  12  M.,  and  2  P.M.  to  6  P.M.,  to  any  who 
wish  to  consult  the  books.  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects,  and  the 
catalogue  follows  Coleridge's  plan  for  the  Encyclopedia  Metropolitana. 
The  only  catalogue  printed  includes  merely  the  miscellaneous  books. 
An  edition  of  250  copies  cost  8350,  119  pages  8vo.,  printed  in  1855. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  NASHVILLE.     (1856.)     14,000  vols. 

"In  1779,  the  ground  on  which  Nashville  stands  was  planted  with 
Indian  corn  by  the  first  party  of  permanent  settlers  under  the  late  Gene 
ral  (then  Captain)  James  Robertson,  of  East  Tennessee,  and  originally 
from  North  Carolina. 

"In  1783,  the  County  of  Davidson  was  established.  And  in  1784, 
the  town,  which  had  been  called  Nashborough  by  the  inhabitants,  was 
named  Nashville  in  the  act  of  the  North  Carolina  Legislature  creating 
it,  in  honor  of  General  Francis  Nash,  who  fell  at  the  battle  of  German- 
town,  October  4th,  1777. 

"  DAVIDSON  ACADEMY  was  incorporated  by  the  General  Assembly  of 
North  Carolina,  December  29,  1785.  It  was  endowed  by  the  State 
with  240  acres  of  land,  lying  immediately  adjacent  to  the  then  south 
ern  boundary  of  the  town  of  Nashville.  Much  of  it  is  now  included 
within  the  compactly  built  and  most  beautiful  portions  of  the  city.  This 
land,  with  the  exception  of  about  seven  acres,  reserved  for  the  site  of 
the  Academy,  and  since  called  the  College  Square,  or  Campus,  was  sold 
by  auction,  in  small  lots,  in  1803. ]  The  total  amount,  ultimately  re 
ceived  by  the  institution,  from  both  the  rents  and  sale  of  its  land,  does 
not  appear,  from  the  records,  to  have  exceeded  820,000.  It  must  be 
recollected,  however,  that  the  town  then  contained  a  population  of  only 
about  400,  that  there  was  little  prospect  of  its  ever  becoming  the  metro 
polis  of  Tennessee,  and  that  steamers  had  not  yet  been  dreamed  of  for 
road  or  river. 

"  CUMBERLAND  COLLEGE  was  incorporated  by  the  Legislature  of  Ten- 

1  The  buildings  of  the  medical  department  now  occupy  a  square  reserved  from 
this  campus. 


TENNESSEE.  469 

nessee  September  11,  1806;  and  in  it  were  merged  the  name  and  rights 
of  Davidson  Academy.  This  change  was  effected  at  the  request  of  the 
trustees  of  the  latter,  in  consequence  of  a  previous  grant  by  Congress  of 
100,000  acres  of  land  for  the  endowment  of  two  colleges — one  in  jEast, 
and  the  other  in  West  Tennessee — as  the  two  grand  divisions  of  the  State 
were  then  denominated.  The  West  Tennessee  of  that  day  is  now  Middle 
Tennessee. 

"  The  College  was  opened  for  the  reception  of  students  in  November, 
1809.  The  faculty  consisted  of  Dr.  James  Priestley,  President;  llev. 
William  Hume,  Professor  of  Languages ;  and  George  Martin,  Esq., 
teacher  of  the  Grammar  School,  or  Preparatory  Department,  These 
gentlemen  were  eminently  qualified  for  their  respective  stations.  The 
College  continued  in  successful  operation  seven  years,  or  until  October, 
1816.  Its  doors  were  then  closed  from  the  sheer  want  of  funds  to 
sustain  it  any  longer.  Its  revival  was  attempted  in  November,  1820, 
under  the  auspices  of  its  former  distinguished  and  respected  President. 
But  his  lamented  death,  on  the  6th  of  February  following,  again  pros 
trated  the  hopes  and  efforts  of  its  friends.  During  the  above  period  of 
seven  years,  19  of  the  students  were  admitted  in  course  to  the  first 
degree  in  the  arts. 

"May  12,  1824,  the  Rev.  Philip  Lindsley,  D.D.,  of  the  College  of 
New  Jersey,  accepted  the  presidency,  which  had  been  tendered  to  him 
in  1822,  and  again  in  1823,  and  agreed  to  remove  with  his  family  to 
Nashville  in  the  following  autumn.  He  was,  at  the  same  time,  appointed 
agent  to  solicit  donations  for  the  College  during  the  interval. 

"The  College  has  been  a  beggar  from  the  beginning;  and,  for  many 
years,  its  very  existence  depended  on  the  voluntary  contributions  of 
liberal  individuals. 

"In  1825,  a  farm  of  120  acres,  near  the  College,  was  purchased  at 
$60  per  acre  (total  cost  $7200),  as  a  more  eligible  site  for  the  future 
buildings  and  operations  of  the  Institution.  Portions  of  this  land  were 
subsequently  sold  for  about  $17,000.  Thirty  acres  still  belong  to  the 
College ;  which,  if  divided  into  city  lots,  and  sold  by  auction,  would 
probably  command  $100,000.  This  is  one  item  of  actual  capital — the 
result  of  judicious  investment.1 

1  Sixteen  acres  of  this  tract  have  been  reserved  as  a  permanent  site  for  the  Uni 
versity  ;  and  the  new  building  for  the  literary  department  is  erected  on  it. 


470  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

11  'The  University  of  Nashville'  became  the  legal  style  and  title  of 
the  College,  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature,  passed  November  27,  1826. 

"  No  preparatory  school,  or  department,  has  been  connected  with  the 
College  since  1824.  Of  course,  the  number  of  students  has  been  small, 
compared  with  most  other  western  colleges,  whose  catalogues  are  made 
up  chiefly  of  grammar-school  boys. 

"  The  original  grant  of  50,000  acres  of  land  by  Congress  was,  by 
legislative  management,  for  many  years,  rendered  utterly  unavailable. 
Congress  directed  the  whole  to  be  located  in  a  body,  and  not  to  be  sold 
for  less  than  82  per  acre.  The  Legislature  of  Tennessee,  violating  both 
conditions,  located  the  grant  in  small,  detached  parcels,  south  of  French 
Broad  and  Holston  Rivers,  and  sold  it  on  a  credit  for  81  per  acre ;  and, 
even  of  this  mere  moiety  of  the  intended  Congressional  donation,  very 
little  was  ever  received.  At  length,  after  thirty  years'  vexatious  delay, 
the  General  Assembly,  during  the  session  of  1837-8,  agreed  to  allow  the 
University  the  half  of  a  township,  or  11,520  acres  of  land,  in  the  Ocoee 
District,  then  recently  acquired  from  the  Cherokee  Nation,  in  lieu  of  its 
claim  upon  the  State  for  both  principal  (not  less  than  8100,000)  and 
interest  for  thirty  years — so  long  withheld  for  the  exclusive  benefit  of 
the  primitive  occupants  and  their  successors.  This  compromise  yielded 
to  the  University  about  840,000,  and  constituted  its  first  and  only  source 
of  annual  revenue.  The  whole  is  securely  invested,  as  a  permanent 
fund,  and  interest  has  been  paid  regularly  since  1840. 

"  In  1822  (August  26),  by  virtue  of  a  compact  between  the  State  of 
Tennessee  and  the  University  of  North  Carolina,  40,000  acres  of  land 
were  secured  to  Cumberland  College  in  the  western  district,  one-fourth 
of  which,  as  was  then  customary,  was  awarded  to  the  locator  for  his  ser 
vices.  The  remaining  30,000  acres  were  sold  in  1834  for  830,000, 
with  interest.  About  half  has  been  paid. 

a  The  State  of  Tennessee  has  never  bestowed  a  dollar  upon  the  Uni 
versity.  Its  permanent  and  productive  capital  has  been  greatly  enlarged 
by  judicious  purchases  and  investments,  as  well  as  by  a  rigid  economy 
in  all  expenditures.  The  present  comparative  prosperity  of  the  Univer 
sity,  and  the  future  certainty  of  a  handsome  endowment,  is  the  result  of 
the  patient  labor  and  far-sighted  sagacity  of  the  late  President,  Philip 
Lindsley,  D.I). 

"The  literary  department  of  the  University  of  Nashville  was  reor 
ganized  in  1853.  A  magnificent  stone  edifice  has  been  erected,  at  a 
cost  of  about  845,000.  The  corner-stone  was  laid,  with  appropriate 


TENNESSEE.  471 

ceremonies,  April  7th,  1853.  No  dormitories  will  be  furnished  for  stu 
dents  in  the  University  building,  but  they  will  occupy  rooms  in  the  fami 
lies  where  they  board.  However  well  the  custom  of  students  lodging  in 
college  buildings  may  suit  the  colleges  which  are  located  in  small  vil 
lages,  this  custom  is  neither  necessary  nor  safe  in  so  large  a  city  i-.s 
Nashville . ' '—  Ca  1aloy  ue. 

WESTERN  MILITARY  INSTITUTE. 

Incorporated  by  the  State  of  Kentucky  in  1847-  "During  seven 
years,  it  enjoyed,  in  that  State  an  extensive  patronage,  and  grew  in 
public  favor  throughout  the  South  and  "\Vcst,  usually  numbering  stu 
dents  from  15  to  18  States  of  the  Union.  In  1853,  after  having 
closed,  in  a  satisfactory  manner,  a  session,  with  200  students  in  attend 
ance,  and  entered  upon  the  following  term  with  a  reputation  widely  ex 
tended,  it  became  necessary,  on  account  of  sickness,  to  disband  the 
students.  At  this  period,  much  interest  in  the  fate  of  the  institution 
was  manifested  in  Tennessee.  It  was  proposed  to  remove  it  to  this 
State,  and  measures  were  projected  to  this  end.  Under  the  prospects 
presented,  the  old  charter  from  the  State  of  Kentucky  was  finally  aban 
doned,  and  the  Legislature  of  Tennessee  passed  a  new  one,  imposing 
upon  a  Board  of  Trustees,  among  other  duties,  that  of  selecting  a  per 
manent  location,  at  an  eligible  point,  for  the  Western  Military  Institute. 
A  temporary  location  was  accordingly  effected  at  Tyrcc  Springs,  Ten 
nessee,  whither  the  Institute  was  removed  in  February,  1854.  It  there 
passed  to  the  close  of  its  third  semi-annual  term,  commanding  increas 
ing  favor  and  confidence,  and  illustrating,  under  many  disadvantages, 
the  excellencies  of  its  peculiar  system  of  discipline  and  instruction. 
Meanwhile,  several  localities,  with  various  inducements,  having  been 
offered,  the  Board  of  Trustees,  after  examination  and  mature  consider 
ation,  accepted  articles  of  union  with  the  University  of  Nashville,  and 
have  permanently  located  it  as  the  collegiate  or  literary  department  of 
that  University;  believing  that  the  prominent  position,  the  extensive, 
well-planned  buildings,  the  pleasant  and  healthful  site,  the  numerous 
facilities  for  education  and  discipline  secured,  best  fulfil  the  require 
ments  of  the  charter,  and  afford  the  best  means  of  perfecting  those 
excellent  qualities  of  the  system  of  education  which  have  characterized 
the  Western  Military  Institute,  and  commanded  for  it  so  large  a  patron 
age." —  Catalogue. 


472  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

EROSOPHIAN  SOCIETY  (UNIVERSITY  OF  NASHVILLE). 
(1855.)     4159  vols. 

Receipts  during  1854,  $100;  expended  for  books,  $15  60;  binding, 
$1020;  incidentals,  $73  20.  The  library  is  open  three  hours  cvery 
Saturday.  During  1854,  1500  books  were  lent  to  123  persons.  The 
greatest  demand  was  for  history,  biography,  travels,  fiction,  and  miscel 
lany.  3900  volumes  are  in  English,  23  French,  11  German,  9  Spa 
nish,  25  other  modern  languages,  143  Latin,  42  Greek,  and  6  Hebrew. 


TEXAS. 


AUSTIN. 
SUPREME  COURT  LIBRARY. 

$1500  are  appropriated  annually  for  the  Supreme  Court  Library.  The 
librarians  of  the  three  branches  of  the. Supreme  Court,  receive  $300 
each. 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1850.)     1000  vols. 

The  collection  of  books  usually  styled  the  State  Library,  was  com 
menced  in  1837,  and  has  been  derived  from  donations.  The  average 
annual  increase  is  about  80  volumes.  The  books  are  kept  in  the  build 
ing  of  the  State  department,  and  are  accessible  to  the  public,  without 
charge,  during  business  hours,  every  day.  About  300  are  annually 
taken  out,  and  perhaps  300  or  400  persons  annually  consult  the  collec 
tion  without  borrowing  books.  The  library  is  in  charge  of  the  Secretary 
of  State,  who  is  considered  ex  officio  librarian.  $600  were  appropriated 
for  useful  books  for  the  Department  of  State,  1856-'57. 


HUNTSVILLE. 

AUSTIN  COLLEGE. 
Incorporated  in  1850.     "An  extensive  library  has  been  procured  ex- 


TEXAS.  473 

clusively  for  the  use  of  the  students,  faculty,  and  Board  of  Trustees, 
and  will  be  increased  from  time  to  time." 

There   are  two  literary  societies,  the  CLAY  UNION  and  PIIILOMA- 
THEAN.  which  have  spacious  rooms  in  the  College  edifice. 


INDEPENDENCE. 

BAYLOR  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     1000  vols. 

"  Baylor  University  was  chartered  by  the  Republic  of  Texas,  in  1845, 
and  commenced  soon  after  in  an  old  building,  which  cost,  at  sheriff's 
sale,  $300,  with  one  teacher  and  24  pupils,  male  and  female.  It  is  now 
worth  in  lands,  buildings,  endowments,  &c.,  about  850,000,  and  has  10 
professors  and  teachers,  with  260  students  in  both  departments. 

"  The  buildings  at  present  occupied,  are  a  two-story  stone  building, 
with  two  smaller  buildings  for  study-rooms,  or  dormitories.  The  trus 
tees  intend,  as  soon  as  the  present  building  for  the  female  department  is 
finished,  to  erect  an  edifice  on  University  Hill,  worth  825,000  or  830,000. 
Several  generous  spirits  have  already  offered  to  give  81000  each  to  begin 
the  work. 

"Between  8300  and  8500  worth  of  books  are  ordered  from  Boston 
and  New  York,  to  increase  our  present  library. 

"  The  PHILOMATHESIAN  and  EUSOPIIIAN  SOCIETIES  have  weekly 
meetings  for  discussions,  lectures,  and  reading  essays,  which  are  open 
for  all  students  in  good  standing.  The  YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  AS 
SOCIATION  is  a  society  of  the  serious  and  pious  students,  for  cultivating 
morality  and  devotion,  by  reading  missionary  reports,  moral  essays,  and 
hearing  lectures  and  discussions  concerning  Christianity,  and  the  lives 
and  deeds  of  the  great  and  good." 


RUTEESVILLE. 

TEXAS  MONUMENTAL  AND  MILITARY  INSTITUTE. 

(1857.)     350  vols. 

Incorporated  August  6,  1857.     The  Legislature  of  Texas,  in  1856, 
consolidated  the  Texas  Monumental  Committee,  the  Texas  Military  In- 


474  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

stitute,  and  the  Ruters^ille  College,  and  incorporated  them  under  the 
title  of  the  Texas  Monumental  and  Military  Institute.  The  object  of 
the  consolidation  is  stated  "  to  erect  a  suitable  mausoleum  to  those  who 
have  died,  or  may  die,  in  the  service  of  Texas,  and  the  establishment  of 
institutions  of  high  learning  for  the  youth  of  Texas,  as  a  most  suitable 
monument  in  honor  of  the  dead." 

The  Superintendent  of  the  Institute  holds  the  rank  of  Colonel,  is 
commissioned  as  such  by  the  Governor,  and  directs  the  military  and  aca 
demic  operations,  according  to  military  principles. 

The  following  information  has  been  furnished  by  the  Superintendent, 
Col.  Forshey: — 

"The  Texas  Military  Institute  was  founded  by  the  writer,  at  Galves- 
ton,  Texas,  in  March,  A. I).  1855,  where  it  was  conducted  for  three  ses 
sions,  without  library,  apparatus,  or  collegiate  buildings. 

"In  May,  1856,  a  contract  was  entered  into  by  the  founder,  with 
the  trustees  of  Rutcrsville  College,  in  Fayette  County,  Texas  (an  insti 
tution  chartered  by  the  Congress  of  Texas,  in  1849,  and  partially  en 
dowed,  by  private  contributions,  with  lands  and  some  buildings,  chiefly 
by  the  Methodists,  and  conducted  as  a  promiscuous  male  and  female 
school,  reaching  the  rank  of  a  respectable  academy)-  by  which  contract, 
the  Rutersville  College — lands  and  buildings — was  leased  for  a  period 
of  seven  years,  and  the  Texas  Military  Institute  was  to  be  removed  to 
that  place,  and  the  institution,  in  future,  to  be  conducted  under  military 
discipline. 

a  Subsequently,  and  before  the  Institute  was  opened  at  Rutersville, 
the  Texas  Monumental  Association,  with  a  directory  at  Lagrange,  in 
this  county,  formed  with  the  Texas  Military  Institute  and  Rutersville 
College,  a  treaty  of  annexation  ]  and  all  three  applied  for  a  new  charter, 
ratifying  the  contract,  and  repealing  the  nominal  relation  of  Rutersville 
College  to  the  Methodist  Conference,  and  at  the  same  time  establishing 
the  Military  Institute  and  Monument,  under  a  Board  of  Trustees,  ap 
pointed  by  the  Legislature,  and  filling  future  vacancies  by  nomination 
of  the  Board,  and  confirmation  by  the  Senate. 

"When  the  Institute  was  removed  to  the  College  at  Rutersville,  Sep 
tember  30,  1856,  no  library  existed,  though  the  documents  from  Con 
gress  were  regularly  sent,  and  were  found  lying  in  irregular  confusion 
around  the  floors  of  the  recitation  rooms,  to  the  number  of  50  or  60. 
Others  had  been  removed  to  a  private  house,  arid  were  thus  preserved. 

"  I  immediately  constructed  a  book-case,  collected  and  preserved,  as 


VERMONT.  475 

best  I  could,  the  books  to  be  found,  filed  and  took  care  of  the  public 
documents  as  they  arrived,  under  regular  distribution  (from  Senator 
Houston's  frank),  and  commenced  the  establishment  of  a  library.  As 
the  rent  of  the  Institute  is  payable  in  library  and  apparatus,  the  first 
year's  rent  has  been  appropriated  to  that  purpose,  besides  such  other 
funds  as  we  could  command;  and,  as  the  Monument  is  to  be  the  College, 
and  the  Mausoleum  or  vaults  to  contain  the  remains  of  the  honored  dead 
of  Texas,  a  collection  has  already  commenced  of  relics  and  trophies,  to 
form  a  State  museum,  as  a  part  of  the  monument. 

"The  apparatus  for  chemical,  philosophic,  and  engineering  purposes, 
consists  of  a  few  very  fine  instruments,  worth  some  8350. 

"  The  College  hall  is  a  frame  building,  ample,  for  some  years,  for 
recitation  rooms  and  hall  proper.  The  quarters  or  barracks  for  the 
cadets  are  sufficient  for  the  lodgment  of  about  80  cadets. 

"  The  grounds  are  ample,  exceedingly  elegant,  and  the  place  salu 
brious  to  a  degree  unheard  of.  For  the  first  instance,  in  the  State  of 
Texas,  the  regular  collegiate  classes  are  all  formed,  and  no  scJwol-room 
exists  in  the  Institute.  The  real  character  and  form  of  a  College  have 
been  attained." 


VERMONT. 

BRATTLEBORO. 

BEATTLEBOEO  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1873  vols. 

Founded  in  1842.  The  receipts,  for  the  year  ending  October,  1855, 
were  8400;  1856,  $266  05;  and,  during  1855,  $132  were  expended 
for  books;  1856,  $131  07,  $12  for  binding;  1856.  $14  43,  $100  for 
salaries;  1856,  $125,  and  $50  for  incidentals;  1856,  $43.  A.  H.  Bull, 
Esq.,  has  made  a  donation  of  $2000,  payable  in  yearly  instalments  of 
$100.  The  library  is  open  three  days  in  the  week,  and  every  evening. 
During  the  year  1855,  over  200  persons  took  out  books.  During  1856, 
1150  volumes  were  lent  to  249  persons.  All  the  books  are  in  English. 
Salary  of  librarian,  $125.  Annual  cost  of  support,  $300.  During  the 
last  five  years,  $700  were  expended  for  books. 


476  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

BURLINGTON. 

UNIVERSITY  OF  VERMONT.     (1855.)     8549  vols. 

The  original  library,  which  had  been  made  up  by  donations  at  different 
periods,  from  the  time  the  University  was  founded  (1801),  was  almost 
wholly  destroyed  by  fire  in  1824.  The  present  library  may  be  regarded 
as  having  its  beginning  in  1836,  when  the  sum  of  610,000  was  appro 
priated  towards  it,  and  Professor  Joseph  Torrey  was  sent  to  Europe  to 
select  the  books.  It  is  believed  by  many,  whose  opinions  on  such  sub 
jects  are  entitled  to  weight,  that  a  better  library,  considering  the  number 
and  the  cost  of  the  books,  is  not  to  be  found  in  this  country.  It  is  sup 
ported  by  a  tax  on  the  students  of  $1  50  per  annum,  amounting  to  about 
$175  a  year.  The  interest  of  8750  is  devoted  to  the  purchase  of  works 
in  English  literature  and  history;  and  the  interest  of  $500  is  expended 
for  periodicals.  The  total  receipts,  during  1854,  were  $255;  expen 
ditures  for  books,  $62  08;  binding,  $18;  periodicals,  $36  37;  salaries, 
$50;  incidentals,  $16.  Receipts,  during  1855,  $216  76;  expenditures 
for  books,  $113  83  ;  periodicals,  $35  62  ;  salaries,  $50  ;  incidentals,  $15. 

The  library  is  open  half  an  hour  every  Wednesday  and  Saturday. 
The  books  in  the  different  languages  are  as  follows : — 

1854.  Eng.,  8468;  Fr.,  940;  Ger.,  G16 ;  Span.,  10;  other  mod.  lang.  172;  Latin,  702;  Greek,  344. 

1855.  "   5715;  ';  941;   "   624;   «   10;   "      "     172;   "   708;   "   350. 

1854.  Hebrew,  25;  Oriental,  30.  Total,  8307.  Purchases,  6000.   Donations,  2100.   Exchanges,  207. 

1855.  «        25;          "        30.       «      8549.  "  6044.          "          2298.  "  207. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  February,  1854,  Svo.,  160  pages,  at  a  cost 
of  $328  for  1000  copies. 

"In  the  first  catalogue  of  this  library,  which  was  prepared  with  great 
pains,  and  published  in  1836,  the  books  were  arranged  and  classified  by 
subjects ;  but  the  impracticability  of  classifying  in  this  way,  without 
considerable  repetition,  works  which  comprise  several  distinct  subjects, 
led  to  a  different  arrangement  in  the  second  catalogue.  The  books  in 
this  are  arranged  by  the  names  of  the  authors  in  alphabetical  order ;  and 
an  index  of  subjects  is  appended,  to  facilitate  its  use  by  the  students, 
whose  wants  were  chiefly  had  in  view  in  its  preparation." 

A  number  of  reviews,  &c.,  are  regularly  received. 

"  This  is  one  of  the  few  libraries  in  the  United  States  selected  with 
competent  bibliographical  knowledge,  with  good  judgment,  and  pur 
chased  with  economy.  It  is  also  under  admirable  management." 


VERMONT.  477 


PHI  SIGMA  NU  SOCIETY  (UNIVERSITY  OF  VERMONT).     (1857.) 

1874  vols. 

Founded  in  1823.  The  library  is  open  twice  a  week.  During  1854, 
500  volumes  were  lent  to  40  persons.  During  1856,  1139  volumes  to 
67  persons.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1846.  Two  magazines  are 
taken.  Receipts,  1856,  878  50;  expenditures  for  books,  $34  87 ; 
binding,  $5  76;  periodicals,  815;  salaries,  810.  1823  volumes  are  in 
English,  42  French,  8  German,  1  Latin.  There  are  383  pamphlets  in 
the  library.  About  34  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During  the  last  five 
years,  8165  85  were  expended  for  books. 


SOCIETY  FOR  RELIGIOUS  INQUIRY  (UNIVERSITY  OF  VER 
MONT).     (1857.)"    534  vols. 

Founded  in  1835.  The  annual  receipts  and  expenditures  are  less 
than  850.  About  40  persons  took  out  books  during  1854.  The  Bi- 
bliotheca  Sacra  is  the  only  periodical  subscribed  for.  The  library  is  open 
every  Wednesday.  Salary  of  librarian,  85.  During  the  last  five  years, 
SI 5  25  were  expended  for  books. 


MIDDLEBURY. 

MIDDLEBURY  COLLEGE.     (1850.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  in  1800.  The  students  pay  $-4  a  year  for  the  use  of  the 
library.  Resident  graduates,  clergymen,  and  others,  by  permission  of 
the  librarian  and  faculty,  are  allowed  to  take  out  books  without  charge. 
A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1833,  containing  16  pages  Svo.,  double 
columns.  The  library  is  opened  once  a  week,  and  kept  open  for  an  hour. 


PIIILADELPHIAN  SOCIETY  (MIDDLEBURY  COLLEGE). 

(1855.)     770  volumes. 

Founded  June  4,  1804,  by  Caleb  Burge,  Calvin  Noble,  Eli  Eddy, 
Oliver  Hurlburt,  Oliver  Leavitt,  Amos  Binghani,  William  Andrus, 
Chauncey  Cook,  Stephen  Martindale,  Daniel  Hascall,  Josiah  Belt,  and 
Roswell  Barber.  The  annual  fee  is  81 .  The  library  is  of  a  religious 


478  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

character.     It  is  open  one  hour  a  week.     During  1854,  300  volumes 
were  taken  out  by  20  persons.    Nearly  100  volumes  are  added  annually. 


MONTPELIER. 

HISTORICAL  AND  ANTIQUARIAN  SOCIETY  OF  VERMONT. 

This  Society  was  incorporated  November  22,  1838.  Its  library  and 
collections  are,  as  yet,  very  small. 

STATE  LIBRARY  OF  VERMONT.     (1857.)     7100  vols. 

Founded  November  17,  1825.  An  appropriation  of  $200  is  annually 
made  for  the  library  by  the  Legislature.  The  books  are  lent  to  mem 
bers  of  the  Legislature  and  Council.  The  capitol  was  destroyed  by  fire 
in  1857,  and  the  library  thrown  into  confusion ;  most  of  the  books  were 
saved,  however.  About  200  volumes  are  added  annually,  and  500  lent 
to  readers. 


NORWICH. 

NORWICH  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     2000  vols. 

Founded  in  1834.  The  library  commenced  in  1843.  The  average 
annual  increase  is  300  volumes ;  average  annual  expenditure,  $25.  The 
room  is  adorned  by  a  full-length  portrait  of  the  distinguished  and 
lamented  Colonel  T.  B.  Ransom,  former  President  of  the  College.  The 
library  has  no  permanent  fund.  It  is  opened  at  3  o'clock  on  Saturday 
afternoons,  and  at  such  other  times  as  visitors  may  desire.  The  faculty, 
students,  members  of  the  corporation,  and  donors,  are  entitled  to  the 
use  of  the  books.  400  volumes  are  lent  annually. 


VIRGINIA.  479 


VIRGINIA. 


ALEXANDRIA. 

ALEXANDRIA  LIBRARY.     (185G.)     4481  vols. 

Founded  in  1794.  "  On  the  24th  of  July  of  that  year,  a  meeting  of 
some  of  the  prominent  citizens  of  Alexandria,  was  held  '  at  the  house 
of  John  Wise/  who  formed  themselves  into  a  voluntary  Association, 
and  adopted  certain  (  constitutional  outlines  of  a  permanent  institution 
for  establishing  a  circulating  library,  to  be  called  the  Library  Company 
of  Alexandria.' 

"The  Association  continued  voluntary  till  1798,  when  an  act  of  in 
corporation  was  obtained  from  the  Legislature  of  Virginia.  This  act, 
however,  proved  defective,  and  a  new  one  was  passed  the  following  year, 
which  has  remained  unaltered  to  the  present  time. 

"  Under  this  charter  the  Company  advanced  with  varied  success. 
From  1830  to  1840,  it  was  in  a  languishing  condition,  and  on  the  esta 
blishment  of  the  Lyceum,  an  effort  was  made  to  revive  it,  by  forming 
a  union  between  the  two  companies.  At  this  time  the  books  were 
removed  to  the  room  they  now  occupy,  in  the  Lyceum  building. 

"  This  connection  lasted  till  1844,  when  it  was  dissolved  by  mutual 
consent,  and  from  that  time  the  Library  Company  was  suspended  till 
1852.  In  that  year  it  was  reorganized,  and  a  considerable  number  of 
new  stockholders  was  added.  The  number  of  books  then  in  the  library 
was  rather  less  than  4000 ;  more  than  500  have  since  been  added. 

"At  the  present  time,  the  number  of  stockholders  is  about  100;  the 
library  contains  4481  volumes;  the  annual  addition  is  between  125  and 
150,  and  the  number  taken  out  yearly  is  nearly  3000. " 

A  catalogue  of  Gl  pages  Svo.  was  printed  in  1856. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     300  vols. 

Organized  in  1853.  Average  annual  amount  expended  for  books 
since  1851,  810.  Average  annual  number  of  volumes  added  to  the 
library,  15.  The  volumes  are  read  in  the  room,  but  not  taken  away. 


480  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

"  The  Association  has  about  175  members,,  but  there  is  a  great  lack 
of  zeal  with  the  majority ;  the  work  is  done  by  a  very  few.  The  meetings 
are  generally  slimly  attended.  It  has  a  flourishing  Sunday-school  in  ope 
ration,  and  another  about  to  be  commenced.  Also  a  night-school  for 
indigent  boys  and  girls,  which  is  open  three  nights  in  the  week  during  a 
session  of  five  months,  from  November  to  March,  inclusive.  It  is  taught 
by  volunteers,  and  the  average  number  of  scholars,  during  last  session,  has 
been  about  60.  In  the  Seamen's  Bethel,  in  charge  of  this  Association, 
there  is  preaching  every  Sunday  afternoon,  by  ministers  of  the  various 
churches  in  the  city,  in  rotation.  A  city  missionary  is  also  employed, 
whose  especial  duty  it  is  to  look  after  the  spiritual  and  temporal  wants 
of  the  poor.  Five  or  six  lectures  have  been  delivered  during  the  winter, 
which  have  been  free.  There  have  been,  also,  monthly  lectures  to  fire 
men,  in  their  halls,  and  sermons  to  young  men,  once  a  month,  in  the 
various  churches  alternately.  The  reading-room  is  kept  open  in  the 
evening,  and  tolerably  well  attended." — Quarterly  Reporter,  April, 
1857.  ^ 


BERRYVILLE. 

ACADEMY  LIBRARY.     (1850.)     1000  vols. 

The  president  and  trustees  of  this  institution,  in  their  Report,  in 
1835,  state  :— 

"  About  25  years  since,  a  lot  of  ground,  containing  about  two  acres, 
was  procured  in  the  town  of  Berryville,  and  a  building  erected  thereon 
by  private  contribution,  at  an  expense  of  about  83000,  which  has  since 
been  constantly  occupied  as  an  English  and  classical  academy.  A  few 
years  since,  further  subscriptions  were  entered  into  for  the  gradual  pur 
chase  of  a  library  of  about  1000  volumes,  to  be  attached  to  the  Aca 
demy;  which  library  is  also  in  successful  operation,  and  promises  to  be 
extensively  useful,  both  to  the  students  of  the  Academy,  and  to  the  resi 
dents  in  its  immediate  neighborhood/' 


BETHANY. 

BETHANY  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     1500  vols. 
Founded  in  1840.     One-half  of  the  matriculation  fees  received  from 


VIRGINIA.  481 

students,  is  devoted  to  the  library.  This  fund,  consequently,  fluctuates 
with  the  number  of  new  students  each  session.  During  the  last  five 
years,  $500  have  been  expended  for  books.  The  library  is  open  one 
hour  each  week.  100  volumes  are  added  yearly. 

1300  volumes  are  in  English,  25  French,  31  German,  4  other 
modern  languages,  50  Latin,  20  Greek,  10  Hebrew,  and  7  Oriental. 
The  College  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1858.  There  are  three  literary 
societies :  the  NEOTROPIIIAN,  the  AMERICAN  LITERARY  INSTITUTE, 
and  the  ADELPHIAN. 


AMERICAN  LITERARY  INSTITUTE  (BETHANY  COLLEGE). 
(1857.)     515  vols. 

Founded  in  1841.  It  is  supported  by  voluntary  contributions.  The 
library  is  open  one  hour  each  week.  A  MS.  catalogue  has  been  fur 
nished  by  the  librarian  to  the  Smithsonian  Institution. 


NEO^TROPHIAN  SOCIETY  (BETHANY  COLLEGE). 

(1857.)     562  vols. 

Founded  November,  1841.     A  MS.  catalogue  was  sent  to  the  Insti 
tution,  by  Mr.  W.  F.  Jones. 


BOYDTOlSr. 

RANDOLPH  MACON  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2000  vols. 

Incorporated  in  1832.  In  1834,  the  College  library  contained  2000 
volumes ;  WASHINGTON  SOCIETY,  2300  volumes ;  FRANKLIN  SOCIETY, 
2300  volumes;  total,  6600.  Every  student  has  free  access  to  all  the 
libraries. 


EMORY, 

EMORY  AND  HENRY  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     11,097  vols. 
Founded  in  1839.    The  yearly  average  increase,  for  the  last  ten  years, 
has  been  250  volumes.     The  average  annual  expenditure  about  $75, 
raised  by  a  tax  of  $1  a  year  on  each  person  using  the  library.     A  cata 
logue  (28  pages  12rno.)  was  printed  in  1846.     The  library  is  open  one 

31 


482  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

hour  and  a  half  each  week.     Any  person  paying  the  fee,  and  conform 
ing  to  the  rules,  may  borrow  the  books. 

There  are  two  societies  of  students  possessing  libraries :  the  HERME- 
SIAN  SOCIETY,  2693  volumes;  and  the  CALLIOPE  AN"  SOCIETY,  2717 
volumes. 


HAMPDEN  SIDNEY. 

HAMPDEN  SIDNEY  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2347  vols. 

Founded  in  1776.  Any  person  can  have  the  free  use  of  the  library. 
It  is  open  when  convenient.  2307  volumes  are  in  English,  5  French, 
2  Spanish,  7  other  modern  languages,  23  Latin,  3  Greek.  About  40 
volumes  are  added  yearly.  Annual  cost  of  support,  $5. 

"  The  College  library  is  a  miserable  excuse  for  the  library  of  a  literary 
institution.  The  Society  libraries  are  good,  and  supply  the  wants  of 
undergraduates  very  well.  We  expect  soon  to  put  the  College  library 
on  a  firm  and  enduring  basis,  by  funding  $2000  for  its  support  and 
increase."  * 

The  UNION  SOCIETY,  and  the  PHILANTHROPIC  SOCIETY  have  toge 
ther  7000  volumes  in  their  libraries. — C.  Martin. 


PHILANTHROPIC  SOCIETY  (HAMPDEN  SIDNEY  COLLEGE). 

(1855.)     27G5vols. 

Founded  in  1807.     This  is  reported  as  a  secret  Society,  and  no  par 
ticulars  can  be  communicated. 


UNION  SOCIETY  (HAMPDEN  SIDNEY  COLLEGE). 
(1857.)     3500  vols. 

Founded  in  1789.  The  annual  expenditure  for  books  is  about  $200. 
Books  must  be  returned  by  regular  members  in  one  month;  by  honorary 
members,  in  two.  The  library  is  open  one  hour  a  day  three  days  in  the 
week.  About  1000  volumes  were  lent,  in  1854,  to  nearly  100  persons. 
The  number  read  in  each  class  was  as  follows:  History,  50 ;  fiction,  75; 
theology,  15;  law,  4.  The  book  most  read  was  "Queechy."  A  cata 
logue  was  printed  in  1855. 


VIRGINIA.  483 

UNION  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.     (1857.)     4443  vols. 

Founded  by  the  Synod  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Virginia,  for 
the  theological  department  of  Ilampden  Sidney  College,  in  1812.  The 
library  was  commenced  in  1828.  The  books  are  arranged  by  subjects, 
according  to  the  departments  of  the  professors  :  "  Church  History," 
"  Theology,"  "  Oriental  Literature."  The  library  is  open  one  hour  a 
week  for  lending  books;  every  day  for  reference.  During  1854,  38 
students  borrowed  399  books.  There  are  3434  volumes  in  English,  72 
in  French,  31  German,  12  Spanish  •  other  modern  languages,  12;  Latin, 
578;  Greek,  113;  Hebrew,  25;  Oriental,  4. 

A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1833.  The  library  is  almost  exclusively 
composed  of  theological  literature,  and  "contains  no  trash."  135  vo 
lumes  are  added  annually  by  donations.  500  volumes  are  annually  lent. 


LEXINGTON, 

VIRGINIA  MILITARY  INSTITUTE.     (1855.)     4000  vols. 

The  first  step  towards  the  erection  of  a  library,  was  in  a  recommenda 
tion  of  the  State  librarian,  Gen.  TV.  H.  Richardson,  December  31, 1839. 
He  recommended  to  the  Committee  on  the  State  Library  to  appropriate 
the  debt  due  from  the  library  to  the  Literary  Fund,  for  the  purpose  of 
providing  a  library  for  the  Virginia  Military  Institute.  He  also  advised 
that  those  works  of  which  there  were  duplicates  in  the  State  Library, 
maps,  &c.,  be  furnished  as  the  foundation  for  such  a  library  as  the  Mili 
tary  Institute  would  require.  This  recommendation  produced  no  imme 
diate  eifect;  but  in  March,  1841,  a  bill  was  passed,  by  which  $500  a 
year,  for  five  years,  were  directly  appropriated  from  the  Literary  Fund  to 
purchase  a  library  for  the  Institute.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1855, 
at  a  cost  of  $25. 

The  SOCIETY  OF  CADETS  was  formed  in  1840.  It  has  a  library  of  600 
volumes,  and  the  hall  is  ornamented  with  paintings,  &c. 

In  1848,  the  VIRGINIA  DIALECTIC  SOCIETY  OF  CADETS  was  organized, 
and  had  a  library,  in  1854,  of  272  volumes. 


WASHINGTON  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2500  vols. 
Founded  in  1776.     On  October  13, 1774,  a  resolution  was  passed  by 


484  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

the  Hanover  Presbytery,  appointing  a  committee  to  raise  subscriptions 
for  this  purpose.  In  1837,  the  library,  though  more  than  60  years  old, 
scarcely  contained  700  volumes,  and  those  were  in  a  very  shattered  con 
dition.  It  had  no  fund,  or  other  means  of  increase.  A  small  fee-  has, 
for  several  years,  been  imposed  upon  every  matriculate,  which  is  devoted 
to  the  library,  and  yields  from  $125  to  $150  per  annum.  The  College 
laws  provide  only  for  its  use  by  students  and  professors,  who  can  have 
access  any  day  for  consultation,  and  can  take  out  books  on  the  regular 
days  twice  a  week. 

GRAHAM  PHILANTHROPIC  SOCIETY  (WASHINGTON  COLLEGE). 

(1857.)     2500  vols. 

Founded  August  10,  1809.  The  receipts  during  1854  were  8125. 
About  8100  are  annually  expended  for  books.  The  library  is  open  to 
members  twenty  minutes  every  day,  except  Saturday  and  Sunday.  The 
Society  has  about  40  members. 

WASHINGTON  LITERARY  SOCIETY  (WASHINGTON  COLLEGE). 
(1857.)     1700  vols. 

Founded  in  1812. 


MADISON. 

LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1850.)     353  vols. 

Founded  January  1,  1842.  The  library  contains  853  volumes,  2 
manuscripts,  25  maps,  6  charts.  It  is  opened  once  a  week,  and  kept 
open  two  hours.  A  person  may  become  a  member  by  paying  81  per 
annum. 


PARKERSBURG. 

LITERARY  ASSOCIATION.     (1850.)     3GO  vols. 

Incorporated  January  11,  1844.  The  library  was  commenced  in  the 
autumn  of  that  year.  About  840  a  year  are  expended  for  books.  The 
library  is  open  every  week-day  during  business  hours.  Persons  entitled 
to  the  use  of  the  books  are  :  1.  Members  of  the  Association,  who  pay  83 


VIRGINIA.  485 

per  annum;  2.  Subscribers,  who  pay  62  per  annum;  3.  Apprentices, 
wards,  and  children  of  members  or  subscribers  (they  being  responsible), 
at  81  per  annum.  The  average  annual  issue  of  books  is  about  225. 
Non-subscribers  may  obtain  the  use  of  books  by  depositing  their  value. 


PETERSBURG. 

LIBRARY  OF  PETERSBURG.     (1857.)     4700  vols. 

"  The  establishment  of  a  public  library  in  Petersburg,  Virginia,  was 
reserved  for  the  prosperous  and  auspicious  year,  1853.  The  first  meet 
ing  called  for  the  promotion  of  this  object,  was  held  on  the  evening  of 
March  12th.  In  April,  a  constitution  and  by-laws  were  adopted,  and 
a  Board  of  Managers  elected.  During  the  same  month,  the  act  of  in 
corporation  was  obtained.  The  Board  of  Managers  met  for  the  first 
time,  in  May.  A  treasurer  and  librarian  were  shortly  after  appointed. 
A  hall  and  two  contiguous  rooms  were  leased  for  five  years.  In  June, 
20  newspapers  and  17  reviews  and  magazines  were  selected  for  the 
reading-room,  which  was  opened  early  in  July.  June  23d,  a  committee 
of  three  members  of  the  Board  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  list  of  books 
to  be  purchased  for  the  library.  July  28th,  the  committee  reported  a 
list.  The  library  hall  was  remodelled  and  fitted  up  with  galleries,  in 
which  the  books  were  to  be  deposited.  A  conversation-room  was  sub 
sequently  fitted  up  and  opened.  The  greater  portion  of  the  books  were 
purchased  from  Messrs.  D.  Appleton  &  Co.,  during  August  and  Sep 
tember.  The  library  was  formally  opened  on  the  evening  of  December 
4th,  1853,  when  an  introductory  address  was  delivered  by  Thomas  S. 
Gholson,  Esq.,  President  of  the  Board  of  Managers.  The  number  of 
members  was,  on  the.  8th  of  March,  1854,  the  time  of  the  first  annual 
meeting  of  the  Association,  840." — Catalogue. 

The  annual  dues  are  86;  life-membership,  S100.  The  receipts  during 
1854,  were  83200  ;  of  which  8600  were  expended  for  books  and  perio 
dicals.  During  1856,  the  receipts  were  82964  10;  expended  for  books, 
8250;  binding,  875;  periodicals,  8200;  salaries,  8500;  incidentals, 
8825.  The  library  is  open  every  day,  except  Sundays,  from  9  A.M.  to 
2  P.M.,  and  from  4£  to  10  P.M.  During  1854,  5300  volumes  were  lent 
to  300  persons.  During  1855,  6220  volumes  were  lent  to  350  persons. 
Works  of  fiction  and  travels  were  most  read. 


486  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

A  catalogue,  82  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  in  1854,  at  a  cost  of  f>250 
for  500  copies.  About  40  periodicals  are  regularly  received.  300 
volumes  are  added  yearly.  Annual  cost  of  support,  81850.  In  1853, 
$3406  were  expended  for  books;  since  then,  $250  have  been  appropri 
ated  every  year.  Salary  of  librarian,  $500  ;  assistant,  $100. 


PORTSMOUTH. 

VIRGINIA  MALE  AND  FEMALE  COLLEGIATE  INSTITUTE. 

(1857.)     1750  vols. 

About  250  volumes  are  added  yearly.     During  the  last  five  years, 
$1000  were  expended  for  books. 


RECTOR  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2500  vols. 

Chartered  by  the  Legislature,  in  1838.  It  was  opened  for  the  recep 
tion  of  students,  in  1839.  The  library  was  founded  in  1840.  It  is  a 
u  valuable  collection  of  more  than  2000  volumes,  containing  the  Latin 
and  Greek  classics,  a  choice  selection  of  works  of  modern  authors,  Eng 
lish,  French,  German,  Spanish,  &c.  In  the  departments  of  theology, 
anatomy,  mathematics,  history,  and  moral  science  and  law,  are  many 
standard  authors."  The  whole  library  was  collected  in  contributions 
from  a  great  number  of  clergymen,  officers  of  colleges  and  seminaries, 
and  individuals  in  the  New  England  States,  but  mostly  in  Massachu 
setts.  The  room  occupied  by  the  library  is  25£  feet  square,  in  the  third 
story  of  the  brick  building  erected  for  the  College  in  1838-'39.  The 
library  is  open  one  hour  a  week.  All  the  officers  and  students  are  enti 
tled  to  the  use  of  the  library;  the  latter  pay  50  cents  a  year  for  the  pri 
vilege.  Books  are  also  lent  to  persons  living  in  the  town  and  vicinity. 
Besides  the  College  library,  the  principal  has  a  private  library  of  1000 
volumes,  accessible  to  all  the  students. 


RICHMOND, 

RICHMOND  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     1500  vols. 
This  library,  founded  in  1843,  contains  1200  volumes,  a  few  maps, 


VIRGINIA.  487 

and  about  40  diagrams  for  illustrating  natural  philosophy.  The  library 
occupies  a  room,  12  by  18  feet,  in  the  College  building.  It  is  open 
once  a  week  for  half  an  hour,  and  frequently  at  other  times  by  request. 
Students  who  have  the  Gospel  ministry  in  view,  pay  nothing ;  other 
students  pay  $1  per  annum  for  the  use  of  the  books. 

The  Mu-SiGMA-Rno  SOCIETY  has  60  volumes  of  books  and  a  read 
ing-room,  with  6  periodicals,  accessible  by  paying  6i  cents  per  month. 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1855.)     13,000  vols. 

The  first  step  towards  founding  the  Library  was  in  an  Act,  passed  in 
1822-'23,  requiring  certain  books  to  be  sold,  and  the  proceeds  to  be 
applied  to  the  purchase  of  a  library  for  the  Court  of  Appeals,  General 
Court,  and  the  General  Assembly. 

The  library  is  governed  by  a  Library  Committee,  appointed  at  each 
session  of  the  General  Assembly.  The  receipts  during  1854  were 
$6059  50  ;  about  $2600  were  spent  for  books. 

A  catalogue,  prepared  by  P.  F.  Howard,  Esq.,  was  published  in  1855. 
An  effort  was  made  to  conform  to  the  system  proposed  by  Mr.  Jewett ; 
but  it  was  "  abandoned  as  impracticable/' 

The  books  in  the  library,  in  1855,  were  valued  at  §50,000 ;  whilst 
the  fund  for  its  increase  consists  first,  of  a  permanent  stock  for  sale  (of 
reports,  statutes,  &c.),  amounting  in  value  to  about  836,000.  This 
stock  is  considered  permanent,  because  it  is  increased  from  time  to  time, 
to  an  extent  at  least  equal  to  the  annual  sales,  which  are  about  $5000 ; 
the  whole  of  which  are  devoted  to  the  library.  The  cash  in  hand 
amounts  to  814,000. 

The  following  classification  of  books  was  adopted,  after  much  con 
sideration  : — 

Chapter  I.  Law :  containing  Reports,  Elementary  Treatises,  &c. 
II.   Statute  Law  and  Legislative  Documents. 

III.  Politics,  Public  Economy,  and  Statistics. 

IV.  Religion,  and  Moral  and  Mental  Philosophy. 
V.  History  and  Biography. 

VI.  Geography :  including  Voyages  and  Travels. 
VII.  Polite  Literature. 
VIII.  Philology,  Education,  Bibliography,  and  Criticism. 

IX.  Sciences  and  Arts :    containing  the  Physical   Sciences, 
Useful  Arts,  and  the  Fine  Arts. 


488  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

Chapter  X.  Agriculture  and  Rural  Affairs. 
XI.  Field-Sports,  &c. 
XII.  International  Exchanges :  Books  received  from  the  Agent. 

All  officers  of  the  Government,  and  members  of  the  General  Assem 
bly,  judges,  and  attorneys,  are  entitled  to  use  the  library.  It  is  open 
from  8  A.M.  to  3  P.M.,  from  April  to  October;  and  from  9  A.M.  to  3 
P.M.,  from  October  to  April. —  G.  W.  Munford. 

The  State  has  a  library  for  the  Court  of  Appeals  at  Lewisburg,  con 
sisting  entirely  of  law-books. 

VIRGINIA  HISTORICAL  AND  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY. 
(1857.)     2500  vols. 

Formed  29th  December,  1831.  The  General  Assembly,  by  an  act  of 
the  10th  of  March,  1834,  incorporated  the  Society,  and  by  resolution  of 
the  6th  of  February,  1835,  directed  to  be  presented  to  it  a  copy  of  the 
large  map  of  Virginia,  and  such  books  and  papers  belonging  to  the 
Library  Fund  as  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  may  designate.  A 
leading  object  of  the  Society  was  to  collect  and  preserve  books  and  papers, 
both  in  print  and  manuscript,  relating  to  the  history  of  America,  and 
especially  of  Virginia ;  to  make  its  library  a  repository  of  everything  of 
the  kind,  as  far  as  practicable. 

But  few  purchases  have  been  made.  The  library  is  kept  in  a  large 
room  in  the  law  building,  in  which  the  meetings  of  the  Society  are  also 
held.  It  is  open  for  consultation  daily  at  all  hours.  Members  of  the 
Society  can  introduce  others.  No  books  are  allowed  to  be  taken  from 
the  room.  Perhaps  100  different  persons  consult  the  collection  in  a 
year. 

The  private  library  of  Mr.  Maxwell,  lent  to  the  Society,  and  deposited 
in  their  rooms,  contains  about  1000  volumes. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     2170  vols. 

Founded  in  December,  1854.  Very  few  associations  in  the  country 
have  shown  greater  activity  and  been  more  useful  than  this.  It  has  a 
large  and  influential  membership,  whose  individual  and  collected  exer 
tions  must  produce  important  results  in  the  future  moral  character  of 
Richmond.  Its  rooms  are  pleasant  and  central,  and  much  frequented. 
They  are  well  supplied  with  the  leading  periodicals  of  the  day.  The 


VIRGINIA.  489 

library  is  rapidly  and  constantly  increasing.  About  300  volumes  are 
added  yearly.  During  the  last  five  years,  $250  were  expended  for  books. 

"During  the  year  1856,  this  Association  procured  comfortable  and 
commodious  rooms  in  Goddin's  Building,  where  they  have  a  fine  library, 
which  is  gradually  augmenting,  and  a  reading-room,  supplied  with 
papers  and  magazines,  both  of  a  religious  and  secular  character,  from 
different  sections  of  the  country.  Adjoining  these  is  a  large  hall, 
fitted  up  with  rostrum  and  other  appurtenances,  to  accommodate  the 
various  meetings  of  the  Association.  The  literary  society,  originated 
last  winter  under  the  patronage  of  the  Association,  has  been  reorganized 
this  fall  under  more  favorable  circumstances  than  before,  and  is  in  a 
flourishing  condition.  The  Bible  class  has  also  been  reorganized,  with 
promise  of  much  usefulness.  The  Sabbath  morning  sunrise  meeting  is 
still  kept  up,  and  it  is  gratifying  to  observe  an  unusual  interest  mani 
fested  in  the  meetings  of  the  Association,  which  are  much  better  at 
tended  than  ever  before.  A  new  feature  in  our  exercises,  the  delivery 
of  an  essay  by  some  member  of  the  Association,  at  each  regular  meeting, 
has  very  much  enhanced  their  attractiveness. 

"  An  effort  is  about  to  be  made  to  establish  weekly  social  meetings  at 
the  rooms  of  the  Association,  intended  to  promote  mutual  acquaintance 
among  the  members,  and  secure  a  better  general  attendance. 

11  The  Lecture  Committee  have  arrangements  in  progress  for  a  course 
of  lectures  during  the  winter,  by  distinguished  speakers.  The  Commit 
tee  on  Employment  keep  at  the  rooms  of  the  Association  a  book,  in 
charge  of  the  librarian,  in  which  young  men,  wanting  employment, 
register  their  names  and  terms. 

"The  Committee  on  Education  found  the  field  preoccupied;  on  the 
one  hand  by  the  Mechanics'  Institute,  which  sustains  a  large  and 
nourishing  night  school ;  and,  on  the  other,  by  the  different  religious 
denominations,  with  regard  to  mission  Sabbath  schools/' — Qr.  Rep., 
August,  1857. 


ROMNEY. 

LITERARY  SOCIETY.     (1850.)     1050  vols. 

'Founded  on  the  4th  of  February,  1819.  Incorporated  by  an  act  of 
the  General  Assembly  of  Virginia,  passed  January  3,  1823.  A  leading 
object  of  its  institution  was  the  purchase  of  a  library  of  valuable  stand- 


490  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

ard  authors,  by  the  annual  subscription  of  its  members,  an  object  which 
has  been  since  steadily  pursued.  By  the  liberality  of  the  Legislature 
(Acts  of  the  6th  of  January,  1832,  and  of  15th  of  February,  1844),  the 
Society,  having  then  become  possessed  of  considerable  means,  procured 
an  act  to  be  passed  on  the  12th  of  December,  1846,  conferring  upon  it 
authority  "  to  establish,  at  or  near  the  town  of  Romney,  a  seminary  of 
learning,  for  the  instruction  of  youth  in  the  various  branches  of  science 
and  literature."  Immediately  after  the  passage  of  this  last  act,  the 
"  Romney  Classical  Institute"  was  founded,  under  the  auspices  of  the 
Society,  and  is  in  a  very  prosperous  condition.  The  Society  has  an 
endowment  of  820,000,  and  possesses  a  permanent  fund  of  $12,000, 
yielding  $720  per  annum ;  one-half  of  which  is  devoted  to  the  support 
of  the  Romney  Classical  Institute,  and  the  remainder  to  the  purposes  of 
the  Literary  Society, — the  purchase  of  books,  philosophical  apparatus, 
&c.  In  1845,  a  handsome  brick  building  (two  stones  high,  main  build 
ing  54  feet  by  40,  with  a  wing  forming  a  convenient  residence  for  the 
principal  of  the  Institute)  was  built  by  the  Literary  Society,  for  its  own 
use,  and  for  an  academy.  The  building  and  grounds  cost  about  88000. 
The  upper  story  of  the  main  building  is  devoted  to  the  use  of  the  So 
ciety,  and  is  divided  into  two  rooms — a  hall  for  meetings,  and  a  library, 
The  meetings  of  the  Society  are  held  in  public,  semi-monthly,  for  the 
discussion  of  questions  literary,  moral,  &c. ;  and  lectures  on  various  sub 
jects  are  occasionally  delivered  before  it,  by  its  own  members  or  others, 
on  the  invitation  of  the  Society.  By  resolutions  of  the  Society,  the  use 
of  its  library  is  extended  to  ministers  of  the  Gospel  of  all  denominations 
gratis,  and  to  citizens  generally  on  the  same  terms  as  those  on  which  it 
is  enjoyed  by  its  own  members.  A  "  Catalogue  of  the  Members  and 
Library"  was  printed  at  Romney,  June  1,  1849  ;  16  pages  16uio.  There 
are,  at  present,  twenty  regular  members,  who  pay  |3  each  per  annum  to 
the  library  fund ;  and  eight  library  members,  admitted  under  certain 
regulations  of  the  Society,  and  paying  the  same  fees.  Persons  having 
the  use  of  the  library  are  furnished  with  keys,  and  may  enter  at  any 
time.  Clergymen  of  the  village,  or  vicinity,  and  the  principal  cf  the 
Institute,  are  the  only  persons  to  whom  the  privileges  of  the  library  have 
been  gratuitously  extended. 

SALEM, 

ROANOKE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2500  vols. 
Founded  in   1854.     The  receipts  during   1854  were  8700.      The 


VIRGINIA.  491 

books  are  arranged  by  size  at  present,  and  the  library  is  open  two  hours 
once  a  week.  The  character  of  the  works  in  the  library  is  more  valu 
able  than  the  number  of  volumes  would  indicate.  A  number  of  periodi 
cals  are  regularly  received.  500  volumes  are  added  yearly.  §600  have 
been  expended  for  books. 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY,  FAIRFAX  CO. 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY.     (1857.)     7000  vols. 

Founded  in  1823.  An  annual  appropriation  of  8110  is  made  for  the 
library.  The  yearly  expenses  are  about  $160.  The  books  are  arranged 
by  subjects.  The  library  is  open  every  day  from  2  to  3  P.M.  The 
assistant  librarian  receives  850  per  annum. 

This  library  contains  some  rare  and  scarce  books.  Among  others  may 
be  mentioned  the  Antwerp  Polyglot,  in  8  folio  volumes;  Barker's 
Bible,  first  edition,  1611;  Luther's  Theses,  and  Melancthon's  Loci,  in 
1521;  Luther's  Old  Testament,  with  wood-cuts,  1527;  Cicero,  1516; 
Fox's  Acts  and  Monuments,  original  folio  edition,  1575;  Migne's  Cours 
de  Patrologie,  200  volumes;  Bampton's  Lectures,  80  volumes;  Bibles 
in  90  different  languages,  published  and  presented  by  the  British  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society. — Rev.  J.  Packard. 

UNIVERSITY  OF  VIRGINIA. 

UNIVERSITY  OF  VIRGINIA.     (1857.)     16,982  vols. 

Founded  in  1825.  The  library  of  the  University  of  Virginia,  ori 
ginally  selected  and  arranged  by  Mr.  Jefferson,  has  since  been  aug 
mented  by  several  valuable  donations ;  among  which,  the  legacy  of  Mr. 
Madison,  amounting  to  587  volumes;  that  of  the  late  Christian  Bonn, 
Esq.,  a  generous  and  enlightened  citizen  of  Bichmond,  amounting  to 
3380  volumes ;  and  a  donation  of  234  works,  presented  by  an  unknown 
lady,  through  the  Rev.  Dr.  Alexander,  of  Princeton.  Through  such 
additions,  and  the  annual  increase  by  purchase,  the  library  now  numbers 
nearly  25,000  volumes  and  pamphlets,  comprising  an  unusually  large 
proportion  of  standard  literary  and  scientific  works  in  the  principal 
European  languages,  together  with  a  rich  and  extensive  collection  of 
engravings. 

Students  are  allowed  the  use  of  the  books,  under  the  usual  restric 
tions  ;  and  the  librarian  is  in  attendance  daily,  at  stated  hours,  to  give 
out  books,  and  to  receive  those  that  are  returned.  Strangers  can  con- 


492  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

suit  the  books,  but  not  take  them  away.  $5  of  the  matriculation  fee 
paid  by  each  student  is  set  apart  for  the  increase  of  the  library.  Re 
ceipts  during  1856,  $3497  87;  expenditures  for  books,  81577  09; 
binding,  830;  periodicals,  8154  50;  salary  of  librarian,  8450.  A  cata 
logue,  116  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  in  1828.  During  1856,  5199  volumes 
were  lent  to  645  persons.  In  1857,  there  were  16,982  volumes,  6134 
pamphlets,  3000  engravings.  About  250  volumes  are  added  yearly. 
Annual  cost  of  support,  8500.  During  the  last  five  years,  82743  81 
were  expended  for  books.  30  periodicals  are  taken. 


WILLIAMSBTJRG, 

COLLEGE  OF  WILLIAM  AND  MARY.     (1857.)     8000  vols. 

"  The  College  of  William  and  Mary — the  oldest,  except  Harvard 
University,  in  the  United  States — was  chartered  in  1693,  by  King  Wil 
liam  III  and  Queen  Mary,  who  gave  out  of  their  private  means  nearly 
£2000  sterling  towards  erecting  the  necessary  buildings.  This,  with 
20,000  acres  of  land,  the  office  of  Surveyor-General  (in  virtue  of  which 
one-sixth  of  the  fees  received  by  public  surveyors  in  the  colony,  and 
the  sole  power  of  appointing  them,  were  given),1  and  one  penny  a 
pound  on  all  tobacco  exported  from  Virginia  and  Maryland,  granted  in 
the  charter;  £2500  raised  by  subscription  in  the  Colony,  and  a  gift  of 
£200  from  the  House  of  Burgesses,  constituted  the  endowment  of  the 
College. 

"The  House  of  Burgesses,  in  1693,  laid  a  duty  on  all  skins  and  furs 
exported,  to  be  applied  to  the  current  expenses  of  the  College ;  and,  in 
1726,  on  liquors,  partly  for  the  same  purpose,  and  partly  for  f  founding 
scholarships/  In  the  year  1759,  a  grant  was  made  of  the  proceeds  of  a 
tax  on  peddlers.2 

"The  sum  of  £1000  was  appropriated,  in  1718,  by  the  House  of 
Burgesses,  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  and  educating  at  the  College 
( ingenious  young  men,  natives  of  this  Colony.'  '  Scholarships'  or 
'  foundations,'  were  also  endowed  in  the  first  half  of  the  18th  century, 
by  the  following  individuals  :  Col.  Hill,  of  Shirley,  and  Robert  Carter, 

1  Among  the    Surveyors  appointed  by   the  College  were   Zachary  Taylor,  of 
Orange,  grandfather  of  the  late  Gen.  Taylor,  and  George  Washington. 

2  The  annual  value  of  these  duties  before  the  Revolution,  was  about  £2300. 
In  177G,  they  did  not  exceed  £700. 


VIRGINIA.  493 

of  Corotoman,  who  together  gave  £200 ;  Mrs.  Bray,  widow  of  Captain 
Thomas  Bray,  of  New  Kent,  £200;  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Harrison,  of  Surry, 
£300;  the  Rev.  Dr.  James  Blair,  £500;  and  Philip  Lightfoot,  Esq., 
of  Sandy  Point,  £500.  Mrs.  Philarity  Giles,  of  the  Isle  of  Wight, 
left  in  her  will,  dated  1717,  her  reversionary  interest  in  from  300  to 
400  acres  of  land,  on  the  Black  Water,  in  the  same  County,  to  the 
'Royal  College  of  William  and  Mary/ 

"  These  are  the  only  donations  known  to  have  been  made  to  the  Col 
lege  before  the  Revolution,  a  gilt  cup  and  Bible  presented  by  Lady 
Gooch,  of  England ;  a  portrait  of  the  Hon.  Robert  Boyle,  the  gift  of 
•  his  brother,  the  Earl  of  Burlington;  and  some  additions  to  the  library,1 
made  principally  by  Dr.  Blair,  being  excepted.  After  the  Revolution', 
the  General  Assembly  gave  to  William  and  Mary  College,  the  palace 
lands  and  the  houses  on  them;  a  tract  of  land  near  Williamsburg 
(known  as  'The  Vineyard'),  and  a  few  acres  not  far  from  Jamestown. 

"  But  little  is  known  of  the  history  of  the  institution  previous  to  the 
Revolution.  The  records  of  the  proceedings  of  the  faculty  are  still 
extant,  extending  from  1729  to  1783,  and  from  1790  to  the  present 
time.  The  early  records  are  very  meagre,  relating  mostly  to  pecuniary 
transactions. 

"  The  site  was  purchased  in  1693,  and  the  foundation  of  the  build 
ing  laid  shortly  afterwards.  The  building,  designed  to  be  an  entire 
square  when  completed,  was  unfinished  in  1700 — two  sides  having  been 
built.  From  this  time,  the  House  of  Burgesses,  in  which  the  College 
was  allowed  a  representative,  held  its  sessions  in  it  till  1705,  when, 
together  with  the  library  and  philosophical  apparatus,  it  was  destroyed 
by  fire.2  Measures  were  immediately  taken  to  rebuild  it;  but,  owing 
to  the  want  of  available  means  and  the  scarcity  of  workmen,  the  present 
building  was  not  finished  till  1723. 

"  The  first  president  was  Dr.  James  Blair,  a  native  of  Scotland,  and 
an  Episcopal  clergyman,  who,  at  the  instance  of  the  Bishop  of  London, 
came  to  Virginia  as  a  missionary,  in  1685.  In  1689,  he  was  appointed 
commissary,  or  representative  of  the  Bishop  of  the  Colony.  He  revived 
the  project  of  establishing  a  College,  entertained  as  early  as  1620,  but 
defeated  by  the  Indian  massacre  of  1622.3  This  gentleman  may,  with 

1  A  few  books  were  presented  by  Governors  Spotswood  and  Dinwiddie. 

2  The  first  building  stood  about  200  feet  in  rear  of  the  present. 

3  As  early  as  10 19,  £1500  were  raised  in  England,  by  virtue  of  letters  issued  by 
the  King  to  the  Bishops,  for  founding  a  College  in  Virginia,  to  educate  and  train 


494  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

justice,  be  termed  the  founder  of  William  and  Mary  College,  his  active 
exertions,  both  in  this  country  and  in  England,  contributing  most  largely 
to  its  success.  He  died  in  1743,  having  filled  the  office  of  president 
for  half  a  century. 

"  Previous  to  the  Revolution,  the  College  consisted  of  a  divinity 
school ;  a  school  of  philosophy,  in  which  natural  philosophy  and  mathe 
matics  were  taught ;  a  grammar  school  for  instruction  in  the  ancient  lan 
guages  ;  and  an  Indian  school,  supported  by  the  proceeds  of  a  fund  left 
by  the  Hon.  Robert  Boyle,1  for  the  '  diffusion  of  Christianity  among  the 
infidel/  in  which  were,  yearly,  maintained  and  educated,  from  the  early 
part  of  the  18th  century  until  1776,  from  8  to  10  Indians.  The  trus 
tees  of  this  fund  purchased  with  it  a  landed  estate  in  England,  known 
as  Brafferton  Manor,  the  rents  of  which  were,  with  the  exception  of 
£90,  paid  annually  to  the  '  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  New 
England  and  Parts  Adjacent/  expended  in  support  of  the  school.2 

"  After  the  war,  the  organization  of  the  College  was  changed.  The 
divinity  school  was  superseded  by  the  law  school ;  the  Indian  school  was 
abandoned,  the  funds  by  which  it  was  sustained  having  been  diverted 
by  the  English  courts  of  law  into  a  different  channel ;  and  the  grammar 
school,  at  a  later  period,  gave  place  to  the  professorship  of  ancient  lan 
guages  in  the  College. 

"The  number  of  students  in  1703  was  about  30.  From  that  time  to 
the  Revolution,  the  average  number  was  not  much  below  60.  Of  this 

Indians.  During  this  year,  it  was  "moved  and  obtained,"  by  Sir  Edwin  Sandys, 
President  and  Governor  of  the  Company  in  England,  "that  10,000  acres  be  laid 
off  for  the  University  at  Henrico,"  intended  not  only  for  the  Indian  College,  but 
also  to  "  lay  the  foundation  of  a  Seminary  of  learning  for  the  English,"  and  that 
100  men  be  sent  from  England,  as  tenants  for  the  land.  Out  of  the  rents,  which 
it  was  supposed  would  be  worth  £500  a  year,  the  buildings  were  to  be  erected, 
and  the  masters  supported.  Mr.  George  Thorpe,  a  gentleman  of  His  Majesty's 
Privy  Chamber,  came  over  to  be  Superintendent  of  the  College.  In  1021,  a  sub 
scription  of  £155  was  obtained,  and  2000  acres  of  land  with  five  servants  and  an 
overseer,  were  allotted  by  the  Company,  to  endow,  at  Charles  City,  a  collegiate 
school,  termed  the  "  East  India  School,"  where  scholars  were  to  be  prepared 
for  admittance  into  the  College  at  Henrico.  On  the  22d  of  March,  1022,  Mr. 
Thorpe  and  340  of  the  colonists,  including  a  number  of  the  College  tenants, 
were  killed  by  the  Indians.  This  caused  the  lands  to  be  abandoned,  and  the 
establishment  of  a  College  to  be  delayed  until  William  and  Mary  College  was 
chartered. — Smith's  History  of  Virginia. 

1  Mr.  Boyle  died  in  1091. 

2  These  rents  were  worth  about  £370  sterling  a  year. 


VIRGINIA.  495 

number,  from  10  to  15,jWere  received  on  the  scholarships  or  foundations. 
There  were  more  than  70  students  at  the  beginning  of  the  war  of  the 
Revolution.1  Near  the  close  of  the  war,  3  of  the  professors,  and  more 
than  80  students,  joined  the  army.  Among  the  latter  was  James  Mon 
roe,  afterwards  President  of  the  United  States. 

"  In  1781,  the  exercises  of  the  College  were  suspended,  and  the  build 
ings  were  alternately  occupied  by  the  British  and  American  troops,  the 
summer  before  the  memorable  siege  of  Yorktown.  While  occupied  by 
the  French  troops,  the  College  was  injured,  and  the  president's  house 
destroyed  by  fire.  The  latter  was  subsequently  rebuilt  at  the  expense 
of  the  French  Government.  How  long  the  College  was  closed,  does  not 
appear  from  the  records;  probably  not  more  than  one  year.  In  1790; 
there  was  a  respectable  number  of  students. 

"  It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  the  College  records  are  so  imperfect 
a  full  list  of  alumni  cannot  be  made  out.  Incomplete  as  it  is,  it  contains 
such  names  as  Theodoric  Bland,  Peyton  Randolph,  Carter  Braxton, 
George  Wythc,  Thomas  Jefferson,  John  Page,  Edmund  Randolph,  James 
Monroe,  John  Marshall,  James  Barbour,  Philip  P.  Barbour,  William 
B.  Giles,  Benjamin  Watkins  Leigh,  Chapman  Johnson,  John  Randolph 
of  Roanoke,  Spencer  Roane,  Littleton  W.  Tazewell,  William  C.  Rives, 
John  J.  Crittenden,  William  S.  Archer,  John  Nelson,  John  Tyler,  and 
Winfield  Scott,  among  the  most  distinguished  in  American  history. 

"The  College,  as  now  organized,  contains  a  department  of  law;  of 
moral  and  intellectual  philosophy  and  belles-lettres ;  of  history  and  poli 
tical  economy ;  of  natural  philosophy  and  chemistry ;  of  mathematics ; 
and  of  ancient  and  modern  languages. 

"Within  the  last  few  years,  large  additions  have  been  made  to  the 
philosophical  and  chemical  apparatus ;  both  of  which  are  now  amply  suffi 
cient  for  all  the  purposes  of  instruction  in  these  sciences/' — Catalogue. 

"The  City  of  Williamsburg  is  the  oldest  incorporated  town  in  Vir 
ginia,  and  is  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  ruins  of  Jamestown.  It 
is  built  on  both  sides  of  a  wide  street,  and  is  a  town  given  over  to  great 
repose  and  tranquillity,  except  when  the  collegians  have  ventured  to  pro 
fane  the  quiet.  From  1698  to  1779,  Williamsburg  was  the  State  capi 
tal.  At  one  end  of  the  long  street  were  the  College  buildings ;  and,  at 
the  other,  was  the  State  House,  which  was  destroyed  by  fire  many  years 
ago.  A  tall,  gaunt  corner  wall,  is  the  only  remaining  monument  of  an 

1  The  parent  society  of  the  PHI  BETA  KAPPA  was  organized  at  William  and 
Mary  College  as  early  as  177G. 


496  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

edifice  so  distinguished  in  the  annals  of  Virginia.*  There  Patrick  Henry 
thundered  out  his  revolutionary  utterance,  'If  this  be  treason,  make  the 
most  of  it;'  and  there  the  youthful  Washington  made  his  report  of  the 
expedition  to  the  far  west  of  the  province,  when  the  worthy  speaker, 
observing  his  modest  manner,  exclaimed,  l  Sit  down,  Mr.  Washington  • 
your  modesty  is  equal  to  your  merit,  and  both  surpass  the  power  of  any 
language  that  I  possess/  Brave  and  glorious  old  traditions  cluster 
around  this  monumental  ruin. 

"Years  ago,  in  the  golden  days  of  old  Virginia  aristocracy,  Williams- 
burg  was  the  central  point  where  the  culture  and  elegance  of  the  pro 
vince  gathered  about  the  residence  of  the  Governor,  who,  as  the  repre 
sentative  of  royalty,  was  next  only  to  the  throne  itself.  Turning  to  one 
side  from  the  broad  street  of  Williamsburg,  you  may  see  the  ruins  of 
Lord  Dunmore's  palace  and  its  adjacent  offices,  destroyed  by  fire  a  few 
days  after  the  battle  of  Yorktown,  when  French  troops,  under  continen 
tal  supervision,  were  quartered  there.  Mayhap,  there  was  wild  revelry 
after  the  surrender  of  Lord  Cornwallis,  and  the  final  overthrow  of  British 
power  in  this  land;  and  it  is  no  wonder  that,  in  the  general  joy,  some 
carelessness  in  regard  to  this  public  property  might  have  been  mani 
fested.  Not  distant  from  the  palace  is  the  old  magazine,  memorable  in 
ante-revolutionary  days  for  certain  high-handed  acts  of  the  royal  autho 
rities,  which  threw  all  Virginia  into  a  ferment,  and  sent  a  sympathetic 
thrill  to  colonies  much  farther  north.  The  quaint  old  magazine  is,  or 
was,  a  few  years  ago,  tenanted  by  a  worshipping  congregation  of  colored 
people,  whose  fervid  prayers  had  utterly  expelled  all  trace  and  smell  of 
sulphur  from  the  building.  On  the  main  street  stands  the  old  hotel, 
with  the  portrait  of  llaleigh  on  its  creaking  sign ;  and,  scattered  about, 
are  the  residences  of  the  citizens,  many  of  them  built  '  before  the  war/ 
and  all  as  antique  and  solemn  as  the  very  atmosphere  of  the  town  would 
demand. 

"  The  College  was  a  pile  of  brick  buildings,  with  a  front  of  136  feet, 
and  standing  in  a  large  park.  The  original  model  was  designed  by  Sir 
Christopher  Wren,  and  the  edifice  was  finished  under  the  reign  of  Go 
vernor  Spotswood.  In  the  centre  of  the  walk,  to  the  front  of  the  Col 
lege,  stands  the  statue  of  Lord  Botetourt,  an  old  Governor  of  Virginia. 
Some  rude  boy  broke  an  arm  from  the  statue  years  ago  in  the  gymnastic 
exercise  of  throwing  a  cannon  ball  at  it ;  but,  though  somewhat  muti 
lated,  and  much  worn  by  the  weather,  the  figure  bears  marks  of  its  ori 
ginal  excellence.  Various  rooms  in  the  College  were  adorned  with 
tablets  and  inscriptions  in  honor  of  the  buried  past ;  and  the  library, 


VIRGINIA.  497 

now  destroyed,  contained  many  volumes  presented  by  Dinwiddie,  Spots- 
wood,  and  others  once  notable  men,  and  gifts  from  colonial  assemblies, 
possessing  rare  interest  to  the  lover  of  old  books.  On  the  fly  leaves 
were  the  autographs  of  many  of  the  most  eminent  men  in  our  country. 

"  From  the  ancient  minutes  of  the  College  the  following  is  copied  : — 

"  'June  26,  1761. — Resolved,  That  Mrs.  Foster  be  appointed  stock!  ny 
mender  in  the  College;  and  that  she  be  paid  annually  the  sum  of  £12, 
provided  she  furnishes  herself  with  lodging,  diet,  lire,  and  candles. 

"  'May  3,  1771. — Resolved,  unanimously,  That  a  negro  woman,  be 
longing  to  his  late  Excellency's  (Lord  Botetourt)  estate,  be  purchased 
for  the  use  of  the  College,  if  to  be  had  at  a  moderate  price.' ;; — Rich 
mond  paper. 

It  is  not  known,  with  certainty,  when  the  library  was  commenced ; 
but  Commissary  James  Blair,  D.I).,  was  sent  out  from  England  with 
the  charter.  He  imported  a  considerable  library,  which,  on  his  death, 
was  left  to  the  College.  Many  books  were  presented  by  Sir  Alexander 
Spotswood,  Robert  Dinwiddie,  and  the  General  Assembly  of  Virginia, 
Louis  XVI,  of  France,  also  presented  the  celebrated  Cyclopaedia,  and  a 
number  of  quarto  volumes  on  natural  history,  splendidly  bound  and 
illustrated.  President  Jefferson,  and  the  lion.  Robert  Boyle,  of  Ire 
land,  were  also  among  the  donors. 

The  library  proper  of  the  College  contains  8000  volumes,  arranged 
under  28  distinct  heads,  or  subjects,  by  Dr.  John  Millington.  There  is 
also  a  copious  and  well-selected  law  library  of  over  1000  volumes,  kept 
in  a  separate  apartment,  under  the  care  of  the  professor  of  law.  Both 
libraries  are  supported  by  a  fee  of  $5,  which  every  student  is  required 
to  pay  at  the  time  of  his  entering  College.  There  is  no  printed  cata 
logue.  The  library  is  richly  stored  with  biblical  lore,  and  contains  many 
fine  editions  of  the  older  works  on  theology,  and  a  great  number  of  vo 
lumes  of  sermons.  It  possesses  two  good  old  pictures  of  heads  of  Com 
missary  Blair  at  different  ages,  and  one  of  his  lady;  also  likenesses  of 
Hon.  Robert  Boyle,  and  Thomas  R.  Dawlate,  President  of  the  College. 

(Part  of  the  above  information  was  furnished  by  Dr.  John  Milling- 
ton,  formerly  librarian.) 

Receipts,  during  1854,  §270  50;  expended  for  periodicals,  $25; 
salaries,  850.  The  library  is  open  once  a  week  for  two  hours.  During 
1856,  800  volumes  were  lent  to  100  persons.  6000  volumes  are  in 
English,  822  French,  16  German,  2  Spanish,  21  other  modern  lan- 

32 


498  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

guages,  934  Latin,  218  Greek,  15  Hebrew,  3  Oriental,  2  Indian,  1 
Anglo-Saxon.    8  periodicals  are  taken.1 


WISCONSIN. 


APPLETOK 

LAWRENCE  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     3500  vols. 

Founded  in  1851.  A  respectable  library  is  connected  with  the  insti 
tution,  to  which  the  students  have  access  by  paying  SI  50  a  year.  By 
the  income  of  the  bequest  of  810,000,  from  the  estate  of  the  late  Samuel 
Appleton,  Esq.,  of  Boston,  large  additions  are  annually  made.  During 
1855,  1000  volumes  were  added.  A  catalogue  was  published  in  1855, 
43  pages  12mo.,  cost  850  for  500  copies.  A  reading-room,  containing 
many  of  the  valuable  and  popular  periodicals  of  the  day,  is  also  attached 
to  the  library,  and  without  additional  charge.  500  volumes  were  lent 
during  1856,  to  300  persons.  300  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During 
five  years,  81000  were  expended  for  books. 

A  valuable  set  of  philosophical  and  astronomical  instruments  has 
recently,  at  a,  large  expenditure,  been  added  to  the  institution.  The 
entire  apparatus  is,  it  is  believed,  as  complete  and  useful  for  the  pur 
poses  intended,  as  that  of  any  similar  institution  at  the  West. 


BELOIT. 

BELOIT  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     2-191  vols. 

Commenced  in  1848.  An  annual  tax  of  75  cents  is  charged  the 
students  for  the  use  of  the  library.  It  is  open  half  an  hour  once  a 
week.  During  1854,  830  volumes  were  lent  to  57  students.  There  is 

O  * 

a  collection  of  3000  specimens  of  mineralogy  and  geology,  300  shells, 
and  2000  plants.  About  219  volumes  are  added  yearly.  During  the 
last  five  years  $330  were  expended  for  books.  There  are  two  Society 
libraries,  having,  together,  700  volumes. 

1  The  building  and  library  were  destroyed  by  lire  February,  1S50. 


WISCONSIN.  499 


DELAFIELD. 

NASHOTAII  HOUSE  (Nashotah  Lakes,  Summit,  Waukesha  County). 
(1857.)     2700  vols. 

This  is  the  legal  name  of  what  is  the  Nashotah  Theological  Seminary 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church.  It  was  chartered  in  1847.  Its 
object  is  to  supply  the  Western  missionary  field  with  missionaries  pre 
pared  in  the  West,  amid  its  peculiar  trials  and  hardships.  The  ALUMNI 
number  27.  Five  clergymen  are  associated  together  in  the  Mission, 
who,  by  the  assistance  of  three  candidates,  give  every  student  two 
recitations  daily,  and  the  larger  number  three. 

During  1854,  the  receipts  for  the  library  were  $300.  From  150  to 
300  volumes  are  added  yearly.  1600  volumes  were  taken  out  in  1854, 
by  36  persons.  The  books  are  arranged  by  size  and  convenience.  A 
number  of  periodicals  are  received.  There  is  an  excellent  collection  of 
minerals. 


DELAVAN. 

INSTITUTION  FOR  THE  DEAF  AND  DUMB. 

A  commencement  has  been  made  of  a  library.     The  Principal,  L.  II. 
Jenkins,  strongly  urges  its  importance,  in  his  Keport  for  1854. 


MADISOH. 

STATE  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  OF  WISCONSIN. 
(1857.)     3500  vols. 

Founded  January  30,  1849.  The  organization  of  the  Society  was 
first  suggested  and  urged  by  Chauncey  C.  Britt,  Esq.,  in  the  "Mineral 
Point  Democrat,"  of  October  22d,  1845 ;  but  no  definite  steps  were 
taken  to  effect  the  object,  until  January  30th,  1849.  An  act  of  incor 
poration  was  obtained  in  March,  1853 ;  and  in  January,  1854,  the 
Society  was  reorganized,  with  a  view  to  more  efficiency. 

The  Society  is  mainly  supported  by  an  annual  appropriation  of  $1000, 
and  the  salary  of  S1000  to  the  Corresponding  Secretary.  The  members 
pay  an  annual  fee  of  82.  The  library  is  for  reference  only,  and  the 


500  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

books  are  arranged  by  subjects.  It  is  open  daily  during  the  session  of 
the  Legislature.  About  80  periodicals  and  papers  are  regularly  received 
and  preserved.  Among  the  volumes  in  the  library  are  some  very  valu 
able  and  rare  works,  and  great  attention  has  been  paid  to  securing  those 
relating  to  the  early  history  of  the  Northwest.  The  volumes  of  bound 
newspapers  are  very  valuable.  Portraits  of  many  of  the  pioneers  have 
been  procured,  and  the  cabinet  of  historical  curiosities  is  large.  The 
following  extract  from  a  circular,  issued  by  the  Society  in  1855,  will 
show  its  character  and  purposes  : — 

"Let  us  commence  with  becoming  zeal  and  energy,  in  the  very  in 
fancy  of  our  State,  to  collect  and  sacredly  preserve  whatever  may  tend 
to  elucidate  its  history  and  progress.  Much  can  be  secured  now,  that 
would  be  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  secure  a  quarter  or  half  a  cen 
tury  hence.  <I  have/  says  Gen.  Cass,  in  a  recent  communication  to 
the  Society,  'I  have  visited  Wisconsin  many  times  indeed,  when  in  a 
state  of  nature,  and  when  no  man  could  have  conjectured  that  its  advance 
would  be  so  rapid  and  wonderful/  Rapid  and  wonderful  truly  has  been 
its  past  career.  Its  population,  having  increased  from  3245  in  1830  to 
30,9-45  in  1840,  rose  to  over  305,000  in  1850;  showing  an  increase 
in  the  latter  decade,  of  890  per  cent. ;  and  it  may  now  be  safely  esti 
mated  at  more  than  half  a  million — exhibiting  a  rapidity  of  advance 
altogether  unprecedented,  even  in  the  marvellous  growth  of  the  mighty 
West.  This  very  advance,  in  all  the  elements  of  greatness,  which  will 
still  continue,  we  believe,  at  an  accelerating  pace,  admonishes  us  to 
secure  what  relates  to  the  rapidly  retreating  past;  to  preserve  a  faithful 
record  of  passing  events,  and  to  keep  alive  the  memory  of  the  meri 
torious  men  who  have  contributed,  or  may  hereafter  contribute  to  mould 
the  rising  destinies  of  Wisconsin." 

By  the  report,  January,  1857,  it  appears  that  the  receipts  of  the  past 
year  have  been  §1206  30,  and  the  expenditures  $1130  73 ;  leaving  a 
balance  in  the  treasury  of  $G9  57.  There  are  3300  pamphlets;  a  large 
number  of  maps,  engravings,  autographs,  and  curiosities — an  increase  of 
eleven  oil  paintings;  making  the  total  number  now  in  the  gallery  33. 
The  past  year  has  been  one  of  continued  prosperity  to  the  Society. 
During  the  last  three  years,  $1205  30  were  expended  for  books. 

"  It  is  worthy  of  notice  that  this  Society  has  been  fostered  and  sus 
tained  by  the  State.  The  State  has  passed  permanent  acts  for  the 
following  objects  relating  to  the  Society  : — 

"  1.  Granting  81000  annually  for  the  purchase  of  books,  binding,  &c. 


WISCONSIN.  501 

"2.  Granting  an  annual  salary  of  81000  for  the  services  of  the  Corre 
sponding  Secretary,  who  not  only  attends  to  the  correspondence,  but  is 
practically  the  librarian,  and  editor  of  the  Society's  publications. 

"3.  Granting  the  Society  30  bound  copies  annually  of  all  State  publica 
tions  for  exchange  purposes;  and  50  copies  annually  to  Mr.  Yattemare, 
to  be  transmitted  to  him,  through  the  medium  of  the  Society,  and  at 
the  expense  of  the  State.  The  return  exchanges  from  him  to  be  for  the 
benefit  of  the  State  Library  and  State  Historical  Society.  A  special 
grant  of  250  copies  of  W.  11.  Smith's  Documentary  History  of  Wiscon 
sin,  published  by  the  State,  has  been  also  made. 

"  4.  The  State  pays  the  postage  of  the  Society,  and  grants  it  all  dupli 
cate  historical  and  miscellaneous  works  now  or  hereafter  in  the  State 
Library. 

"  5.  The  State  publishes  the  Society's  annual  report  and  collections. — 
Lyman  0.  Draper.7' 

11  The  report  of  the  State  Historical  Society  exhibits  a  very  favorable 
condition  of  its  affairs.  The  number  of  volumes  in  the  library  has  been 
increased  from  50  in  1854,  to  2115  in  1856,  and  to  3120  on  the  first  day 
of  January,  1857 ;  besides  a  large  number  of  maps  and  engravings,  and 
a  fine  collection  of  oil  paintings,  chiefly  portraits  of  early  pioneers  and 
prominent  men,  together  with  many  valuable  memorials  of  our  early 
history.  The  Society  is  already,  in  the  extent  and  value  of  its  acquisi 
tions,  superior  to  any  west  of  the  Alleghanies;  it  is  a  worthy  object  of 
State  pride;  and  the  suggestion  of  the  report,  in  relation  to  some  provi 
sion  for  the  publication  of  its  transactions  in  a  more  creditable  and  per 
manent  form,  merits  your  consideration."— Extract  from  Gov.  Sashford's 
Annual  Message  to  the  Legislature  of  Wisconsin,  January  15,  1857. 


MADISON. 

STATE  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     7000  vols. 

Founded  in  1836.  The  sum  of  $5000  was  appropriated  by  Congress 
in  1836  for  the  purchase  of  books  for  the  Territorial,  now  the  State 
Library.  The  library  is  placed  in  a  room  of  the  capitol,  measuring  18 
feet  by  42.  Books  are  lent  out  to  the  members  of  the  Legislature, 
judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  the  State  officers,  to  be  returned  in 
six  days.  About  5000  persons  consult  the  library  yearly.  It  is  open 
during  the  sessions  of  the  Legislature  and  Supreme  Court,  from  9  A.M. 


502  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

to  8  P.M.  Privileged  persons  can  always  have  access  to  the  books.  In 
February,  1854,  an  act  was  passed  appropriating  82000  for  the  purchase 
of  law  books,  and  $1000  for  those  of  a  miscellaneous  character.  The 
librarian  receives  81000  salary. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  WISCONSIN.     (1857.)     3000  vols. 

By  the  action  of  the  Legislature,  72  sections  of  wild  land,  granted  by 
Congress  to  the  State,  were  located  for  the  benefit  of  the  University. 
When  all  the  lands  shall  have  been  sold,  the  capital  fund  of  the  Uni 
versity,  derived  from  this  source,  will  be  8175,000.  It  is  believed  the 
permanent  productive  fund  will  be  8300,000.  In  1854,  the  income 
was  810,733  90.  Up  to  1856,  820,000  had  been  expended  on  the 
building.  In  1854,  there  were  1003  volumes,  of  which  only  450  were 
miscellaneous  books,  and  all  had  been  received  by  donation.  A  lite 
rary  society  has  several  hundred  volumes. 


MILWAUKEE, 

MILWAUKIE  FEMALE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     487  vols. 

Founded  in  1850.  8800  have  been  expended  for  books.  About  80 
volumes  are  added  annually. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     4000  vols. 

Organized  in  1848.  Incorporated  in  1852.  The  receipts  during 
1854  were  81288  54,  and  expenditures  81148  36.  Receipts,  1856, 
82380  19;  expenditures,  82303  42.  The  initiation  fee  is  81,  and 
annual  subscription  82.  Life  membership  825.  The  library  is  open 
every  day  and  evening.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  April,  1855,  92 
pages,  at  a  cost  of  8100  for  500  copies;  a  supplement  in  1857,  28  pages 
8vo.  The  yearly  increase  of  volumes  is  about  400.  The  librarian  re 
ceives  a  salary  of  8300.  During  the  last  five  years,  81800  were  expended 
for  books.  During  1854,  6000  volumes  were  lent  to  232  persons. 


WISCONSIN.  503 

PLATTEVILLE. 

PLATTEVILLE  ACADEMY.     (1855.)     1045  vols. 

Founded  in  1845.  The  library  is  open  one  hour  every  Monday  and 
Thursday,  for  the  use  of  the  students  and  teachers.  92  volumes  were 
lent,  during  1854,  to  60  persons.  By  the  munificent  bequest  of  the 
late  Hon.  B.  C.  Eastman,  the  Academy  comes  into  possession  of  his 
valuable  library. 

RACINE. 

RACINE  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     1450  vols. 

"  Founded  by  the  citizens  of  Racine,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Pro 
testant  Episcopal  Church,  and  at  the  instance  of  the  Convention  of  the 
Diocese  of  Wisconsin,  which  met  in  Milwaukic,  June  llth,  1851,  acting 
through  its  committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  Azel  D.  Cole,  D.D.,  Gen.  Philo 
"White,  and  Mr.  Jacob  Morrison.  It  was  incorporated,  with  full  colle 
giate  powers  and  privileges,  by  the  Legislature  of  Wisconsin,  March  3d, 
1852 ;  and  the  corner-stone  of  the  present  College  edifice  was  laid  on 
the  5th  of  May  following,  when  an  eloquent  and  appropriate  address  was 
delivered  J)y  the  Rev.  Joseph  II.  Nichols,  A.M.,  Hector  of  St.  Luke's 
Church,  Racine.  The  College  exercises  were  commenced  with  nine  stu 
dents,  on  the  15th  of  November,  1852.  Including  the  bell,  and  recent 
improvements,  the  total  cost  of  the  College  building  and  its  furniture, 
to  the  present  time,  has  been  810,143,  besides  the  library  and  apparatus. 
The  officers  and  students,  and  the  citizens  of  Racine  can  use  the  library/' 
About  700  volumes  were  lent,  during  1854,  to  75  persons.  The  re 
ceipts,  during  1854;  were  875 ;  and  expenditures,  for  books  and  bind 
ing,  $69.  During  1855,  195  volumes  were  added,  and  this  is  about  the 
annual  increase.  The  students  are  charged  82  for  the  use  of  the  library, 
attendance  on  lectures,  &c. 

PHILOMATIIEAN  SOCIETY  (RACINE  COLLEGE). 
This  Society  has  commenced  collecting  a  library. 


504  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

WAUKESHA. 

CARROLL  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     1200  vols. 

"  Carroll  College  was  chartered  by  the  territorial  Legislature  of  Wis 
consin,  and  the  act  of  incorporation  approved  on  the  81st  of  January, 
1846. 

"Owing  to  a  variety  of  causes,  nothing  more  was  accomplished  to 
wards  its  organization  than  the  perpetuity  of  its  chartered  privileges, 
until  within  the  past  few  years.  It  has  now  a  beautiful  and  commodious 
stone  edifice,  adapted  to  all  the  purposes  of  instruction,  and  is  in  the 
successful  prosecution  of  the  ends  for  which  it  was  established. 

"It  was  judged  wise,  in  the  founding  of  the  Institution,  to  reject  the 
old  plan  of  building  rooms  for  the  accommodation  of  students  on  the 
College  grounds.  Under  the  old  system,  a  great  number  of  students 
being  thrown  together  in  the  same  building,  they  were  subjected  to 
unnecessary  and  unusual  temptations  to  idleness,  to  the  violation  of  the 
numerous  rules  which  such  an  unnatural  condition  of  things  made  neces 
sary,  to  the  formation  of  bad  habits,  and  to  all  those  lesser  vices  to  which 
young  men,  and  especially  students,  are  so  peculiarly  liable.  While  the 
disadvantages  connected  with  the  dormitory  system,  therefore,  are  so 
great,  not  only  in  the  respects  named,  but  in  others  of  equal  importance, 
its  advantages  are  of  so  little  moment  that  all  our  best  educationists  have 
rejected  it  altogether." — Catalogue. 


PHILOMATHEAN  SOCIETY  (CARROLL  COLLEGE). 

(1857).     100  vols. 

Organized  in  1855,  by  the  students,  for  the  purposes  of  debate  and 
general  literary  culture.  It  has  a  library  commenced,  and  publishes  a 
monthly  journal,  "  The  Carroll  College  Student,"  The  objects  of  the 
Society  are  earnestly  approved  by  the  faculty. 


WAUPUN. 

STATE  PRISON.     (1855.)     500  vols. 

A.  W.  Starks  states  that,  when  he  entered  on  his  duties  as  Commis 
sioner  of  the  Prison,  "  its  library  was  altogether  inadequate  to  the  wants 
of  the  prisoners."  He  added  890  worth  of  books. — December,  1854. 


DISTRICT    OF    COLUMBIA.  505 


DISTRICT  OF  COLUMBIA. 


GEORGETOWN. 

GEORGETOWN  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     20,000  vols. 

Founded  in  1792.  The  College  possesses  a  select  library  of  26,000 
volumes,  amongst  which  there  are  many  very  curious  and  rare  works. 
In  the  library  there  are  100  volumes  printed  between  the  years  1460 
and  1520.  There  are  three  manuscripts  written  before  the  year  1400, 
and  one  written  in  1620. 

The  College  library  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  in  the  country,  par 
ticularly  in  theology  and  the  classics.  It  contains  a  complete  set  of  the 
Acta  Sanctorum,  the  Church  Fathers  in  the  Benedictine  editions,  and 
many  works  of  great  value  and  rarity,  at  least  in  this  country. 

The  library  is  kept  in  a  room  33  £  by  26  feet,  most  tastefully  arranged 
with  shelves  of  Brazilian  wood,  birds' -eye  maple,  curled  maple,  &c.,  the 
work  of  one  of  the  members  of  the  institution.  There  is  also  an  octa 
gonal  room  for  state  papers,  journals,  &c.  No  catalogue  has  been  pub 
lished.  The  books  are  arranged  according  to  subjects.  Only  the  faculty 
and  students  of  the  higher  branches  are  entitled  to  take  books  from  the 
library,  and  the  person  borrowing  the  book  is  strictly  prohibited  from 
lending  it  to  any  person,  even  in  the  College.  Books  are  very  seldom 
lent  out  of  the  College ;  owing  to  the  loss  of  several  works,  great  cau 
tion  is  exercised  in  lending.  7000  volumes  are  in  English,  10,000  in 
French,  Spanish,  and  other  modern  languages,  and  8000  in  Latin, 
Greek,  &c. 

The  library  is  classified  as  follows:  1.  Bibles  and  Biblical  Literature; 
2.  Controversial  works  on  Religion  and  Morality;  3.  Theology;  4. 
Sermons;  5.  Philology;  6.  Biography;  7.  Greek  and  Latin  Litera 
ture;  8.  English  Literature;  9.  Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy ; 
10.  Natural  Science,  in  which  are  a  limited  number  of  works  on  Zoology, 
Botany,  Geology,  Mineralogy,  Chemistry,  and  Agriculture ;  11.  Geo 
graphy;  12.  History  and  Travels;  13.  Ecclesiastical  History  and  Moral 
Philosophy. 

10  reviews  and  10  newspapers  are  taken.  During  the  last  five 
years,  81000  were  expended  for  books. 


506  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

There  is  a  good  philosophical  apparatus,,  for  the  use  of  the  advanced 
students.  The  museum  contains  an  elegant  and  well-arranged  cabinet 
of  minerals;  and  many  geological  specimens,  besides  an  extensive  col 
lection  of  shells. 

"  Attached  to  the  College,  at  the  distance  of  about  400  yards,  is  an 
astronomical  observatory,  60  feet  long  by  30  wide,  divided  from  east  to 
west  into  three  rooms.  The  eastern  room  contains  a  first  class  meridian 
circle,  by  Troughton  &  Simms,  of  London.  The  divided  arc  of  the 
circle  has  a  diameter  of  45  inches,  reading  by  microscopes  to  fractions 
of  a  second  of  arc.  The  telescope  has  a  four-inch  glass.  A  fine  side 
real  clock,  by  Molyneaux,  of  London,  accompanies  this  instrument.  In 
the  western  room  is  mounted  a  fine  transit  instrument,  by  Ertel  &  Son, 
of  Munich.  It  is  seven  feet  long,  and  has  a  four  and  a  half  inch  object- 
glass,  and  has  in  the  room  with  it  a  sidereal  clock.  The  middle  part  of 
the  observatory  is  three  stories  high,  and  covered  with  a  rotary  dome. 
The  dome  room  contains  a  well-mounted  equatorial  telescope,  made  by 
Troughton  &  Simms.  This  instrument  has  a  four  and  eight-tenths 
inch  object-glass,  giving  powers  from  25  to  400.  Besides  the  above, 
there  are  five  portable  astronomical  instruments,  and  a  library  of  500 
choice  works  on  Astronomy,  Mathematics,  and  the  Physical  Sciences." 


PHILODEMIC  SOCIETY  (GEORGETOWN  COLLEGE). 

Organized  February  22, 1830.  "  It  is  essentially  a  debating  Society, 
having  for  its  object  the  cultivation  of  eloquence,  the  promotion  of 
knowledge,  and  the  preservation  of  liberty.  It  consists  of  resident, 
non-resident,  and  honorary  members.  Its  meetings  are  of  two  kinds, 
viz.,  the  ordinary,  to  be  held  at  such  times  as  may  be  prescribed  by  the 
by-laws,  and  the  grand  annual,  to  be  held  on  or  after  the  day  of  the 


Annual  Commencement  of  Georgetown  College.7 


READING-ROOM  ASSOCIATION  (GEORGETOWN  COLLEGE). 

Founded  October  23, 1850.  Its  object  is  to  give  all  the  students,  who 
may  think  proper  to  avail  themselves  of  its  advantages,  the  opportunity 
of  acquiring  early  and  accurate  information  upon  the  leading  topics  of 
the  day.  The  principal  journals  published  in  the  country  are  received, 
together  with  the  most  popular,  interesting,  and  instructive  of  the 


DISTRICT    OF    COLUMBIA.  507 

foreign  and  domestic  reviews  and  magazines.     The  officers  of  the  Asso 
ciation  are  elected  annually. 

PIIILONOMOSIAN  SOCIETY  (GEORGETOWN  COLLEGE). 

The  Philonomosian  Society,  consisting  of  students  in  the  junior 
classes  who  arc  not  yet  qualified  for  admission  into  the  Philodeniic 
Society,  was  organized  on  the  8th  of  January,  1839.  Its  object  is 
similar  to  that  of  the  Philodemic. 


WASHINGTON. 

COLUMBIAN  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     5000  vols. 

"The  College  was  founded  in  1819;  and  in  1821,  it  went  into  opera 
tion  with  a  full  faculty  and  a  large  number  of  students.  The  import 
ance  of  a  university  at  the  seat  of  Government  had  been  deeply  felt 
from  the  first,  by  leading  public  men.  Washington,  in  his  message  to 
the  first  Congress,  convened  January,  1790,  presented  the  subject  for 
their  earliest  consideration ;  and  when,  seven  years  after,  owing  to  the 
pressure  of  other  matters,  nothing  had  been  done,  in  one  of  his  last 
messages  he  thus  urged  it  again  : — 

"  '  Its  desirableness  has  so  constantly  increased  with  every  new  view 
that  I  have  taken  of  the  subject,  that  I  cannot  omit  the  opportunity  of, 
once  for  all,  recalling  your  attention  to  it/  The  advantages  of  such  an 
institution  he  states  thus :  l  The  assimilation  of  the  principles,  opinions, 
and  manners  of  our  countrymen,  by  the  common  education  of  a  portion 
of  our  youth  from  every  quarter.'  'The  more  homogeneous  our  citizens 
can  be  made  in  these  particulars,  the  greater  will  be  the  prospect  of 
permanent  union/  In  his  last  will  and  testament,  he  made  the  follow 
ing  bequest :  { I  give  the  50  shares  which  I  hold  in  the  Potomac  Com 
pany,  towards  the  endowment  of  a  university,  to  be  established  within 
the  limits  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Gene 
ral  Government,  if  that  Government  should  incline  to  extend  a  foster 
ing  hand  towards  it/  Even  Mr.  Jefferson,  in  his  message  of  December 
2d,  1806,  urges  upon  Congress  l  the  present  consideration'  of  this  sub 
ject.  Mr.  Madison  yet  more  strongly  and  repeatedly  urged  the  esta 
blishment  of  such  an  institution.  In  his  message  of  December  5th, 
1810,  he  asked  the  attention  of  Congress  '  to  the  advantages  of  super- 


508  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

adding  to  the  means  of  education  provided  by  the  several  States,  a  semi 
nary  of  learning,  instituted  by  the  National  Legislature,  within  the 
limits  of  their  exclusive  jurisdiction,  the  expense  of  which  might  be 
defrayed  or  reimbursed  out  of  the  vacant  grounds  which  have  accrued 
to  the  nation  within  those  limits/ 

"  In  urging  his  views  of  the  advantages  to  be  derived  from  such  an 
institution,  Mr.  Madison  presents  the  same  reasons  which  influenced  the 
mind  of  Washington  :  f  Such  an  institution,  though  local  in  its  legal 
character,  would  be  universal  in  its  beneficial  effects.  By  enlightening 
the  opinions,  by  expanding  the  patriotism,  and  by  assimilating  the  prin 
ciples,  the  sentiments,  and  the  manners  of  those  who  might  resort  to 
this  temple  of  science,  to  be  redistributed  in  due  time  through  every 
part  of  the  community,  sources  of  jealousy  and  prejudice  would  be  di 
minished,  the  features  of  national  character  would  be  multiplied,  and 
greater  extent  given  to  social  harmony.  But,  above  all,  a  well-consti 
tuted  seminary  in  the  centre  of  the  nation  is  recommended  by  the  con 
sideration,  that  the  additional  instruction  emanating  from  it  would  con 
tribute  not  less  to  strengthen  the  foundations  than  to  adorn  the  structure 
of  our  free  and  happy  system  of  government/  Again,  on  the  close  of 
the  war,  in  his  message  of  December  5th,  1815,  he  thus  returns  to  his 
urgent  recommendation  :  l  The  present  is  a  favorable  season  also  for 
bringing  again  into  view  the  establishment  of  a  national  seminary  of 
learning  within  the  District  of  Columbia,  and  with  means  drawn  from 
the  property  therein  subject  to  the  authority  of  the  General  Government. 
Such  an  institution  claims  the  patronage  of  Congress,  as  a  monument  of 
their  solicitude  for  the  advancement  of  knowledge,  without  which  the 
blessings  of  liberty  cannot  be  fully  enjoyed  or  long  preserved;  as  a 
model,  instructive  in  the  formation  of  other  seminaries ;  as  a  nursery  of 
enlightened  preceptors;  and  as  a  central  resort  of  youth  and  genius  from 
every  part  of  their  country,  diffusing,  on  their  return,  examples  of  those 
national  feelings,  those  liberal  sentiments,  and  those  congenial  manners, 
which  contribute  cement  to  our  Union,  and  strength  to  the  great  politi 
cal  fabric  of  which  that  is  the  foundation/ 

"  Washington's  legacy,  however,  was  left  unappropriated.  Jefferson, 
after  his  presidency,  accomplished  for  his  State,  in  the  University  of 
Virginia,  what  he  despaired  of  for  the  nation  ;  and,  since  Madison's  day, 
private  enterprise  has  been  left  to  meet  a  want,  which  public  patronage 
could  not  attempt  of  itself,  though  it  has  fostered  it. 

"  The  Columbian  College  was  founded  by  private  benefactions,  which, 


DISTRICT    OF    COLUMBIA.  509 

in  all,  have  amounted  to  about  $150,000.  At  its  opening,  in  1821, 
Mr.  Monroe,  then  President  of  the  United  States,  made  the  following 
favorable  mention  of  it : — 

"'There  is  good  reason  to  believe,  that  the  hopes  of  those  who  have 
so  patriotically  contributed  to  advance  it  to  its  present  stage,  will  not  be 
disappointed.  Its  commencement  will  be  under  circumstances  very 
favorable  to  its  success.  Its  position,  on  the  high  ground  north  of  the 
city,  is  remarkably  healthy.  The  act  of  incorporation  is  well  digested, 
looks  to  the  proper  objects,  and  grants  the  powers  well  adapted  to  their 
attainment.  The  establishment  of  the  institution  within  the  Federal 
District,  in  the  presence  of  Congress,  and  of  all  the  departments  of  the 
(Government,  will  secure  to  the  young  men  who  may  be  educated  in  it 
many  important  advantages ;  among  which,  the  opportunity  which  it  will 
afford  them  of  hearing  the  debates  in  Congress  and  in  the  Supreme  Court, 
on  important  subjects,  must  be  obvious  to  all.  With  these  peculiar 
advantages,  this  institution,  if  it  receives  hereafter  the  proper  encourage 
ment,  cannot  fail  to  l>e  eminently  useful  to  tJie  nation.  Under  this 
impression,  I  trust  that  such  encouragement  will  not  be  withheld  from  it.' 

"Rev.  Dr.  Staughton,  of  Philadelphia,  was  its  first  president,  from 
1821  to  1827;  its  second  president  was  Rev.  Dr.  Chapin,  of  Maine,  from 
1828  to  1841 ;  its  third,  Rev.  Dr.  Bacon,  of  Massachusetts,  from  1843 
to  1854;  and  its  fourth,  Rev.  Dr.  Binney,  from  1855  to  1858. 

"Among  its  professors  have  been  enrolled  the  names  of  some  of  the 
most  eminent  in  the  several  departments  of  instruction. 

"  THE  PREPARATORY  SCHOOL  is  specially  nourishing  under  its  pre 
sent  efficient  preceptor. 

"THE  NATIONAL  MEDICAL  COLLEGE,  which  is  a  branch  of  Colum 
bian  College,  has  a  corps  of  several  able  professors,  and  a  large  body  of 
students. 

"The  peculiar  facilities  of  this  location  are  continually  improving. 
Washington  has  become  a  centre,  to  which  the  talent  of  the  country  in 
every  department  is  tending.  Suitable  instructors  in  every  branch  of 
education  can  therefore  be  secured  j  and  the  men  now  engaged  are  a 
sufficient  guarantee  that  the  trustees  can  and  will  obtain  the  first  order 
of  talent  for  the  different  professorships.  The  students  are,  on  special 
occasions,  allowed  to  attend  the  sittings  of  Congress,  and  of  the  Supreme 
Court,  and  the  lectures  at  the  Smithsonian  Institution  •  they  may  thus 
have  the  advantage  of  listening  to  the  ablest  speeches  of  our  country, 
in  both  the  legislative  and  judicial  branches  of  the  Government.  To 


510  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

secure  the  utmost  benefit,  without  detriment  to  the  regular  studies,  all 
such  attendance  has  the  special  attention  of  the  Professor  of  Rhetoric. 
In  addition  to  the  library  of  the  College  and  of  the  Societies,  the  cabi 
nets  and  the  libraries  of  the  Capitol,  of  the  Patent  Office,  and  of  the 
Smithsonian  and  other  institutions  will,  under  the  appropriate  officers 
of  instruction,  be  rendered  serviceable  to  the  general  student. 

"  There  is  a  proposition  now  before  the  Board  of  Trustees  for  the 
removal  of  the  College  into  the  city.  Should  this  be  adopted,  it  will 
bring  students  more  immediately  within  reach  of  the  facilities  which  the 
city  affords  for  a  liberal  culture.  It  will  also  give  an  opportunity  for 
students  from  different  sections  of  the  country  to  board  among  friends ; 
and  enable  indigent  students  to  aid  themselves  by  labor  in  almost  any 
business  pursuit.  It  is  also  believed  that  the  moral  and  religious  influ 
ences  of  the  family  will  be  better  even  than  those  of  the  more  retired 
life  spent  in  college  halls. 

"The  College  library  was  commenced  in  1821,  and  is  specially  valu 
able  in  the  department  of  theology.  Immediate  measures  will  be  taken 
greatly  to  enlarge  it." 

ENOSINIAN  SOCIETY  (COLUMBIAN  COLLEGE).  (1857.)   1243  vols. 

Founded  in  1822.  Receipts  during  1856,  840;  expended  for  books, 
835;  binding,  83;  incidentals,  82.  During  1856,  900  volumes  were 
lent  to  70  persons. 

PHILOPHRENIAN  SOCIETY  (COLUMBIAN  COLLEGE). 
(1857.)     313  vols. 

Founded  in  1855.  During  1856,  8150  were  expended  for  books. 
The  library  is  open  one  hour  every  Wednesday.  During  1856,  600 
volumes  were  lent  to  32.  persons. 


DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE.     (1855.)     14,000  vols. 

Founded  in  1789.  Persons  permitted  by  the  Secretary  of  State,  As 
sistant  Secretary,  or  Chief  Clerk,  can  use  the  library.  The  volumes  arc 
arranged  by  subjects.  The  library  is  open  daily,  from  9  A.M.  till  3 
P.M.  During  1854,  450  volumes  were  lent  to  40  persons.  12,600 
volumes  are  in  English,  1100  French,  and  300  in  other  languages. 
There  are  about  700  pamphlets,  7  volumes  of  manuscripts,  and  100 


DISTRICT    OF   COLUMBIA.  511 

maps.     12  American  and  8  foreign  magazines  are  taken;  and  15  Ame 
rican  and  14  foreign  newspapers. 

The  library  is  in  the  building  of  the  Department,  and  occupies  two 
rooms.  The  larger  is  86  feet  long,  15  feet  9  inches  wide,  and  14  high, 
divided  on  one  side  into  7  alcoves.  The  smaller  room  is  17  feet  by  15 
feet  9  inches.  A  catalogue  was  printed  in  1825  (small  Svo.  67  pages), 
and  another  in  1830  (small  Svo.  150  pages). 


COPYRIGHT  LIBRARY  (DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE). 
(1856.)     1 2,000  vols. 

Founded  February  3,  1831.  The  library  consists  of  36,000  articles, 
including  maps,  music,  &c.  The  books  are  kept  for  reference  and 
evidence  of  copyright,  and  arc  not  lent.  By  Act  of  Congress  of  Feb 
ruary  5th,  1859,  this  library  is  to  be  transferred  to  the  Department  of 
the  Interior,  in  the  Patent  Office  Building. 

ENGINEER  DEPARTMENT.  (1850.)  1700  vols. 
The  library  contains  Congressional  documents,  of  which  the  sets  are 
nearly  complete  since  1805,  many  manuscript  official  reports,  and  a 
large  number  of  maps  and  charts  relating  to  the  defences  of  the  country. 
The  yearly  average  increase  is  about  50  volumes.  Books  are  purchased 
out  of  the  contingent  fund  of  the  Department,  annually  granted  by 
Congress.  The  library  is  in  the  office  of  the  Chief  Engineer,  Winder's 
Building,  and  is  open  every  day,  from  9  A.M.  to  3  P.M.  Books  are  lent 
to  the  officers  of  the  Department,  the  clerks,  and  to  other  persons  by 
courtesy.  The  assistant  to  the  Chief  Engineer  is  ex  officio  librarian. 

LIBRARY  OF  CONGRESS.  (1858.)  63,000  vols. 
"The  purchase  of  books  for  the  Library  of  Congress  was  commenced 
under  the  Act  of  Congress  of  April  24th,  1800,  which  made  an  appro 
priation  of  $5000  for  that  purpose,  to  be  expended  by  the  Secretary  of 
the  Senate,  and  the  Clerk  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  under  the 
direction  of  a  joint  committee  of  both  houses.  By  an  act  of  January 
26,  1802,  the  President  of  the  Senate  and  the  Speaker  of  the  House 
of  Eepresentatives,  for  the  time  being,  were  authorized  to  establish 
such  regulations  and  restrictions  in  relation  to  the  use  of  the  library,  as 
they  might  deem  proper;  and,  from  time  to  time,  to  alter  or  amend  the 
same.  By  the  same  act,  the  President  of  the  United  States  was  autho- 


512  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

rizcd  to  appoint  a  librarian  to  take  charge  of  the  library.  The  collec 
tion,  amounting  to  about  3000  volumes  of  rare  and  valuable  books,  was 
consumed  in  the  Capitol,  when  it  was  burned  by  the  British  army,  on 
the  24th  of  August,  1814. 

"  In  view  of  the  loss  of  this  library,  Mr.  Jefferson  offered  his  own 
private  collection  to  Congress  for  purchase;  and  on  the  21st  of  October, 
1814,  the  Committee  on  the  Library  was  authorized  to  purchase  the 
library  of  Mr.  Jefferson  for  Congress,  and  having  agreed  upon  the  terms, 
on  the  31st  of  January,  1815,  an  appropriation  of  823,950  was  made 
for  that  purpose.  The  books  were  transferred  to  the  Capitol,  and 
formed  the  foundation  of  a  new  library. 

"  On  the  24th  of  December,  1851,  the  library,  numbering  55,000 
volumes,  was  again  partially  destroyed  by  fire,  accidentally  communi 
cated  from  a  defective  flue  in  the  adjoining  masonry.  Of  the  whole 
number,  20,000  volumes  were  saved,  among  which  is  the  greater  portion 
of  the  library  of  Mr.  Jefferson. 

"  Temporary  accommodations  were  immediately  prepared,  and 
$10,000  appropriated  for  a  commencement  of  the  restoration  of  the 
books  destroyed.  By  an  act  of  March  19th,  1852,  an  appropriation  of 
872,500  was  made  for  the  repair  of  the  library  room,  according  to  a 
plan  made  by  Mr.  T.  U.  Walter,  the  United  States  architect,  which 
was  speedily  executed;  and  the  .present  beautiful  room,  constructed 
entirely  of  iron,  was  completed  and  furnished,  ready  for  occupation,  on 
the  1st  of  July,  1853.  An  appropriation  of  875,000  was  made  on  the 
31st  of  August,  1852,  to  meet  the  expense  of  the  extraordinary  pur 
chase  of  books  necessary  to  restore  the  library  to  its  former  state.  An 
annual  appropriation  is  made  of  85000  for  the  purchase  of  miscella 
neous  books,  and  82000  for  law  books. 

"The  library  now  (January  1st,  1859)  numbers  63,000  volumes. 
The  books  arc  carefully  selected  from  the  best  bibliographical  and  literary 
authorities,  under  the  superintendence  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the 
Library.  The  Law  Department  occupies  a  separate  room  in  the  base: 
ment  of  the  Capitol.  The  purchase  of  law  books  is  directed  by  the 
Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  in  accordance  with  an  act  of  Congress  of 
July  14th,  1832.  The  law  library  contains  12,300  volumes. 

"  The  use  of  the  library  is  limited,  by  act  of  Congress,  to  the  Presi 
dent  of  the  United  States,  Vice-President,  members  of  the  Senate  and 
House  of  representatives,  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  Cabinet  officers, 
the  Diplomatic  corps,  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate,  the  Clerk  of  the 


DISTRICT    OF    COLUMBIA.  513 

House  of  Representatives,  and  the  agent  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the 
Library. 

"  According  to  the  regulations  established  by  the  President  of  the 
Senate  and  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  the  library  is  kept 
open  every  week-day  during  the  sessions  of  Congress,  from  9  o'clock  A.M. 
to  3  P.M.,  and  for  the  same  hours  on  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Saturday, 
of  each  week,  during  the  recess. 

"The  library  is  general  in  selection,  but  is  more  particularly  full  upon 
the  subjects  of  politics  and  law,  international  and  civil.  The  books  are 
classified,  in  their  arrangement  on  the  shelves  of  the  library,  according 
to  the  system  of  Lord  Bacon.  The  printed  catalogue  is,  also,  classified 
into  44  divisions,  according  to  the  same  system ;  and  the  titles  in  each 
division  are  arranged  under  the  names  of  the  authors,  in  alphabetical 
order.  A  complete  and  critical  catalogue  is  now  in  course  of  prepara 
tion,  and  nearly  ready  for  the  press. " 


LIBRARY  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES. 

This  library  is  a  part  of  the  Clerk's  Office,  of  the  House  of  Represen 
tatives,  having  never  had  any  independent  organization.  The  librarian 
is  appointed  by  the  Clerk  of  the  House,  and  the  control  of  the  library 
is  with  that  officer.  Its  books  are  almost  exclusively  of  a  legislative 
and  executive  character,  and  are  for  the  use  of  members  of  the  House, 
to  aid  them  in  the  investigation  of  subjects  brought  before  Congress. 
They  arc  subject  to  their  order,  but  are  not  to  be  taken  from  the  city. 
The  old  library  rooms  were  cVamped,  narrow,  and  entirely  unfitted  for 
the  purpose;  but  the  Capitol  building  is,  at  present,  in  the  process  of 
extension,  and  will  afford  in  future  better  accommodations.  The  number 
of  volumes,  including  duplicates,  is  about  50,000. 


NATIONAL  INSTITUTE  FOR  THE  PROMOTION  OF  SCIENCE. 

(1857.)     5000  vols. 

Founded  in  May,  1840,  and  incorporated  by  act  of  Congress, 
approved  27th  of  July,  1842.  The  library  contains  three  manuscripts, 
viz.,  two  Arabic,  and  one  illuminated  Latin.  There  are  also  con 
siderable  collections  of  maps,  charts,  and  engravings.  In  the  cabinet 
are  many  medals,  coins,  &c.  The  library  has  been  formed  entirely 

33 


514  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

by  donation.  It  is,  of  course,  quite  miscellaneous;  but  it  contains 
many  valuable  scientific  and  historical  works,  and  transactions  of  learned 
societies.  Many  useful  and  costly  books  have  been  presented  to  the 
Institute  by  foreign  societies.  The  library  occupies,  temporarily,  cases 
in  the  halls  or  passages  of  the  United  States  Patent  Office.  There  is 
no  printed  catalogue,  but  one  in  manuscript.  No  rules  have  been 
adopted  respecting  the  use  of  the  library.  Members  of  the  Institute 
are  entitled  to  visit  the  library,  and  there  consult  books  as  they  wish ; 
but  they  cannot  take  them  away. 

NATIONAL  OBSERVATORY.     (1855.)     1000  vols. 
Founded  in  1842.     The  library  is  only  for  reference  by  the  officers  of 
the  Observatory,  and  contains  a  working  collection  of  books  on  astronomy 
and  meteorology. 

PATENT  OFFICE.     (1857.)     885G  vols. 

The  library  was  founded  by  Congress  in  1837,  after  the  destruction 
of  the  Patent  Office  by  fire.  It  is  designed  for  the  use  of  the  examiners 
of  the  office,  applicants  for  patents,  and  their  agents.  The  library  is 
especially  scientific  in  its  character;  it  contains  a  valuable  collection  of 
works  on  chemistry,  agriculture,  technology;  complete  series  of  many 
valuable  scientific  periodicals,  and  the  best  encyclopedias — English, 
French,  and  German.  It  is  open  from  9  A.M.  to  3  P.M.  5086  volumes 
are  in  English,  1855  in  French,  1870  in  German,  4  Spanish,  17  Latin, 
2  Greek,  13  Italian,  3  Dutch. 

A  catalogue,  34  pages  8vo.,  was  printed  in  1847;  and  a  new  one  is 
in  preparation.  It  will  be  arranged  alphabetically  by  authors'  names, 
and  accompanied  by  an  alphabetical  and  a  classified  index  of  subjects. 


SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION.  (1858.)  25,000  vols. 
James  Smithson,  the  founder  of  the  Institution  which  bears  his  name 
and  is  intended  to  perpetuate  his  memory,  was  a  native  of  England.  In 
his  will  he  states  that  he  was  the  son  of  Hugh,  first  Duke  of  Northum 
berland,  and  Elizabeth,  heiress  of  the  Ilungerfords,  of  Audley,  and  niece 
of  Charles  the  Proud,  Duke  of  Somerset.  He  was  educated  at  Oxford, 
where  lie  took  an  honorary  degree  in  1786.  lie  was  known  by  the  name 
of  James  Lewis  Macie  until  a  few  years  after  he  had  left  the  University, 
when  he  took  that  of  Smithson,  the  family  name  of  the  Northumbcr- 


DISTRICT    OF    COLUMBIA.  515 

lands.  Ho  docs  not  appear  to  have  had  any  fixed  home  in  England,  but 
travelled  much  on  the  continent,  occasionally  staying  a  year  or  two  in 
Paris,  Berlin,  Florence,  &c.  He  died  at  Genoa,  in  1823,  at  an  advanced 
age.  He  is  said  by  Sir  Davies  Gilbert,  President  of  the  Royal  Society, 
to  have  rivalled  the  most  expert  chemists  of  his  day  in  minute  analysis. 
He  proposed,  at  one  time,  to  leave  his  money  to  the  Royal  Society  of  Lon 
don,  for  the  promotion  of  science,  but  on  account  of  a  misunderstanding 
with  the  council  of  the  Society,  he  changed  his  mind,  and  left  it  to  his 
nephew;  and,  in  caso  of  the  death  of  this  relative,  to  the  United  States 
of  America,  to  found  the  Institution  which  now  bears  his  name.  The 
whole  amount  of  money  received  from  the  bequest  was  8515,169;  and, 
besides  this,  §25,000  was  left  in  England  as  the  principal  of  an  annuity 
to  the  mother  of  the  nephew  of  Smithson.  This  sum  will  also  come  to 
the  Institution.  The  Government  of  the  United  States  accepted  the 
bequest ;  or,  in  other  words,  accepted  the  office  of  trustee. 

At  the  time  of  the  passing  of  the  act  establishing  the  Institution,  in 
1846,  the  sum  of  §242,000  had  accrued  in  interest,  and  this  the  regents 
were  authorized  to  expend  on  a  building.  But,  instead  of  appropriating 
this  sum  immediately  to  this  purpose,  they  put  it  at  interest,  and  defer 
red  the  completion  of  the  building  for  several  years,  until  over  §100,000 
should  be  accumulated,  the  income  of  which  might  defray  the  expenses 
of  keeping  the  building,  and  the  greater  portion  of  the  income  of  the 
original  bequest  be  devoted  to  the  objects  for  which  it  was  designed. 
This  policy  has  been  rigidly  adhered  to ;  and  the  result  is,  that,  besides 
the  original  sum,  and  after  all  that  has  been  devoted  to  the  building, 
the  grounds,  and  various  operations,  there  is  now  on  hand,  of  accumulated 
interest,  8125,000,  which  has  been  invested  in  State  stocks. 

The  bequest,  in  the  language  of  the  testator,  was  "  to  found  at  Wash 
ington  an  establishment,  under  the  name  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution, 
for  the  increase  and  diffusion  of  knowledge  among  men."  According 
to  this,  the  Government  of  the  United  States  is  merely  a  trustee.  The 
bequest  is  for  the  benefit  of  mankind ;  and  any  plan  which  does  not 
recognize  this  provision  of  the  will  would  be  illiberal  and  unjust.  The 
Institution  must  bear  and  perpetuate  the  name  of  its  founder,  and  hence 
its  operations  should  not  be  merged  in  those  of  the  General  Government, 
but  all  the  good  which  results  from  the  expenditure  of  the  funds  is 
to  be  accredited  to  the  name  of  Smithson. 

It  will  be  observed  that  the  object  of  the  bequest  is  twofold, — first, 
to  increase,  and,  second,  to  diffuse,  knowledge  among  men.  These  two 


516  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

objects  are  evidently  separate  and  distinct;  and,  to  view  the  will  under- 
standingly,  the  one  must  not  be  confounded  with  the  other.  The  first 
is  to  enlarge  the  existing  stock  of  knowledge  by  the  addition  of  new 
truths ;  and  the  second,  to  disseminate  knowledge  thus  enlarged  among 
men.  This  distinction  is  generally  acknowledged  by  men  of  science,  and, 
in  Europe,  different  classes  of  scientific  and  other  societies  arc  founded 
upon  it.  The  will  makes  no  restriction  in  favor  of  any  particular  kind 
of  knowledge,  and  hence  all  branches  are  entitled  to  a  share  of  atten 
tion.  Smithson  was  well  aware  that  knowledge  should  not  be  viewed  as 
existing  in  isolated  parts,  but  as  a  whole,  each  portion  of  which  throws 
light  on  all  the  others,  and  that  the  tendency  of  all  is  to  improve  the 
human  mind,  and  to  give  it  new  sources  of  power  and  enjoyment.  A 
prevalent  idea,  however,  in  relation  to  the  will  is,  that  the  money  was 
intended  exclusively  for  the  diffusion  of  useful  or  immediately  practical 
knowledge  among  the  inhabitants  of  this  country;  but  it  contains  no 
thing  from  which  such  an  inference  can  be  drawn.  All  knowledge  is 
useful,  and  the  higher  the  more  important.  From  the  enunciation  of  a 
sinu'le  scientific  truth  may  flow  a  hundred  inventions,  and  the  more 
abstract  the  truth  the  more  important  the  deductions.  To  effect  the 
greatest  good,  the  organization  of  the  Institution  should  be  such  as  to 
produce  results  which  could  not  be  attained  by  other  means ;  and,  inas 
much  as  the  bequest  is  for  men  in  general,  all  merely  local  expenditures  are 
inconsistent  with  the  will.  These  are  the  views  expressed  by  the  Secre 
tary  of  the  Institution,  Professor  Henry,  in  his  Annual  Keports,  and  con 
stantly  advocated  by  him.  They  met  with  opposition,  however,  and 
consequently  difficulties  have  been  encountered  in  carrying  them  out.  It 
was  thought  by  some  that  a  great  lil> ra rij  should  be  founded  at  Washing 
ton,  and  nearly  all  the  income  of  the  fund  expended  on  it;  others  con 
sidered  a  museum  the  proper  object ;  and  another  class  thought  the  income 
should  be  devoted  to  the  delivery  of  lectures  throughout  the  country ; 
while  still  another  was  of  opinion  that  popular  tracts  should  be  published 
and  distributed  amongst  the  million.  But  all  these  views  were  advanced 
without  a  proper  examination  of  the  will,  or  a  due  consideration  of  the 
smallness  of  the  income.  The  act  of  Congress  directed  the  formation  of 
a  library,  a  museum,  a  gallery  of  art,  lectures,  and  a  building  on  a  liberal 
scale  to  accommodate  these  objects.  One  clause,  however,  gave  the  re 
gents  the  power,  after  the  foregoing  objects  were  provided  for,  to  expend 
the  remainder  of  the  income  in  any  way  they  might  think  fit  for  carrying 
out  the  design  of  the  testator.  The  plan  they  have  adopted  is  to  stiinu- 


DISTRICT    OF    COLUMBIA.  517 

late  all  persons  in  this  country,  capable  of  advancing  knowledge  by  ori 
ginal  research,  to  labor  in  this  line;  to  induce  them  to  send  their  results 
to  the  Institution  for  examination  and  publication ;  and  to  assist  all  per 
sons  engaged  in  original  investigations,  as  far  as  its  means  will  allow; 
also  to  institute,  at  the  expense  and  under  the  direction  of  the  Institu 
tion,  particular  researches.  This  plan  has  been  found  eminently  prac 
ticable,  arid,  by  means  of  it,  the  Institution  has  been  enabled  to  produce 
results  which  have  made  it  favorably  known  in  every  part  of  the  civilized 
world. 

The  Library  has  been  well  filled  by  purchase,  donation,  the  copyright 
law,  and  exchange.  It  now  contains  40,000  books  and  other  articles, 
and  is  rapidly  becoming  of  much  value  in  its  special  sphere  of  useful 
ness.  In  relation  to  it,  Professor  Henry,  in  one  of  his  Reports,  says  : 

"  It  is  the  present  intention  of  the  Regents  to  render  the  Smithsonian 
library  the  most  extensive  and  perfect  collection  of  transactions  and 
scientific  works  in  this  country,  and  this  it  will  be  enabled  to  accom 
plish  by  means  of  its  exchanges,  which  will  furnish  it  with  all  the  cur 
rent  journals  and  publications  of  societies,  while  the  separate  scries  may 
be  completed  in  due  time,  as  opportunity  and  means  may  offer.  The 
Institution  has  already  more  complete  sets  of  transactions  of  learned 
societies  than  are  to  be  found  in  the  oldest  libraries  in  the  United  States, 
and  on  this  point  we  speak  on  the  authority  of  one  of  the  first  biblio 
graphers  of  the  day.  This  plan  is  in  strict  accordance  with  the  general 
policy  of  the  Institution,  viz.,  to  spend  its  funds  on  objects  which  cannot 
as  well  be  accomplished  by  other  means,  and  has  commended  itself  to 
those  who  are  able  to  appreciate  its  merits,  and  who  are  acquainted  with 
the  multiplicity  of  demands  made  upon  the  limited  income  of  the  Smith 
sonian  fund.  In  a  letter,  after  a  visit  to  Washington,  the  bibliographer 
before  alluded  to,  remarks  :  f  My  previous  opinions  as  to  the  judicious 
ness  of  the  system  pursued  by  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  in  every 
respect,  were  more  than  confirmed.  I  hope  you  will  not  change  in  the 
least.  Your  exchanges  will  give  you  the  most  important  of  all  the 
modern  scientific  publications,  and  the  older  ones  can  be  added  as  you 
find  them  necessary.  The  library,  I  think,  should  be  confined  strictly 
to  works  of  science.' 

"  Besides  books,1  the  library  contains  engravings,  maps,  charts,  and 
various  articles  connected  with  the  art  of  printing.  The  collection  of 

1  For  an  account  of  valuable  works  in  the  library  see  the  Annual  Reports  of  the 
Institution. 


518  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

engravings  and  works  upon  the  history  of  art  is  believed  to  be  one  of 
the  choicest  in  the  country.  It  was  made  by  an  American  gentleman, 
distinguished  as  a  scholar  no  less  than  as  a  statesman,  with  a  special 
design  of  illustrating  the  process  and  resources  of  the  art  of  engraving, 
in  all  its  branches,  from  its  early  masters  to  the  present  time.  This  col 
lection  contains  some  of  the  best  works  of  nearly  every  engraver  of  much 
celebrity.  There  is  one  portfolio  of  the  works  of  Albert  Durer,  con 
taining  20  engravings  on  copper,  arid  two  on  iron,  by  his  own  hand — 
and  amonir  them  most  of  his  best  and  rarest  works;  about  60  fine  copies 
on  copper,  including  the  famous  17  by  Mark  Antonio;  13  different 
portraits  of  Durer,  and  a  large  number  of  wood-cuts  engraved  by  him, 
or  under  his  inspection.  Another  portfolio  contains  a  large  collection 
of  the  etchings  of  Rembrandt,  including  some  of  his  most  beautiful 
pieces,  particularly  the  'Christ  Healing  the  Sick/  an  early  and  fine  im 
pression.  There  is  a  portfolio  of  200  engravings  and  etchings,  by 
Claude  Lorraine,  Hollar,  and  Bega;  a  portfolio  of  superb  portraits  by 
Nanteuil,  Wille,  Edelink,  and  others ;  among  them  a  first  impression  of 
'  Louis  XI Y,  in  armor,'  by  Nanteuil  ;  a  portfolio  of  prints  from  the  old 
Italian  masters,  comprising  many  that  are  extremely  rare;  and  another 
from  the  old  German  masters,  containing  about  100  prints,  many  of 
them  scarce,  and  of  great  beauty.  There  are,  besides,  five  portfolios  of 
sheet  engravings,  including  very  choice  prints.  Among  them  are  31, 
which  were  valued  by  Longhi  at  81500. 

"  Among  the  galleries  and  published  collections,  are  the  '  Musee 
Royal/  in  2  volumes  folio,  proofs  before  the  letter,  a  superb  copy ; 
Denon's  f  Monumens  des  Arts  du  Dessin/  in  4  volumes  folio,  of  which 
only  250  copies  were  published;  Baillie's  Works,  100  plates,  folio; 
Thorwaldsen's  Works,  4  volumes,  folio;  Hogarth's  Works,  folio,  and 
the  German  edition  in  quarto;  The  Boydcll  Gallery,  2  volumes,  folio; 
Boydell's  c  Shakspearc  Gallery/  a  remarkably  good  copy,  containing 
many  proofs  before  the  letter,  numerous  etchings,  and  several  progres 
sive  plates;  Claude's  'Liber  Vcritatis/  an  original  copy,  3  volumes  folio; 
The  Hough  ton  Gallery,  2  volumes,  folio;  Chamberlain's  Drawings  in 
the  Iloyal  Collection,  1  volume,  folio;  Rembrandt's  Drawings,!  volume, 
quarto;  Da  Vinci's  Drawings,  1  volume,  quarto;  'Galcrie  dc  Florence/ 
Angcrstein  Gallery;  Ancient  Sculpture,  by  the  Dilettanti  Society;  Per- 
rault's  l  Homines  Illustrcs/  Sadeler's  Hermits;  <  Theuerdank/  a  fine 
copy  of  the  very  rare  edition  of  1519;  Meyiick's  Armor;  Hope's 
Ancient  Costumes,  and  more  than  100  volumes  besides,  mostly  in  folio 


DISTRICT    OP    COLUMBIA.  519 

or  quarto,  cither  composed  entirely  of  valuable  engravings,  or  in  which 
the  text  is  published  for  the  sake  of  the  illustrations  of  fine  or  decora 
tive  art.  The  collection  of  critical  and  historical  works,  in  the  various  de 
partments  of  the  fine  arts,  comprises  several  hundred  volumes  of  the  best 
works  in  the  English,  French,  German,  and  Italian  languages,  including 
whatever  is  mostly  needed  by  the  student  of  art  in  all  its  branches."3 

The  library  is  open  to  the  public  from  9  A.M.  to  5  P.M.  daily, 
except  Sunday,  but  it  is  principally  used  by  the  numerous  collaborators 
of  the  Institution. 

The  law  requiring  copyrights  to  be  deposited  in  the  Smithsonian 
library,  having  proved  a  burden  rather  than  a  benefit,  the  Secretary  has, 
for  several  years,  recommended  its  repeal.  This,  Congress  has  lately 
done,  by  an  act  approved  5th  February,  1859;  which  requires  that  all 
copyright  books  and  other  articles,  shall  be  deposited  in  the  Department 
of  the  Interior;  and  therefore  but  one  copy,  instead  of  three,  as  formerly, 
will  be  exacted  of  publishers. 

The  MUSEUM  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  according  to  Professor 

/  ^> 

Baird,  is  now  in  possession  of  the  best  collection  of  the  larger  North 
American  and  European  mammalia,  both  skins  and  skeletons,  to  be 
found  in  the  United  States.  In  birds,  it  is  only  second  to  the  collec 
tion  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences;  the  latter  being, 
without  doubt,  the  most  extensive  and  perfect  now  extant.  Of  fishes,  the 
Smithsonian  has  a  greater  number  than  is  to  be  found  in  any  cabinet, 
except  that  of  Professor  Agassiz. 

It  should  be  understood  that  the  Smithsonian  Institution  does  not 
enter  upon  grounds  already  occupied,  and,  therefore,  it  does  not  desire 
to  collect  specimens  promiscuously,  or  those  usually  found  in  other  mu 
seums.  Hence  the  collections  of  this  Institution  are  not  attractive  to  the 
general  visitorand  mere  curiosity-seeker ;  but  the  student  of  natural  history 
will  here  find  much  that  will  be  sought  in  vain  elsewhere.  Duplicate 
specimens  are  presented  to  other  collections,  and  all  the  objects  are  open 
for  the  study  and  examination  of  those  engaged  in  original  research. 
Applications  for  such  facilities  are  numerous,  and  are  always  granted. 
The  preparation  of  most  of  the  important  papers  on  natural  history  pub 
lished  within  the  last  few  years  in  this  country,  has  been  aided  in  this 
way  by  the  Institution. 

1  A  catalogue  of  all  the   transactions,  &c..  in  the  library,  is  in   the   press,  and  a 
complete  catalogue  of  all  the  books  is  in  course  of  preparation. 


520  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


TREASURY  DEPARTMENT.     (1857.)     425G  vols. 

There  are  3786  volumes  in  English,  and  470  in  French.  The  officers 
and  employees  of  the  Treasury  Department  arc  entitled  to  the  use  of  the 
library. 


WAR  DEPARTMENT.     (1857.)     8000  vols. 

The  library  was  founded  in  1882,  when  Lewis  Cass  was  Secretary  of 
War.  It  contains  all  the  government  medals  (50  or  60  in  number),  and 
is  well  supplied  with  maps  and  charts.  About  82000  has  for  the  last 
ten  years  been  the  average  annual  expenditure  for  the  purchase  of  books. 
The  library  occupies  a  room  in  the  War  Department  50  by  18  feet,,  hand 
somely  furnished.  'It  is  open  every  day,  excepting  Sunday,  from  9  to  3 
o'clock.  The  heads  of  departments  and  bureaus,  officers  of  the  army 
and  navy,  foreign  ministers,  and  the  clerks  of  the  War  Department,  are 
entitled  to  the  use  of  the  books,  and  are  allowed  to  take  them  from  the 
library. 


UNITED  STATES  COAST  SURVEY.     (1857.)     3017  vols. 

Organized  in  1832.  The  library  attached  to  the  Coast  Survey  Office 
is  contained  in  a  fire-proof  building,  in  which  are  also  deposited  the 
archives  of  that  important  national  work,  consisting  of  the  original 
records  of  the  observations  made  in  the  field  and  on  the  water,  and  the 
computations  connected  therewith,  as  also  the  original  topographical  and 
hydrographic  sheets,  and  other  material  collected  in  the  progress  of 
these  labors. 

The  library  being  essentially  for  the  use  of  the  employees  of  the  Sur 
vey,  and  for  reference  by  the  several  divisions  of  the  office,  has  been 
limited  to  printed  matter  of  a  special  character;  to  publications  on 
geology,  astronomy,  navigation,  map-drawing,  engraving,  and  the  mathe 
matical  and  physical  sciences  bearing  more  or  less  directly  on  these 
branches  of  knowledge. 

The  collection  was  commenced  about  the  year  1832,  when  the  survey 
of  the  coast  was  taken  up  anew  by  the  late  superintendent,  Mr.  Hassler, 
after  some  prior  attempts  at  organization.  The  number  of  volumes  in 
1857  was  3017,  exclusive  of  maps  and  charts  presented  to  the  office  at 
various  times  by  foreign  governments;  and  the  average  annual  number 


DISTRICT    OF    COLUMBIA.  521 

of  volumes  added  by  purchase  and  presentation  has  been  224  during  the 
past  six  years.  Many  valuable  contributions  have  been  made  of  the 
proceedings  of  scientific  societies,  and  the  annals  of  astronomical  ob 
servatories. 

The  average  annual  amount  expended  since  1851  for  books  has  been 
8665  ]  and  the  average  number  of  volumes  taken  out  yearly  has  been  373. 


WASHINGTON  LIBRARY.     (1858.)     13,000  vols. 

"  In  the  year  1811,  an  association  of  public-spirited  individuals  formed 
the  'Washington  Library.'  On  the  18th  of  April,  1814,  Congress 
passed  an  act  incorporating  them  and  their  successors,  by  the  name  of 
'The  Directors  of  the  Washington  Library  Company;'  and  afterward, 
by  a  joint  resolution  of  the  3d  of  March,  1823,  granted  to  them  a  copy 
of  the  Laws  of  the  United  States,  the  Journals  of  Congress,  documents 
and  State  papers  then  published,  and  such  as  should  be  published  an 
nually  thereafter  by  authority  of  Congress.  The  charter  intrusts  the 
management  of  the  library  to  seven  directors,  elected  by  the  shareholders 
on  the  first  Monday  of  April  in  each  year.  The  price  of  shares  was 
originally  812  dollars,  and  the  holders  of  them  were  subject  to  an  annual 
contribution  of  83.  The  directors  subsequently  reduced  the  price  of 
shares  to  86,  and  granted  the  use  of  the  library  to  persons  contributing 
the  yearly  sum  of  83,  but  not  purchasing  shares.  The  sales  of  shares, 
the  yearly  payment  by  shareholders,  and  the  periodical  contributions, 
have  hitherto  constituted  the  only  fund  for  purchasing  books  and  de 
fraying  the  necessary  expenses  of  the  library.  No  compensation  what 
ever  has  been  paid  for  any  services,  except  a  small  pittance  to  a  libra 
rian,  for  taking  care  of  the  books  and  keeping  the  library  open  to  visitors 
for  a  few  hours  after  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  each  clay.  The  large 
compensation  requisite  for  obtaining  the  services  of  a  competent  librarian 
during  the  whole  day,  would  have  encroached  so  far  on  the  scanty  re 
venue  of  the  Company  as  to  prevent  new  purchases  of  books.  The  suc 
cessive  Boards  of  Directors,  though  fully  aware  of  the  importance  of 
keeping  the  library  open  during  the  whole  of  each  day,  very  properly 
regarded  regular  and  constant  additions  to  the  library  as  a  paramount 
object.  By  a  steady  adherence  to  this  policy,  they  have  succeeded  in 
accumulating,  during  a  period  of  nearly  half  a  century,  a  collection  of 
more  than  6000  volumes,  exclusive  of  a  recent  donation,  by  Dr.  J.  C. 
Hall,  of  the  entire  collection  of  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Laurie,  containing 


522  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

about  1000  volumes,  principally  theological,  and  partly  miscellaneous. 
Among  the  books  in  the  library  are  many  standard  works  in  the  various 
departments,  and  the  most  popular  and  approved  compositions  in  light 
literature.  Most  of  the  books  were  bought  with  funds  arising  from  sales 
of  shares  and  from  contributions,  and  some  were  donations.  Several  of 
these  thus  generously  given  are,  it  should  be  mentioned,  rare  and  costly 
productions  in  the  fine  arts.  The  books  added  by  the  liberality  of  Con 
gress,  under  the  joint  resolution  of  1828,  together  with  the  standard 
works  on  political  subjects,  obtained  by  purchase,  render  the  political 
branch  of  the  Library  more  full,  it  is  believed,  than  the  same  branch  in 
any  other  public  library  in  our  country.  A  similar  approach  to  com 
pleteness  in  the  department  of  theology  has  been  recently  made  by  the 
donation,  already  mentioned,  of  Dr.  Laurie's  collection. 

"  The  directors  were  enabled,  many  years  ago,  to  provide  a  permanent 
and  convenient  depository  for  the  books  which  they  had  accumulated. 
The  Company  owns  a  library  building  and  lot  of  ground  on  Eleventh 
Street,  near  Pennsylvania  Avenue,  one  of  the  most  central  and  improv 
ing  parts  of  the  city.  The  directors  have  recently  enlarged  and  im 
proved  the  accommodations  of  the  library  building,  have  added  to  the 
variety  and  value  of  the  collection,  and  have  engaged  the  services  of  a 
librarian,  who  will  keep  the  library  open  to  the  public  during  the  whole 
of  every  day,  except  Sunday,  and  for  a  reasonable  time  at  night.  They 
already  receive  many  of  the  principal  periodicals,  foreign  and  domestic." 

In  1858, 1380  volumes  and  269  pamphlets  were  added  to  the  library, 
744  volumes  were  lent  to  readers,  and  8268  85  were  expended  for  new 
books. 


YOUXG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1S5S.)     2500  vols. 

The  first  meeting  preliminary  to  forming  this  Association,  was  held 
on  the  9th  of  June,  1852,  the  constitution  was  adopted  on  the  29th  of 
June,  and  the  first  officers  elected  July  9th,  1852.  During  the  first  six 
months,  the  number  of  members  increased  to  244  nominally;  some  of 
whom,  however,  failed  to  pay  their  initiation  fee.  From  1852  to  1854, 
there  were  486  annual,  and  29  life  members;  in  1854,  307  annual,  39 
life  members;  in  1855,191  annual,  59  life  members;  in  1856,  150 
annual,  69  life  members;  in  1857,  179  annual,  85  life  members;  in 
1858,  213  annual,  93  life  members.  In  1854-5,  the  annual  dues  were 
increased  from  $1  to  $2. 


DISTRICT    OF    COLUMBIA.  bl6 

At  the  time  of  the  formation  of  the  Association,  there  was  no  popular 
or  general  library  or  reading-room  in  the  city,  open  in  the  evening.  It 
had  long  been  felt  that  an  establishment  of  this  kind  was  needed ;  and 
in  carrying  out  the  plans  of  the  Association,  it  was  important  to  provide 
a  suitable  place  for  young  men  and  others  to  spend  their  evenings  in, 
without  resorting  to  the  haunts  of  vice  and  dissipation. 

Rooms  were  therefore  secured,  and,  after  various  changes,  the  Asso 
ciation  has  succeeded  in  procuring  the  central  and  commodious  apart 
ments  it  now  occupies  on  Pennsylvania  Avenue,  opposite  the  National 
and  Brown's  Hotels.  These  rooms  are  leased  for  five  years,  fitted  up 
handsomely  and  comfortably,  and  are  equal  to  those  of  any  similar 
Association  in  the  country. 

Up  to  January  1,  1854,  1040  volumes  had  been  procured  for  the 
library-  in  1854,  there  were  1473  ;  in  1855,  1500;  in  1856,  1700;  in 
1857,  2000 ;  in  1858,  2500.  From  1852  to  1858,  inclusive,  8781  07 
were  expended  for  books  and  periodicals. 

During  the  year  1854,  822  books  were  read,  of  the  following 
classes:  religious,  203;  biography,  102;  travels,  107;  history,  116; 
scientific,  27;  poetry,  11;  magazines  and  reviews,  37;  documents,  5; 
miscellaneous,  214.  Irving' s  works  were  most  called  for;  then  Strick 
land's  Queens  of  England,  and  Prcscott's  works.  The  religious  book 
most  read,  was  Pearson  on  Infidelity. 

The  most  prominent  feature  of  the  operations  of  the  Association,  is 
its  Mission  Sunday-schools.  The  first  of  these  was  established  in  Octo 
ber,  1854;  and  there  have  been  three  others  since  organized,  in  different 
parts  of  the  city ;  and  all  doing  an  incalculable  amount  of  good. 

During  the  six  years  of  the  existence  of  the  Association,  the  most 
perfect  harmony  and  union  have  prevailed,  and  though  at  one  time  it 
suffered  from  temporary  financial  embarrassment,  it  has  always  received 
the  devoted  labors  of  its  active  members,  and  the  support  and  confidence 
of  the  Christian  community.  Its  labors  in  the  Mission  schools,  distri 
bution  of  tracts,  visiting  the  sick,  those  in  prison,  the  asylum,  &c. ;  its 
open  air  preaching  services ;  its  excellent  library  and  reading-room, 
open  freely  to  all,  have  entitled  it  to  the  regard  of  those  who  desire  the 
promotion  of  true  religion,  and  the  welfare  of  the  community.  j- 

The  following  is  a  brief  synopsis  of  the  working  features  of  the 
Association  : — • 

Its  officers  are,  a  president,  five  vice-presidents,  corresponding  and 
recording  secretaries,  librarian,  register,  and  treasurer,  who,  with  five 


524  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

others  elected  as  directors,  constitute  the  governing  body,  meeting 
monthly  and  dividing  the  work  between  them.  Each  member  of  the 
Board  is  the  chairman  of  a  committee  of  five,  whom  he  selects  from 
members  of  the  Association,  and  he  is  also  assigned  a  distinct  portion 
of  the  city  for  active  benevolent  operations.  The  following  are  the  com 
mittees  :  1.  Lectures  and  Sermons;  2.  Meetings;  3.  Ways  and  Means; 
4.  Library;  5.  Statistics ;  6.  Kooms;  7.  Periodicals ;  8.  Printing  and 
Publication;  9.  Bible  Classes;  10.  Mission  Sunday-schools;  11.  Visit 
ing  the  Sick ;  12.  The  City  Prison ;  13.  The  Asylum ;  14.  Employment; 
15.  Boarding-Houses. 


TERRITORIES. 


KANSAS. 

The  act  of  organization  provided  85000  for  a  territorial  library.    Con 
gress  also  appropriated  85000  for  tins  purpose,  in  March,  1855. 


NEBRASKA. 

The  act  of  organization  provided  85000  for  the  Territorial  library,  and 
Act  of  March  3;  1855,  appropriated  85000  also  for  this  purpose. 


NEW  MEXICO. 

Congress  appropriated,  in  the  Act  organizing  the  Territory  of  New 
Mexico,  85000  for  a  library. 


OREGON/ 

ALBANY. 

ALBANY  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION. 

Incorporated  January  13,  1857.     J.  P.  Tate,  Joel  "Shepherd,  John 
1  Constituted  a  STATE  in  February,  1S')0. 


526  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

H.  Hackleman,  Thomas  Strang,  Walter  Monteith,  and  others,,  were  in 
corporated  as  an  Association,  with  the  above  title.  The  yearly  income 
is  limited,  by  the  Act,  to  85000. 


SALEM, 

TERRITORIAL  LIBRARY.     (1857.)     169  vols. 

The  act  of  organization  provided  an  appropriation  of  $5000  for  a 
library. 

8500  worth  of  books  were  purchased  in  1857;  but  had  not  arrived 
when  the  report  was  sent. 

On  the  29th  of  December,  1855,  the  capitol  building  at  Salem,  with 
the  Territorial  Library,  &c.,  was  destroyed  by  fire. 


THE  GROVE. 

PACIFIC  UNIVERSITY.     (18-35.)     987  vols. 

The  library  is  open  one  hour  twice  a  week.  900  volumes  are  in  Eng 
lish,  20  French,  1  Spanish,  12  other  modern  languages,  25  Latin,  30 
Greek,  and  1  Hebrew.  The  library  fund  yields  8100  per  annum. 


U  T  A  H. 

85000  were  appropriated  for  the  library  of  the  Territory  by  the  act 
of  organization. . 


WASHINGTO  N. 

OLYMPIA. 

TERRITORIAL  LIBRARY.     (185G.)     2852  vols. 
During  the  year  185-1,  -100  volumes  were  added  to  the  library.     A 


TERRITORIES.  52  / 

catalogue  of  the  books  was  printed  in  the  report  of  the  librarian  (Acts 
and  Journals,  Washington  Territory,  185-1,  p.  151). 

In  the  organic  act,  $5000  were  appropriated  for  the  purchase  of  a 
library,  to  be  expended  by  the  Governor. 

By  act  of  the  Legislative  Assembly,  the  librarian  is  annually  to  be 
elected  by  that  body,  and  to  give  bonds  in  $1000.  His  salary  is  $300. 

During  the  sessions  of  the  Assembly  and  the  Supreme  Court,  the 
library  is  open  from  9  to  12  A.M.,  and  from  2  till  9  P.M.,  and  at  other 
times  during  ordinary  business  hours. 


BRITISH   AMERICA. 


0  A  N  A  D  A. 


BELLEVILLE. 

BELLEVILLE  SEMINARY. 

"This  institution  is  under  the  direction  of  the  Conference  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  is  designed  for  the  instruction  of  both 
sexes.  Buildings  have  recently  been  erected  in  the  town  of  Belleville, 
for  the  accommodation  of  about  400  pupils,  and  arrangements  are  now 
in  progress  for  the  formal  opening  of  the  Seminary." 


COBOURG, 

UNIVERSITY  OF  VICTORIA  COLLEGE. 

"  The  existence  of  this  College  is  due  to  the  efforts  of  the  Conference 
of  the  Wesleyan  Methodist  Church.  During  the  years  1828-9,  plans 
were  devised  for  the  establishment  of  an  academy  for  the  superior  edu 
cation  of  both  sexes ;  and,  in  1830,  the  Conference  appointed  a  commit 
tee  to  collect  subscriptions,  and  select  a  site  for  the  proposed  institution, 
which  they  then  named  l  Upper  Canada  Academy.'  After  offers  of 
donations  of  land  and  money  from  various  parts  of  the  province,  the  town 
of  Cobourg  was  selected,  for  the  liberality  of  its  oifer  and  central  posi 
tion.  Upwards  of  £7000  were  collected;  and,  in  the  autumn  of  1832, 
the  buildings  were  commenced.  Various  circumstances,  however,  de 
layed  the  completion  of  the  work  •  and  it  was  not  until  the  18th  of  June, 
183G,  that  the  Academy  was  formally  opened.  On  the  12th  of  October 

1  For  the  information  here  given  relative  to  Canadian  Colleges,  &c.,  we  are 
chiefly  indebted  to  Mr.  Thos.  Hodgins's  Canada  Educational  Directory  for  1857-S. 


CANADA.  529 

of  the  same  year,  a  royal  charter  of  incorporation  was  obtained ;  and 
also,  about  the  same  time,  a  public  grant,  principally  through  the  exer 
tions  of  the  chief  originator  of  the  College,  the  Rev.  Egerton  Ryerson, 
D.D.  In  1841,  application  was  made  to  Parliament  for  an  alteration  in 
the  Constitution  of  the  Academy,  and  its  establishment  as  a  University; 
and  accordingly  the  Act  4  &  5  Victoria,  cap.  37,  was  passed,  conferring 
the  usual  university  powers  upon  its  authorities,  under  the  title  of  ''Vic 
toria  College,  at  Cobourg/  Under  this  act,  the  management  of  the  Col 
lege  is  intrusted  to  a  board,  composed  of  nine  trustees  and  five  visitors, 
appointed  by  the  Conference ;  and  to  a  senate,  composed  of  the  presi 
dent,  professors,  members  of  the  board,  and  certain  officers  of  govern 
ment,  for  the  time  being.  The  Faculty  of  Arts  has  been  in  operation 
since  1842.  In  1854,  an  arrangement  was  made  with  the  Toronto 
School  of  Medicine,  by  which  that  institution  became  the  Faculty  of 
Medicine  of  the  University.  The  preparatory  department  sustains  to 
the  College  the  relation  of  a  grammar  or  high  school,  and  is  designed  to 
qualify  pupils  for  the  University  course,  or  to  give  them  an  elementary 
training.'" 


KINGSTON, 

REGIOPOLIS  COLLEGE. 

"The  establishment  of  this  College  is  clue  to  the  late  Roman  Catholic 
Bishop  McDonell,  by  whom  it  was  first  endowed,  in  1835,  with  a  grant 
of  nearly  four  acres  within  the  limits  of  the  City  of  Kingston,  and 
afterwards  by  a  legacy  of  real  and  personal  estate.  In  1837,  it  was 
incorporated  by  the  Act  7  William  IV,  cap.  56,  under  the  title  of  l  The 
College  of  Regiopolis/  and  in  1845,  the  trustees  under  the  will  were 
authorized  by  the  Act  8  Victoria,  cap.  79,  to  convey  the  legacy  to  the 
corporation,  and  the  latter  authorized  to  hold  real  property  to  the  value 
of  £3000  currency  per  annum,  subject  to  the  following  provision:  'It 
shall  be  incumbent  on  the  said  College  to  submit  annually  to  each  of 
the  three  branches  of  the  Legislature,  if  so  required,  a  detailed  state 
ment  of  the  real  property  held  by  them  under  this  Act,  and  of  the  annual 
revenue  arising  therefrom.' 

"Very  Rev.  Angus  McDonell,  President.  Rev.  J.  O'Brien,  13.  A. : 
H.  Burns,  Isaac  McCarthy,  and  Michael  Stafford,  Professors. 

34 


530  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  QUEEN'S  COLLEGE. 

u  Queen's  College  was  established  by  the  Synod  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Canada,  in  connection  with  the  Church  of  Scotland,  and 
was  originally  incorporated  by  an  Act  of  Parliament  of  Upper  Canada, 
3  Victoria,  cap.  35,  as  the  University  at  Kingston.  This  Act,  however, 
was  disallowed,  and  a  royal  charter  granted  the  following  year,  bearing 
date  10th  October,  1841,  and  conferring  the  title  of  <  Queen's  College 
at  Kingston/  with  power  to  confer  degrees  in  the  several  arts  and  facul 
ties.  No  religious  test  or  qualification  is  required  of  persons  matricu 
lated,  or  admitted  to  a  degree,  'save  only  that  all  persons  admitted  within 
the  said  College  to  any  degree  in  Divinity,  shall  make  the  same  decla 
rations  and  subscriptions  as  are  required  of  persons  admitted  to  any 
degree  in  Divinity  in  the  University  of  Edinburgh/  The  management 
of  the  institution  is  intrusted  to  27  trustees,  12  clergymen  and  15 
laymen,  appointed  by  the  Synod  of  the  Church;  and  to  a  College 
Senate  composed  of  the  Principal  and  Professors  for  the  time  being. 
In  1846,  the  property  originally  vested  in  the  corporation  created  by 
the  disallowed  Act  of  1840,  was  transferred  to  the  corporation  of 
Queen's  College,  by  the  Act  of  9  Victoria,  cap.  89.  The  institution  is 
supported  by  income  from  endowment,  a  grant  from  the  Legislature, 
subscriptions,  arid  assistance  from  church  funds.  By  the  charter,  its 
income  maybe  £15,000  sterling  per  annum. 


LENNOXVILLE. 

UNIVERSITY  OF  BISHOP'S  COLLEGE.     (1856.)     2500  vols. 

"  This  University  had  its  origin  in  the  pressing  want  of  a  theological 
school  for  educating  candidates  for  the  ministry  of  the  United  Church 
of  England  and  Ireland,  in  Lower  Canada.  But  it  having  appeared 
that  to  educate  them  thoroughly  there  was  need  of  a  large  amount 
of  means,  it  was  determined  to  push  the  effort  a  little  further,  and  to 
erect  and  endow  a  place  of  general  education.  Accordingly,  in  1843, 
measures  were  adopted,  and  an  act  of  incorporation  obtained  (7  Victoria, 
cap.  49), l  for  carrying  these  objects  into  effect;  and  in  September,  1845, 

1  On  the  appointment  of  the  Bishop  of  ^Montreal,  this  Act  was  amended  by  the 
IH  Victoria,  cap.  GO. 


CANADA.  531 

the  College  was  opened  in  temporary  buildings  obtained  for  that  purpose, 
until  the  completion  of  its  own ;  to  which  it  was  transferred  in  October 
of  the  following  year.  In  1853,  the  College  became  a  University  by  a 
royal  charter,  and  was  empowered  to  confer  degrees  l  in  the  several  arts, 
and  the  faculties  of  Divinity,  Law,  and  Medicine ;'  and  held  its  first 
public  meeting  of  Convocation  for  that  purpose,  on  the  7th  of  October, 
1854. 

"By the  charter,  it  is  provided  that  'the  Chancellor,  Vice-chancellor, 
Principal,  and  Professors  of  the  said  College,  and  all  persons  admitted 
therein  to  the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts,  or  to  any  degree  in  Divinity, 
Law,  or  Medicine,  who  shall  pay  the  sum  of  20s.  a  year  towards  the 
support  of  the  College,  shall  be  members  of  the  Convocation  of  the  said 
University,  and  as  such  shall  possess  all  the  powers  and  privileges  in 
regard  to  conferring  degrees,  and  other  matters,  as  are  provided  by  the 
regulations  of  said  College/  These  powers  are,  to  elect  the  chancellor 
and  vice-chancellor;  confer  all  degrees,  and  prescribe  the  subjects  and 
standard  of  examination  therefor;  appoint,  on  recommendation  of  the 
College  Council,  examiners  (who  shall  be  M.A.s),  to  act  with  the  Pro 
fessors  of  the  College,  so  that  each  subject  shall  come  under  the  notice 
of  at  least  two  examiners ;  and  to  do  such  other  acts  as  are  consistent 
with  the  law,  the  charter,  and  the  regulations  of  the  College. 

"  The  religious  tests  and  exercises  prescribed  by  the  regulations  are, 
that  all  members  of  the  College  shall  attend  morning  and  evening  ser 
vice  each  week-day,  in  the  College  chapel,  and  on  Sunday,  in  St.  George's 
Church,  Lennoxville;  but  such  students  as  are  not  members  of  the 
Church  of  England,  are  not  required  to  attend  this  latter  service,  but 
the  service  of  the  church  to  which  their  parents  or  guardians  belong. 
There  is  no  test  specified  as  necessary  on  taking  a  degree. 

"  The  endowment  of  the  University  is  derived  from  private  sources 
and  donations  from  the  Societies  for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge, 
and  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts." 


MONTREAL, 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     700  vols. 

This  Association  was  formed  in  November,  1851.     Owing  to  nume 
rous  removals  of  members,  its  growth  has  not  been  great.     The  Associa- 


532  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

tion  issues  occasional  (l  Papers  for  Young  Men."  Four  have  been  issued, 
of  1500  copies  each.  The  Association  possesses  a  library  of  nearly  700 
volumes.  A  number  of  the  books  arc  lent  free  to  the  poor,  and  to  the 
inmates  of  the  hospital  and  jail.  The  committee  have  a  "  mind  to  work," 
and  seek  to  avail  themselves  of  every  opportunity  for  practical  useful 
ness. 

"  The  chief  design  of  the  Association  is  to  bring  under  Christian  influ 
ence  the  young  men  who  reside  in  our  city,  or  who  come  to  it  as 
strangers.  But,  in  order  to  draw  out  the  activities  of  the  young  men  of 
the  Association,  and  to  train  them  to  Christian  effort  as  openings  present 
themselves,  we  commenced,  in  1853,  a  city  mission.  This  work  has 
been  remarkably  successful.  The  Christian  community  readily  contri 
buted  to  aid  in  supporting  it,  but  the  young  men  are  the  most  liberal 
supporters  of  the  work.  In  the  summer  of  1857  we  engaged  a  second 
missionary,  and  the  work  has  so  much  increased  that  we  need  a  third. 
Our  missionary  effort  has  provoked  others ;  and  there  are  now,  in  addi 
tion  to  our  own,  several  other  missionaries  in  the  city. 

"  Prayer  meetings  are  held  among  the  poor,  and  on  vessels  in  the 
harbor,  chiefly  conducted  by  the  missionaries,  but  aided  by  the  members 
and  others.  As  many  as  16  such  meetings  have  been  held  during  one 
week.  They  have  an  attendance  varying  from  10  to  80  or  90. 

"The  general  influence  of  the  Association  is  good,  and  it  enjoys  the 
favor  of  the  Christian  public  generally." 


NATURAL  HISTORY  SOCIETY. 

Though  local  in  name,  it  is  provincial  in  character.  It  was  founded  in 
1827,  and  incorporated  by  Act  of  Parliament  in  1833,  and  is  designed 
to  promote  the  study  of  the  natural  history  of  British  North  America. 
The  meetings  of  the  Society  are  held  monthly  •  and  a  short  course  of 
popular  lectures  is  delivered  between  February  and  April  of  each  year. 
Subscription,  £1  per  annum. 

UNIVERSITY  OF  McGILL  COLLEGE.     (18.37.)     3800  voU 

"The  existence  of  the  University  of  McGill  College  is  due  to  the*  late 
Mr.  James  McGill,  a  merchant  of  Montreal,  who  by  trade  had  amassed 
an  ample  fortune,  and  left  behind  him  this  earnest  of  his  benevolent  and 
generous  character.  He  died  in  1813,  leaving  a  will,  by  which  he  be- 


CANADA.  000 

queathed  in  trust  to  the  Royal  Institution  for  the  Advancement  of  Learn 
ing,  his  estate  of  '  Burnside/  consisting  of  some  46  acres  of  land  in  the 
immediate  neighborhood  of  the  City  of  Montreal,  and  now  within  its 
limits,  and  also  the  sum  of  ,£10,000  in  money,  as  a  foundation  for  a 
University.  The  bequest  was  accompanied  with  the  condition  that  the 
University  should  be  erected  within  ten  years  from  his  death ;  and,  with 
a  natural  desire  of  associating  his  memory  with  the  institution  founded 
by  his  liberality,  he  enjoined  that  one  of  the  Colleges  should  bear  his 
own  name  of  McGill.  The  will,  however,  in  so  far  as  the  legacy  was 
concerned,  was  contested  by  his  residuary  legatees,  and  an  obstinate  and 
protracted  litigation  of  some  10  years  was  interposed  between  the  benevo 
lence  of  the  founder  and  the  benefit  which  the  foundation  was  designed 
to  confer.  At  length,  however,  in  1829,  the  estate  of  Burnside  was 
recovered  from  the  residuary  legatees;  and,  in  1835,  judgment  was 
rendered  against  them  by  the  Privy  Council  for  the  legacy  of  £10,000, 
with  .the  interest,  amounting  to  £22,000.  The  condition  of  the  bequest, 
that  the  University  should  be  erected  within  10  years,  had  been  pre 
viously  complied  with,  by  obtaining  the  grant  of  a  royal  charter  for  that 
purpose,  in  1821.  The  next  step  towards  giving  to  the  University  a 
practical  operation,  was  the  establishment  of  the  medical  faculty  in  1829, 
which,  with  the  interruption  of  only  two  years,  has  ever  since  continued 
in  active  operation.  In  1835,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bethune  was  appointed 
Principal  of  the  University,  and,  after  some  unsuccessful  efforts  to  ob 
tain  a  change  of  the  very  imperfect  Constitution  established  by  the 
charter,  and  the  consumption  of  much  time  from  misunderstandings 
between  the  Governors  of  the  University  under  that  charter,  and  the 
Royal  Institution  for  the  Advancement  of  Learning,  which  held  all  the 
funds,  it  was  at  length  agreed  upon,  that  buildings  for  the  uses  of  the 
University  should  be  erected;  and,  accordingly,  those  now  standing  on 
the  west  side  of  Sherbrookc  Street  were  commenced  in  1839,  The  sum 
expended  upon  them  was  £15,000;  and,  although  still  in  an  unfinished 
state,  yet  they  were  sufficiently  completed  for  the  reception  of  students 
in  1843.  In  the  latter  year,  statutes  were  framed  for  the  government 
of  the  College,  and  a  chair  of  divinity  and  two  professorships  in  the 
faculty  of  arts  were  established  •  and,  with  this  addition  to  the  already 
established  faculty  of  medicine,  the  College  was  formally  opened  on  the 
7th  of  September  of  that  year.  The  institution  thus  started  was  not 
successful.  Its  condition,  at  length,  attracted  attention ;  and,  in  1850, 
the  provincial  government  was  moved  by  a  number  of  public-spirited 


534  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

gentlemen  to  aid  in  an  endeavor  to  place  it  on  a  better  footing.  As  a 
strong  antagonism  had  always  existed  between  the  Royal  Institution  and 
the  majority  of  the  Governors  of  the  College,  upon  subjects  essentially 
affecting  its  conduct  and  prosperity,  it  was  deemed  advisable,  as  a  first 
step,  to  reconstruct  the  former  corporation.  New  appointments  were 
therefore  made  to  the  Royal  Institution  of  persons  selected  on  the  score 
of  their  interest  in  the  cause  of  education.  Of  these,  several  entered 
upon  the  duties  of  their  office  with  zeal  and  energy.  They  drew  up  an 
elaborate  report  on  the  condition  of  the  University,  and  the  course  which 
they  thought  should  be  followed  for  its  amelioration,  and  their  recom 
mendations  were  made  the  basis  of  all  that  has  since  been  done.  A 
draft  of  a  new  charter  was  prepared,  which  was  finally  adopted,  and 
executed  by  her  Majesty  in  1852  •  the  most  prominent  and  important 
provision  of  which  is,  that  the  members  of  the  Royal  Institution  for  the 
Advancement  of  Learning  are  made  Governors,  ex  offi-do,  of  the  Uni 
versity. 

"  The  corporation  of  the  University  now  consists  of  the  Governors,  Prin 
cipal,  and  Fellows;  three  of  the  latter  being  elected  by  the  Convocation, 
and  act  as  its  representatives  in  managing  the  affairs  of  the  University. 
Under  its  present  government,  McGill  College  has  greatly  improved. 
An  appeal,  lately  made  to  the  public  of  Lower  Canada  for  its  permanent 
endowment,  has  resulted,  so  far,  in  the  formation  of  a  fund  of  nearly 
£13,000 ;  £5000  of  which  was  subscribed  by  the  Messrs.  Molson,  for 
the  endowment  of  '  The  Molson  Professorship  of  History  and  English 
Literature.'  " 

McGILL  UNIVERSITY  SOCIETY. 

u  This  Society  was  first  originated  on  the  7th  January,  1857,  and 
finally  instituted  on  the  12th  of  the  following  month,  and  is  similar 
to  the  Association  of  the  University  of  Toronto,  save  that  its  mem 
bership  is  limited  to  the  graduates  of  the  University,  and  is  depen 
dent  on  the  ballot-vote  of  two-thirds  present  at  the  election.  The 
objects  of  the  Society  are  declared  to  be  'as  well  for  promoting  and 
maintaining  a  friendly  feeling  among  the  graduates,  as  for  advancing 
the  welfare  of  their  alma  mater,  and  by  means  of  organization  to  enable 
them  to  act  with  greater  weight  with  reference  to  any  measures  of 
reform  they  may  deem  desirable  in  the  constitution  of  the  University.' 
Meetings  are  held  on  the  first  Monday  in  February,  August,  and  No 
vember,  and  the  annual  meeting  on  the  week-day  next  before  the  day 


CANADA.  535 

of  the  University  Commencement.     The  subscription  fees  are  10s.  on 
admission,  and  10s.  per  annum." 


OTTAWA, 

BYTOWN  COLLEGE. 

"  This  College  was  founded  by  the  present  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of 
Bytown,  and  was  incorporated  by  Act  of  Parliament,  in  1849.  The 
Corporation  consists  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of  Bytown,  and  the 
officers  of  the  College,  and  may  hold  property  to  the  value  of  £2000 
per  annum.  By  the  6th  section  of  the  Act  12  Victoria,  cap.  107,  the 
corporation  is  required  to  lay  before  Parliament,  within  fifteen  days  after 
the  beginning  of  each  session,  a  detailed  statement  of  its  members  and 
property,  the  number  of  scholars,  and  the  course  of  instruction. " 


QUEBEC. 

LAVAL  UNIVERSITY.     (1857.)     3700  vols. 

"  In  1668,  the  first  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of  Canada,  Francois  de 
Montmorency-Laval,  founded  and  endowed,  with  his  own  patrimony,  an 
institution,  which  was  called  the  Quebec  Seminary.  The  primary  object 
of  this  institution  was  the  education  of  boys  who  felt  an  inclination  for 
the  priesthood,  and  such  it  continued,  until  1759.  After  the  conquest 
of  this  country  by  the  English,  a  College,  which  the  Jesuits  had  held 
at  Quebec  since  1645,  having  been  suppressed,  the  directors  of  this 
Seminary,  in  order  to  meet  the  wants  and  wishes  of  those  boys  who 
were  not  intended  for  the  priesthood,  admitted  into  their  classes  all 
those  whose  good  conduct  and  talents  entitled  them  to  such  favor.  By 
this  change,  the  Seminary  became  a  regular  college,  and  had,  by  suc 
cessive  additions,  acquired  a  high  degree  of  importance,  when  it  was 
erected,  by  Her  Majesty's  royal  charter,  into  a  University,  under  the 
style  and  name  of  'The  Laval  University/ 

aBy  this  charter,  which  bears  date  December  8th,  1852,  no  change 
was  effected  in  the  constitution  of  the  Seminary  itself;  but  a  council, 
composed  of  the  directors  of  the  institution,  and  the  three  senior  pro 
fessors  of  the  several  faculties,  was  empowered  to  possess  and  enjoy  all 


536  PUBLIC  LIBRARIES. 

the  privileges  granted  to  the  universities  of  the  United  Kingdom,  and 
especially  that  of  conferring  degrees  in  the  faculties  of  Divinity,  Law, 
Medicine,  and  Arts.  His  Grace  the  Roman  Catholic  Archbishop  of 
Quebec  is,  by  virtue  of  his  office,  Visitor  of  the  University.  The 
Superior  of  the  Seminary  for  the  time  being,  holds  the  office  of  Rector. 

"  Since  the  granting  of  the  charter,  unceasing  efforts  have  been  em 
ployed  to  secure  its  complete  execution.  In  1853,  five  professors  of 
the  faculty  of  Medicine  were  appointed,  and  one  of  them  was  sent  to 
England,  France,  and  Belgium,  to  purchase  a  medical  library  and  mu 
seum,  with  a  fine  collection  of  surgical  instruments.  During  the  follow 
ing  year,  the  University  acquired  a  great  number  of  books  for  the  faculty 
of  Law,  and  a  collection  for  the  study  of  Materia  Medica.  The  expense 
incurred  by  these  objects  was  about  £3000.  At  length,  in  September, 
1854,  the  faculties  of  Law  and  Medicine  opened  their  courses,  after  a 
solemn  inauguration,  in  which  Lord  Elgin  took  part,  on  the  21st  of 
that  month.  At  the  same  time,  several  buildings  were  commenced  for 
the  use  of  the  University,  of  which  a  part  only  is  finished,  but,  when 
completed,  will  have  involved  an  outlay  exceeding  £50,000." 

The  library  of  the  University  contains  3700  volumes;  of  which  500 
are  in  the  Department  of  Arts,  1200  in  the  Law  Department,  and  2000 
in  that  of  Medicine.  Besides  the  museum  and  collections  already  men 
tioned,  the  institution  possessess  philosophical  apparatus,  which  have 
cost  £2500,  a  good  collection  of  minerals,  and  a  well-fitted  chemical 
laboratory. 

LITERARY  AND  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 

"This  is  the  oldest  incorporated  Society  of  its  kind  in  the  Province. 
It  was  founded  and  incorporated  by  royal  charter,  in  1831,  for  the  pro 
secution  of  researches  into  the  early  history  of  Canada ;  for  the  recover 
ing,  procuring,  and  publishing  of  documents  and  useful  information  on 
the  national,  civil,  and  literary  history  of  British  North  America ;  and 
for  the  advancement  of  the  arts  and  sciences  in  Canada.  The  valuable 
library  and  museum  of  the  Society — the  latter  estimated  to  be  worth 
£2500 — were,  unfortunately,  nearly  destroyed,  by  the  burning  of  the 
Parliament  buildings  in  Quebec,  on  the  1st  February,  1854;  but  the 
donations  of  members  and  others  are  rapidly  providing  for  their  re-for 
mation.  A  volume  of  Transactions  is  published  yearly,  for  the  use  of 
members,  who  now  number  about  100.  Monthly  meetings  for  general 
purposes,  are  held  on  the  second  Wednesday,  and  stated  meetings  for 


CANADA.  537 

literary  and  scientific  purposes,  on  the  first  and  third  Wednesdays  of 
each  month,  during  the  year." 


TORONTO, 

CANADIAN  CONGREGATIONAL  THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTE. 

"This  institution  was  first  organized  in  1840,  for  the  education  of 
candidates  for  the  ministry  of  the  Congregational  Church.  A  few  stu 
dents  had  previously  been  receiving  instruction  from  the  Rev.  Adam 
Lillie,  while  he  was  pastor  of  a  church  in  Dundas.  The  number  in 
creasing,  a  l  Congregational  Academy'  (as  it  was  then  called)  was  founded, 
and  Mr.  Lillie  appointed  tutor,  taking  charge  of  all  the  classes.  In 
1843,  a  similar  movement  took  place  in  the  Lower  Province,  resulting 
in  the  establishment  of  a  l  Congregational  Theological  Institute'  in  Mon- 

O        O  o 

treal,  of  which  the  Rev.  J.  J.  Caruthers,  D.D.,  was  tutor  in  theology, 
the  Rev.  H.  Wilkes,  A.M.,  in  philosophy,  and  the  Rev.  H.  Miles  (for 
one  year)  resident  tutor.  In  1846,  the  two  were  amalgamated,  under 
the  name  of  '  The  Canadian  Congregational  Theological  Institute/  and 
located  in  Toronto. 

"The  Congregational  Institute  is  unendowed,  but  is  supported,  in 
part,  by  an  annual  grant  from  the  Colonial  Missionary  Society,  in  con 
nection  with  the  Congregational  Union  of  England  and  Wales,  and  partly 
by  annual  subscriptions  from  the  churches  of  that  body  in  the  Province. 
The  annual  cost  is  about  £600.  The  premises  occupied  by  it  are  held 
on  lease,  and  are  situated  on  the  corner  of  Adelaide  and  Francis  Streets. 
The  management  of  its  affairs  is  in  the  hands  of  a  committee  chosen  by 
an  annual  meeting  of  the  subscribers,  held  at  the  same  time  and  place 
as  that  of  the  Congregational  Union  of  Canada." 


CANADIAN  INSTITUTE. 

"The  Canadian  Institute  originated  in  1849,  among  some  members 
of  the  engineering  and  surveying  professions,  as  a  strictly  professional 
society.  In  1851,  it  was  given  a  more  general  character;  and,  on  the 
4th  of  November  of  that  year,  a  royal  charter  was  obtained,  defining  the 
objects  of  the  Institute  to  be  :  the  promotion  of  the  physical  sciences, 
the  encouragement  and  advancement  of  the  industrial  arts  and  manufac 
tures,  the  formation  of  a  provincial  museum,  and  the  acquisition  and 


538  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

dissemination  of  knowledge  connected  with  the  surveying,  engineering, 
and  architectural  professions.  In  1855,  an  amalgamation  took  place 
with  the  '  Toronto  Athenseum/  a  society  which  had  been  incorporated  in 
1848,  for  the  formation  of  a  public  library  and  museum,  and  other  lite 
rary  purposes. 

"  The  meetings  of  the  Institute  are  held  on  every  Saturday  evening 
(except  during  the  holidays),  between  the  1st  of  December  and  the  1st 
of  April  of  each  year.  The  transactions  are  published  in  the  Canadian 
Journal,  under  the  editorship  of  Dr.  Wilson,  of  University  College.  The 
number  of  members  is  about  GOO.  Subscription,  <£!  per  annum  for 
residents  of  Toronto,  and  15s.  non-residents,  entitling  members  to  the 
use  of  the  library  and  museum,  and  to  a  copy  of  the  Canadian  Journal." 

KNOX'S  COLLEGE. 

"Knox's  College  was  established  about  1844,  by  the  Synod  of  the 
Free  Church  of  Scotland,  and  is  designed  for  the  training  of  its  theolo 
gical  students.  No  fees  are  charged  for  tuition,  &c." 


KXOX'S  COLLEGE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

"  The  main  object  of  this  Society  is  to  cultivate  a  missionary  spirit 
among  its  members.  With  this  view,  it  holds  monthly  meetings,  at 
which  essays  on  subjects  connected  with  missionary  operations,  and  the 
progress  of  Christianity  in  general,  are  read.  It  has  also  a  literary  cha 
racter,  and  meets  every  Friday  evening  to  discuss  questions  in  literature, 
science,  education,  history,  political  economy,  &c.  It  was  established 
in  1846,  and  has  continued  to  grow  in  importance  and  usefulness  ever 
since. " 


LAW  SOCIETY  OF  UPPER  CANADA. 

"  In  Upper  Canada,  the  profession  of  the  law  is  divided  into  two 
branches,  each  subject  to  its  own  peculiar  regulations,  and,  to  a  certain 
extent,  independent  of  the  other,  though  generally  the  one  person  prac 
tises  in  both.  They  are,  barristers,  or  persons  authorized  to  '  plead  at 
the  bar'  of  the  courts  of  law  or  equity,  and  to  take  upon  them  the  ad 
vising  and  defence  of  clients,  and  from  whom  all  judges,  Queen's  coun 
sel,  and  attorneys  and  solicitors-general  are  selected ;  and  attorneys  and 


CANADA.  539 

solicitors,  or  persons  authorized  to  (  appear  in  the  courts/  in  the  place 
and  on  behalf  of  others,  to  prosecute  and  defend  actions  on  the  retainer 
of  clients.  The  only  distinction  between  these  two  latter  is,  that  '  at 
torney'  is  the  title  adopted  in  the  courts  of  common  law,  and  l  solicitor' 
the  title  adopted  in  the  courts  of  equity.  This  branch  of  the  profession 
may  be  said  to  have  taken  its  rise  about  1285,  for,  until  the  statute  13 
Edward  I,  cap.  10,  suitors  could  not  appear  in  court  by  attorney  without 
the  sovereign's  special  warrant,  but  were  compelled  to  appear  in  person, 
as  is  still  the  practice  in  criminal  cases.  Formerly,  in  England,  the 
members  of  both  branches  were  admitted  to  practice  by  the  judges  of 
the  courts ;  but,  since  the  Commonwealth,  the  authority  to  call  to  the 
degree  of  barrister-at-law  has  been  tacitly  relinquished  to  the  benchers 
of  the  law  societies,  and  is  now  considered  to  be  delegated  to  them  from 
the  judges  of  the  superior  courts;  accordingly,  on  disputed  questions, 
an  appeal  is  held  to  lie  to  the  judges  from  the  decision  of  the  benchers. 
In  the  case  of  attorneys  and  solicitors,  the  judges  of  England  retained 
exclusive  power  to  admit  such  to  practice,  until  1843,  when  the  control 
of  this  branch  of  the  profession  was  confided  to  its  members,  as  an  incor 
porated  law  society ;  and  now  no  attorney  can  be  admitted  to  practice  in 
England  without  passing  an  Examination,  and  complying  with  the  regu 
lations  of  his  society.  Each  branch  of  the  profession,  however,  still 
remains  distinct  in  England,  and  no  person  can  be  admitted  to  the  one 
whilst  he  retains  his  name  on  the  rolls  of  the  other. 

"  In  Upper  Canada,  however,  though  these  branches  of  the  profession 
have  remained  nominally  distinct,  yet  there  is  no  restraint  on  their 
united  practice  by  the  one  individual.  The  right  to  admit  barristers  is 
vested  in  the  Law  Society;  and  the  right  to  admit  attorneys  and  soli 
citors,  in  the  judges  of  the  superior  courts  of  law  and  equity. 

"The  Law  Society  of  Upper  Canada  was  established  in  1797,  by  the 
Act  37  George  III,  cap.  13,  which  enabled  the  then  practitioners  of  the 
law  to  form  themselves  into  a  society,  'for  the  purpose  of  securing  to 
the  country  and  the  profession  a  learned  and  honorable  body,  to  assist 
their  fellow-subjects  as  occasion  may  require,  and  to  support  and  main 
tain  the  Constitution  of  the  Province/  By  the  same  act,  the  judges  of 
the  superior  courts  were  constituted  visitors,  with  authority  to  sanction 
such  rules  as  they  considered  necessary  for  the  good  government  of  the 
Society.  In  1822,  the  Society  was  incorporated  by  the  Act  2  George 
IV,  cap.  5,  and  its  functions  vested  in  the  treasurer  and  benchers  for  the 
time  being,  elected  according  to  the  By-laws  of  the  Society,  much  in  the 


540  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

same  manner  as  in  the  law  societies  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland.  The 
benchers  sit  in  convocation  every  law  term,  for  the  admission  of  stu 
dents  and  barristers,  and  for  other  general  business." 

MAGXETICAL  AND  METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATORY. 

"  The  establishment  of  the  British  Colonial  Observatories  originated 
from  a  report  to  the  British  Association  for  the  Advancement  of  Science, 
by  Major  (now  General)  Sabine,  on  the  state  and  progress  of  researches 
regarding  the  geographical  distribution  of  the  magnetic  forces  on  the 
surface  of  the  globe.  The  report,  presented  in  1837,  was  taken  into 
consideration  at  the  meeting  of  the  Association,  at  Newcastle,  in  1838, 
and  a  memorial  founded  on  it  was  addressed  to  the  British  Government, 
by  a  committee  of  the  Association,  consisting  of  Sir  John  Herschell, 
Mr.  Whewell,  Mr.  Peacock,  and  Professor  Lloyd.  In  their  memorial, 
the  committee  recommended  that  a  naval  expedition  should  be  despatched 
for  conducting  a  magnetic  survey  of  the  higher  southern  latitudes,  and 
at  the  same  time  called  the  attention  of  Pier  Majesty's  ministers  to  the 
expediency  of  extending  the  researches  to  be  accomplished,  by  fixed 
observations  to  certain  stations  of  prominent  interest  within  the  limits 
of  the  British  colonial  possessions.  The  stations  named  were  Canada 
and  Van  Dicmen's  Land,  as  approximate  to  the  points  of  greatest  inten 
sity  of  the  magnetic  force  in  the  Northern  and  Southern  Hemispheres; 
St.  Helena,  as  approximate  to  the  point  of  least  intensity  on  the  globe; 
and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  as  a  station  where  the  secular  changes  of 
the  magnetic  elements,  presented  features  of  peculiar  interest.  It  was 
also  suggested  that  the  observations  at  the  stations  should  include 
meteorological,  as  well  as  magnetic  phenomena.  The  Royal  Society  hav 
ing  also  given  their  concurrent  support  to  the  application  of  the  British 
Association,  these  joint  recommendations  were  acceded  to  by  Her 
Majesty's  government,  and  immediate  steps  taken  for  carrying  them 
into  effect. 

"  With  the  approbation  of  Sir  Hussey  Vivian,  then  Master  General 
of  the  Ordnance,  and  at  the  recommendation  of  the  committee,  it  was 
determined  that  the  fixed  observatories  should  be  placed  under  the 
management  of  the  Ordnance  Department,  and  that  the  service  should  be 
performed  exclusively  by  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  lloyal  Artillery. 
The  officers  selected  were,  Lieut.  F.  Eardley  Wilmot,  for  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope;  Lieut,  (now  Lieut. -Col.)  Lefroy,  for  St.  Helena;  and 


CANADA.  541 

Lieut.  Riddell,  for  Canada.  The  detachments  for  the  several  stations 
left  England  in  the  autumn  of  1839.  On  arrival  in  Canada,  Lieut. 
Riddell  having  examined  the  different  localities  which  were  suggested 
as  convenient  sites,  finally  gave  the  preference  to  Toronto,  where  two 
and  a  half  acres  of  ground  were  granted  by  the  Provincial  University, 
with  the  sole  condition  that  the  buildings  to  be  erected  should  not  be 
appropriated  to  any  other  purpose  than  that  of  an  observatory,  and 
should  revert  to  the  University  when  the  observatory  should  be  discon 
tinued.  The  building  was  commenced  in  the  spring  of  1840,  and  com 
pleted  in  September  of  the  same  year;  the  observations  prior  to  the 
latter  date  having  been  carried  on  in  a  room  at  the  barracks.  The 
Observatory  occupied  the  same  site  as  the  present  one,  which  is  situated 
in  latitude  43°  39'  25"  N.  and  longitude  5/i.  17m.  33s.  W.,  and  at  a 
height  above  Lake  Ontario  of  about  108  feet. 

"In  the  spring  of  1853,  the  period  designed  by  the  Imperial  Govern 
ment  for  the  duration  of  the  Observatory,  having  expired,  and  Captain 
Lefroy  and  his  detachment  having  been  recalled,  a  memorial  was  pre 
sented  to- the  Governor-General,  Lord  Elgin,  by  the  Canadian  Institute, 
praying  that  the  observations  hitherto  carried  on  by  the  Royal  Artillery, 
might  be  continued  under  the  Provincial  Government.  The  petition 
was  granted ;  by  permission  of  the  Board  of  Ordnance,  the  non-com 
missioned  officers  of  Artillery  were  temporarily  retained  by  the  Province  \ 
and  on  the  return  of  Captain  Lefroy  to  England,  the  directorship  of  the 
Observatory  was  given  to  J.  B.  Cherriman,  Esq.,  M.A.,  Professor  of 
Natural  Philosophy  in  University  College,  who  retained  it  until  August, 
1855,  when  G.  T.  Kingston,  Esq.,  M.A.,  was  appointed  to  the  joint 
duties  of  director  of  the  Observatory,  and  Professor  of  Meteorology  in 
University  College.  The  same  year,  the  non-commissioned  officers  of 
Artillery,  having  retired  from  the  army,  became  permanently  attached 
to  the  Observatory. 

"The  old  Observatory,  erected  by  the  Royal  Engineers,  built  of  logs, 
roughcast,  and  plastered,  was  replaced  by  a  stone  structure,  which  was 
commenced  in  the  autumn  of  1853,  and  completed  in  June,  1855.  The 
main  building,  constituting  the  new  Observatory,  is  a  rectangular  edifice, 
about  54  feet  from  north  to  south,  in  the  direction  of  the  magnetic 
meridian,  44  feet  from  east  to  west,  and  16  feet  in  height,  exclusive  of 
the  roof.  At  the  northwest  corner,  and  included  in  the  above  hori 
zontal  dimensions,  is  a  square  tower,  1G  feet  by  16,  and  43  feet  in 
height,  which  is  used  for  supporting  the  anemometer.  From  the 


542  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

southern  face  of  the  main  building  and  at  right  angles  to  it,  extends  a 
passage  4J  feet  wide,  which  communicates,  at  its  southern  extremity, 
with  a  room  20  feet  by  13,  appropriated  to  the  observations  for  absolute 
magnetic  intensity.  On  the  east  and  west  of  the  passage,  and  commu 
nicating  with  it  by  a  second  transverse  passage,  are  two  small  rooms,  the 
former  for  observing  transits,  and  the  latter  for  observations  of  absolute 
declination.  The  three  rooms  just  mentioned,  with  their  connecting 
passages,  form  a  cross  72  feet  from  north  to  south,  73  feet  from  east  to 
west,  and  8J  feet  in  height.  The  extreme  length  of  the  whole  building- 
is  thus  126  feet,  and  its  greatest  width  73  feet.  The  smaller  rooms 
and  connecting  passages  were  erected  in  the  autumn  of  1853,  and  were 
used  for  temporary  offices  during  the  demolition  of  the  old  building  and 
the  completion  of  the  new  one. 

u  In  the  main  building  are  placed  the  instruments  used  for  observing 
the  changes  in  the  four  magnetic  elements.  These  instruments  are  as 
follows : — 

"1.  The  Declinometer,  for  measuring  the  changes  in  the  declination 
or  variation  of  the  magnet. 

"  2.  The  Inclinometer,  for  observing  the  changes  in  the  inclination 
or  dip. 

a3.  The  Bifilar,  for  observing  the  changes  in  the  horizontal  compo 
nent  of  the  magnetic  force. 

"  4.  Lloyd's  Balance  Magnetometer,  for  the  changes  in  the  vertical 
component. 

"  In  addition  to  the  above  instruments,  the  indications  of  which  are 
read  seven  times  each  day,  there  are  also  magnetic  instruments  connected 
with  photographic  apparatus  for  recording  continuously  the  changes  in 
the  declination,  and  the  horizontal  and  vertical  components  of  the  mag 
netic  force. 

u  The  absolute  values  of  the  magnetic  elements  arc  determined  once 
in  each  month  by  a  series  of  observations  occupying  five  consecutive 
days.  The  observations  for  the  dip  are  taken  in  a  detached  shed,  and 
those  for  declination  and  intensity  in  the  two  rooms  already  mentioned 
as  appropriated  for  these  purposes. 

a  Magnetism  is  one  of  the  sciences  whose  progress  the  Observatory  is 
designed  to  promote ;  Meteorology  is  the  other. 

(l  The  meteorological  elements  recorded  are  as  follows  : — 

"  1.  The  temperature  of  the  air. 

"2.  The  total  atmospheric  pressure  shown  by  the  barometer. 


CANADA.  543 

"3.  The  elastic  force  of  aqueous  vapor. 

"4.  The  relative  humidity. 

"  5.  The  temperature  of  the  dew-point. 

"6.  The  direction  and  velocity  of  the  wind. 

"For  observations  of  1,  2,  3,  4  and  6,  the  ordinary  hours  are  6  A.M., 
8  A.M.,  2  P.M.,  4  P.M.,  10  P.M.,  and  midnight.  At  these  hours  a  record 
is  also  made  of  the  general  appearance  of  the  sky,  including  the  form, 
distribution,  and  motion  of  the  clouds.  Observations  for  finding  the 
dew-point  are  made  at  3  P.M.  The  direction  and  velocity  of  the  wind 
is  recorded  not  only  at  the  observation  hours,  but  at  every  hour  through 
out  the  year,  by  Robinson's  Anemometer.  A  register  of  the  maximum 
and  minimum  temperatures  of  the  air  that  occur  during  each  day,  and 
the  greatest  intensity  of  solar  and  terrestrial  radiation,  is  made  daily 
throughout  the  year. 

"  In  addition  to  the  meteorological  condition  of  each  day,  a  record  is 
made  of  occasional  phenomena,  such  as  rain  and  snow,  with  its  duration 
and  amount,  thunderstorms,  auroras,  and  miscellaneous  events  illustrative 
of  the  progress  of  the  seasons. 

"The  regular  staff  employed  in  the  work  of  adjusting  the  instru 
ments,  making  the  magnetic  and  meteorological  observations,  and  re 
ducing  the  results,  consists,  at  present,  of  the  director,  Professor  King 
ston,  M.A.,  and  three  observers,  Messrs.  Walker,  Menzies,  and  Stewart, 
formerly  sergeants  of  the  Royal  Artillery/' 

ST.  MICHAEL'S  COLLEGE. 

"This  College  was  opened  in  1852,  by  the  Fathers  of  the  Order  of 
St.  Basil,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church,  and  was 
incorporated  by  Act  of  Parliament  in  1854.  The  corporation  consists 
of  the  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of  Toronto,  and  the  Superior  and  Profes 
sors  of  the  College,  and  may  hold  property  to  the  value  of  £1000  cur 
rency  per  annum." 

TORONTO  LITERARY  ASSOCIATION. 

"This  Society  was  instituted  on  the  7th  of  July,  1853,  'for  the  cul 
tivation  of  literature  and  public  speaking/  The  members  meet  in  the 
Mechanics'  Institute  Hall  on  Thursday  evenings,  at  7$-  o'clock,  once  a 
week  during  the  winter,  and  once  a  fortnight  during  summer,  for  the 


544  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

purpose  of  hearing  an  essay  read,  and  of  debating  on  some  question 
appointed  at  the  previous  meeting.  Every  fourth  meeting  is  a  public 
meeting.  Annual  subscription,  7s.  6d." 


TORONTO  MECHANICS'  INSTITUTE.     (1857.) 

"This  Society  was  established  in  1830,  and  incorporated  in  1847,  by 
the  Act  10  and  11  Victoria,  cap.  102,  l  for  the  purpose  of  forming  if 
library  and  reading-room,  and  of  organizing  a  system  of  instruction  by 
means  of  lectures  and  classes/  A  valuable  course  of  lectures  is  Given 

o 

each  year/' 

The  library  contains  3200  volumes.  The  reading-room  is  well  sup 
plied  with  Canadian,  English,  and  American  periodicals.  Subscription, 
10s. ;  entrance  fee,  10s.  per  annum. 


TORONTO  SCHOOL  OF  MEDICINE. 

"This  School  was  established  in  1843,  and  incorporated  in  1851,  by 
the  Act  14  and  15  Victoria,  cap.  155.  In  1853,  it  was  affiliated  to  the 
University  of  Toronto,  under  the  operations  of  the  18th  section  of  the 
University  Act  of  that  year.  In  1854,  an  arrangement  was  made  with 
the  authorities  of  Victoria  College,  by  which  the  lecturers  of  the  School 
were  constituted  the  Faculty  of  Medicine  in  the  College ;  but  the  sepa 
rate  or  corporate  existence  of  the  School  was  not  affected  thereby.  In 
1856,  the  lecturers  of  the  Toronto  School  of  Medicine  withdrew  from 
their  connection  with  Victoria  College,  and  continued  their  School  in 
the  same  manner  as  before ;  and  it  is  now  conducted  solely  as  an  affi 
liated  Medical  School  of  the  University  of  Toronto." 


UNITED  PRESBYTERIAN  DIVINITY  HALL, 

"Was  instituted  in  1844,  by  the  Synod  of  that  Church,  for  the  theo 
logical  education  of  those  designed  for  its  ministry." 

UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE. 

"  On  the  first  establishment  of  the  Provincial  University,  the  func 
tions  of  instruction  and  of  determining  the  standard  of  qualifications  for 
University  honors  and  degrees,  were  combined  in  the  one  institution, 


CANADA.  545 

and  were  so  continued  under  the  University  Act  of  1849.  With  a  view 
of  adapting  the  Constitution  of  the  University  to  a  system  of  affiliated 
Colleges,  the  Act  16  Victoria,  cap.  89,  separated  these  functions,  and 
established  University  College  as  a  distinct  collegiate  institution  from 
the  University  of  Toronto,  and  under  the  government  of  a  College  Coun 
cil,  composed  of  the  President,  Vice-President,  and  Professors.  By  the 
same  Act,  it  is  provided,  that  there  shall  be  taught  in  the  said  College 
such  sciences,  arts,  and  branches  of  knowledge,  as  the  Council  may,  from 
time  to  time,  determine,  and  as  may  be  in  accordance  with  the  Statutes 
of  the  University  of  Toronto,  respecting  the  prescribed  subjects  for  exa 
mination/' 

UNIVERSITY  COLLEGE  LITERARY  AND  SCIENTIFIC  SOCIETY. 

"  This  Society  was  established  by  the  members  of  University  College 
on  the  22d  of  February,  1854,  as  a  College  Debating  Society.  Meet 
ings  are  held  every  Friday  evening  during  term,  at  which  an  essay  is 
read,  and  a  question  debated  by  members  previously  appointed  for  that 
purpose.  Every  fourth  meeting  is  a  public  meeting,  to  which  the  pro 
fessors  and  others  are  invited.  There  is  also  a  reading-room  in  connec 
tion  with  the  Society,  which  is  liberally  supplied  with  Canadian  and 
American  papers,  and  the  English  reviews.  The  number  of  members 
is  about  100.  Subscription,  5s.  per  annum." 


UNIVERSITY  OF  TORONTO. 

"  The  University  of  Toronto  was  established  by  royal  charter,  bear 
ing  date  the  15th  of  March,  1827,  in  the  seventh  year  of  the  reign  of 
his  late  Majesty,  King  George  IV,  under  the  title  of  l King's  College.' 
The  following  year,  3d  January,  1828,  it  was  endowed,  by  patent,  with 
a  grant  of  the  lands,  which  had  been  set  apart  for  that  purpose,  by  the 
Crown,  in  1798,  at  the  request  of  the  Parliament  of  Upper  Canada.  In 
1843,  the  arrangements  having  been  completed  for  opening  the  Univer 
sity,  the  formal  inauguration  of  the  institution,  and  first  admission  of 
students,  took  place  on  the  8th  of  June,  in  that  year,  and  its  first  con 
vocation  on  the  14th  December,  1844. 

"  Various  acts  relating  to  the  University,  have  been  passed  by  the 
Provincial  Parliaments.  In  1820,  during  the  fifth  session  of  the 
seventh  Parliament  of  Upper  Canada,  an  Act  was  passed  (60  George 

35 


546  PUBLIC    LIBRARIES. 

III,  cap.  2),  for  increasing  the  Parliamentary  representation,  which  pro 
vided,  '  That  whenever  a  University  shall  be  organized,  and  in  opera 
tion  as  a  seminary  of  learning,  in  this  Province,  and  in  conformity  with 
the  rules  and  statutes  of  similar  institutions  in  Great  Britain,  it  shall 
and  may  be  lawful  for  the  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor,  or  person 
administering  the  government  of  the  Province  for  the  time  being,  to 
declare  by  proclamation  the  tract  of  land  appendant  to  such  University, 
and  whereupon  the  same  is  situated,  to  be  a  town  or  township,  by  such 
name  as  to  him  shall  seem  meet ;  and  that  such  town  or  township  so 
constituted  shall  be  represented  by  one  member:  Provided  always,  that 
no  person  shall  be  permitted  to  vote  at  any  such  election  for  a  member 
to  represent  the  said  University  in  Parliament,  who,  besides  the  qualifi 
cation  now  by  law  required,  shall  not  also  be  entitled  to  vote  in  the  con 
vocation  of  the  said  University.'     The  original  charter  being  restrictive 
in  its  character,  modifications  were  sought  for;  and,  in  1837,  the  Legis 
lature  of  Upper  Canada  amended  its  provisions  by  the  Act  7  William 

IV,  cap.   16.     This  Act  not  being  considered   sufficiently  satisfactory, 
further  modifications  were  proposed ;  and,  in  1849,  the  Parliament  of 
Canada,  in  further  compliance  with  the  invitation  which  had  been  given 
by  his  late  Majesty,  King  William  IV,  'to  consider  in  what  manner 
the  University  could  be  best  constituted  for  the  advantage  of  the  whole 
Society/ — passed  the  Act  12  Victoria,  cap.  82,  abolishing  the  remain 
ing  restrictions  of   the   charter,  and  continuing  the  University,  with 
enlarged  powers  of  convocation,  under  the  title  of  the  University  of 
Toronto.     By  this  Act,  the  convocation  of  the  University  was  declared, 
as  in  the  original  charter,  to  be  composed  of  all  persons  admitted  to  the 
degree  of  Master  of  Arts,  and  any  degree  in  law  or  medicine ;  and  was 
invested  with  the  power  of  electing  the  chancellor,  pro-vice-chancellor, 
and  a  member  of  the  caput  of  the  University, — in   addition  to  its  ori 
ginal  power  of  conferring  degrees  in  the  several  arts  and  faculties.     In 
1853,  Parliament  passed  another  Act  (16  Victoria,  cap.  89),  'separating 
the  functions  of  the  University  from  those  assigned  to  it  as  a  College,' 
and  abolishing  the  professorships  of  law  and  medicine,  and  the  rights 
and  privileges  of  the  convocation,  which   had  been  guaranteed  in  the 
original    charter,   and   continued   and    enlarged   by    the   Act   of   1819. 
Under  this  present  Act,  the  University  of  Toronto  is  modelled  after  the 
University  of  London,  and  is  governed  by  a  Senate  appointed  by  the 
Crown.     Its  functions   consist  in  prescribing  courses  of  study  in   the 
faculties  of  law,  medicine,  and  arts,  and  such  other  branches  of  know- 


CANADA.  547 

ledge  as  may  be  determined  ;  appointing  examiners  for  ascertaining  the 
proficiency  of  persons  desirous  of  literary  distinction  in  the  appointed 
subjects  of  study  5  and  conferring  the  appropriate  academical  degrees 
and  honors  upon  such  as  attain  the  required  proficiency,  and  comply 
with  the  prescribed  regulations. 

"  The  officers  of  the  Senate  arc,  a  chancellor,  appointed  by  the 
Crown,  and  a  vice-chancellor,  elected  by  the  Senate  from  amongst  its 
members.  There  are  no  professorships  in  the  University,  but  the  fol 
lowing  examiners,  appointed  annually  by  the  Senate  :  two  in  Law, 
eleven  in  Medicine,  and  eighteen  in  Arts,  who  hold  examinations  at 
such  times  in  each  year  as  the  Senate  may  appoint.  In  addition  to 
academical  degrees  in  the  various  faculties,  the  rewards  for  proficiency 
are  :  diplomas,  scholarships  (conferring  a  yearly  stipend  and  free  tuition 
in  University  College),  prizes,  and  certificates  of  honor. 

"  No  fees  arc  charged  by  this  University  for  matriculation,  examina 
tion,  degree,  or  diploma. 

"The  library  contains  a  small,  but  valuable  collection  of  works  in  the 
different  departments  of  science  arid  literature.  The  number  of  volumes 
exceeds  TOGO  j  and  the  selection  has  been  made  mainly  with  a  view  to 
their  practical  utility,  as  books  of  reference.  The  library  is  open  every 
day,  except  Sundays,  from  10  to  3  o'clock. 

"The  museum,  which,  previous  to  1853,  was  on  a  very  limited  scale, 
has  since  that  time,  rapidly  increased,  and  already  contains  enough  to 
render  it  highly  interesting  arid  attractive.  It  affords  the  means  of  use 
fully  illustrating  the  lectures  on  the  various  departments  of  Zoology  and 
Botany;  and  at  the  same  time  offers  inducements  and  assistance  for  the 
further  study  of  natural  history,  by  exhibiting  an  extensive  series  of 
objects,  and  especially  of  the  productions  of  Canada.  Several  fine  spe 
cimens  of  animals  have  lately  been  added  to  the  collection.  The  birds 
number  about  750,  which  are  arranged,  so  far  as  space  will  admit.  Ad 
ditions  arc  being  made  in  the  departments  of  Ichthyology,  Entomology, 
and  Conchology,  which  will  greatly  increase  the  interest  of  the  collection; 
and  several  packages  of  plants  have  been  obtained  from  England  and 
the  Southern  United  States, — especially  a  fine  collection  of  American 
mosses. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  TRIXITY  COLLEGE. 
"Trinity  College  owes  its  establishment  to  the  persevering  efforts  of 


54  S  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

the  present  Lord  Bishop  of  Toronto,  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Strachan.  For 
a  long  time  it  had  been  insisted  that  one  of  the  chief  objects  in  obtain 
ing  the  charter  and  endowment  of  the  Provincial  University  was  to  pro 
vide  means  for  educating  the  clergy  of  the  Episcopal  Church;  but  Par 
liament,  acting  on  behalf  of  the  people  of  the  province,  for  whose  benefit 
the  University  was  intended,  and  in  further  compliance  with  the  request 
of  the  successor  of  the  royal  founder,  amended  the  charter,  by  abolishing 
the  chair  of  divinity,  in  1849.  Previous,  however,  to  the  opening  of 
the  Provincial  University,  and  about  two  years  before  the  organization 
of  its  faculty  of  divinity,  the  Bishop  established  a  Diocesan  Theological 
College  at  Cobourg,  for  the  education  of  candidates  for  holy  orders,  and 
appointed  one  of  his  chaplains  to  be  professor  of  divinity  for  his  diocese. 
This  arrangement  continued  during  the  existence  of  a  similar  professor 
ship  in  the  University,  and  became  the  means  of  educating  about  nine- 
tenths  of  the  clergy  who  were  ordained  during  the  continuance  of  the 
two  theological  schools. 

"  The  Act  of  1849,  while  it  abolished  the  distinctive  theological  cha 
racter  of  the  Provincial  University,  continued  its  professors.  Measures, 
however,  were  adopted,  in  1850,  for  the  establishment  of  a  denomina 
tional  College;  and  an  appeal  was  made  by  the  Bishop  to  the  members 
of  the  Church  of  England  in  Canada  and  England.  The  appeal,  made 
at  a  time  when  party  spirit  ran  high  on  political  and  constitutional  ques 
tions,  was  liberally  responded  to.  In  1851,  Parliament  incorporated 
the  proposed  Church  institution,  by  the  Act  14  and  15  Victoria,  cap.  32, 
under  the  title  of  t  Trinity  College;'  and  on  the  15th  of  January,  1852, 
the  College  was  formally  opened  for  the  admission  of  students.  On  the 
10th  of  July  of  the  same  year,  after  correspondence  and  modification  of 
the  original  draft,  a  royal  charter  was  obtained,  conferring  the  usual 
university  powers  to  grant  degrees  in  divinity,  law,  medicine,  and  arts. 
The  corporation  created  by  the  Act  consists  of  the  Bishop  and  such  per 
sons  as  he  may  appoint  to  be  the  trustees  and  council  of  the  College,  and 
may  hold  property  to  the  value  of  £5000  per  annum,  subject  to  the  pro 
visions  that  f  the  corporation  shall,  at  all  times,  when  called  upon  so  to 
do  by  the  Governor  of  the  Province,  render  an  account,  in  writing,  of 
their  property,  setting  forth  in  particular  the  amount  of  income,  and 
from  what  property  derived  ;  also  the  number  of  members  of  the  corpora 
tion,  the  number  of  teachers  and  students,  and  the  course  of  instruction 
pursued/ 

"This  University  confers  no  degree  whatever  unless  the  candidate 


CANADA.  541) 

has  previously  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  anjl  supremacy,  and  sub 
scribed   the   following  declaration:    'I,  ,  do  willingly  and 

heartily  declare  that  I  am  truly  and  sincerely  a  member  of  the  United 
Church  of  England  and  Ireland/ 

"  The   institution  is  liberally  endowed  by  private   subscriptions  of 
money  and  lands,  and  grants  from  public  bodies. " 


TRINITY  COLLEGE  LITERARY  INSTITUTE.    (1857.)    300  vols. 

"  This  Society  has  been  established  a  few  years,  and  is  similar  in  its 
objects  to  University  College  Society.  Its  news-room  is  liberally  sup- 
plied  with  Canadian  and  American  papers,  and  English  reviews  and 
papers;  and  its  students' library  contains  about  300  volumes.  Meet 
ings  are  held  on  every  Friday  evening  during  term." 


UPPER  CANADA  COLLEGE. 

"Upper  Canada  College  was  established  in  the  year  1829,  by  the  then 
Lieutenant-Governor  of  Upper  Canada,  Sir  John  Colborne  (now  Lord 
Seaton),  as  an  institution  for  general  education,  and  which  might  fitly 
prepare  the  way  for,  and  ultimately  assist  in  filling,  the  Provincial  Uni 
versity,  then  only  projected.  Having  first  obtained  the  concurrence  of 
the  College  Council  to  the  establishment  of  a  royal  grammar  school,  he 
submitted  to  Parliament  a  plan  for  its  connection  with  the  University; 
and  his  proposal  having  been  acceded  to,  the  title  of  the  Royal  Grammar 
School  was  changed  to  that  of  Upper  Canada  College,  and  the  institution 
opened  for  the  purposes  of  tuition  on  the  4th  of  January,  1830.  Since 
then,  more  than  2000  pupils  have  been  entered  on  its  boards, — many  of 
whom  are  now  occupying  distinguished  positions  in  the  Province  and 
elsewhere.  The  institution  stands  in  the  same  relation  to  the  Univer 
sity  as  the  preparatory  and  high  schools  of  other  Universities,  although 
supported  by  an  endowment  of  its  own,  aided  by  an  annual  Parliamen 
tary  grant.  At  present  it  is  placed  under  the  management  of  the  Senate 
of  the  University  of  Toronto;  but  the  principal,  masters,  and  teachers 
are  appointed  by  the  Governor/' 

YOUNG  MEN'S  ST.  PATRICK'S  ASSOCIATION, 
"Was  established  in  1855,  for  the  following  objects  :  'To  present  to 


550  PUBLIC   LIBRARIES. 

the  young  Irishmen  of  Toronto  opportunities  and  incentives  to  intel 
lectual  improvement;  to  multiply  their  sources  of  information;  to  esta 
blish  a  library,  reading-room,  and  debating  club ;  to  provide  for  the 
delivery  of  public  and  private  lectures  ;  to  procure  pecuniary  means  for 
benevolent  and  intellectual  purposes;  to  promote  a  friendly  intercourse 
between  them;  and,  finally,  to  create,  excite,  and  maintain  a  warm  love 
for  their  native  land,  and  a  worthy  zeal  for  the  honor  and  character  of 
their  race/  Meetings  are  held  on  the  first  and  third  Thursdays  of  each 
month,  for  debating  purposes;  and,  on  the  second  Thursday,  for  general 
purposes.  Subscription  :  Entrance  fee,  5s.  and  10s.  per  annum." 


NOVA   SCOTIA. 


HALIFAX. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION.     (1857.)     1100  vols. 

Organized  in  1854.  The  third  annual  report  (1857)  of  this  Asso 
ciation  states,  that  it  has  a  firmer  place  in  the  affections  of  the  Christian 
community  than  at  any  previous  period.  *The  library  contains  1100 
volumes,  comprising  the  "  cream  of  literature."  A  large  number  of 
periodicals  arc  received.  Receipts,  1856,  £327  11s.  &d.  Expenses, 
£233  14,s.  '3d.  Number  of  members,  62.  Subscribers  to  the  reading- 
room,  85. 


WINDSOR. 

KING'S  COLLEGE.     (1857.)     4800  vols. 

Founded  in  1802.  "The  valuable  library  of  the  College  has  been 
carefully  arranged  and  classified  by  the  librarian  and  other  professors, 
and  an  accurate  catalogue  is  now  in  course  of  preparation  for  the  press. 
The  Ilev.  E.  Maturin,  M.A.,  late  of  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  has  kindly 
afforded  his  aid,  having  had  practical  experience  in  a  similar  work  while 
at  that  University. 

"The  Right  Reverend  the  Visitor  has  appropriated  some  accumulations 


NOVA    SCOTIA.  551 

of  interest  on  the  Wharneford  donation,  to  the  purchase  of  theological 
works,  to  the  amount  of  £50.  Besides  which,  the  Governors  have  the 
pleasure  to  announce  a  recent  donation  of  17  volumes  from  the  llev.  Mr. 
Greswell,  of  Worcester  College,  Oxford.  The  INCORPORATED  ALUMNI 
have  shown  a  lively  interest  in  the  library,  and  have  announced  their 
readiness  to  appropriate  a  portion  of  their  funds  to  its  enlargement,  which 
praiseworthy  design  will  be  met  by  corresponding  aid  on  the  part  of  the 
Governors,  so  soon  as  the  state  of  their  funds  will  permit.  In  this  con 
nection  it  may  be  well  to  state  that  all  students  have  access  to  the 
library." — Extract  from  tlie  Report 'of  the  Secretary  ^  James  C.  Cochran, 
July,  1856. 

"  The  library  was  commenced  at  the  foundation  of  the  College,  and  has 
hitherto  been  principally  sustained  by  donations.  It  is  much  indebted 
to  the  University  of  Oxford,  a  large  portion  of  the  books  having  been 
given  by  it ;  also  to  the  Dean  and  Chapter  of  Westminster  Abbey,  and 
to  many  private  individuals.  The  College  esteems  itself  fortunate  in 
possessing  two  fine  copies  of  Walton's  celebrated  Polyglot,  in  6  volumes, 
with  the  Lexicon,  in  2  volumes,  of  which,  we  understand,  there  i^but 
one  other  copy  to  be  met  with  in  North  America." 


COMMON  SCHOOL  LIBRARIES. 


THIS  class  of  public  libraries  has  in  several  States  attracted  much 
attention  and  involved  large  expenditures.  An  effort  has  been  made 
to  collect  reliable  information  on  the  subject,  and  the  following  article  is 
believed  to  contain  much  that  has  never  been  given  in  a  connected 
form.  A  iDliole  volume  could  be  prepared,  and  would  indeed  be  neces 
sary  to  illustrate  the  various  systems  of  school  libraries ;  and  it  is  hoped 
that  this  may  yet  be  done  by  a  competent  hand. 

The  aggregate  number  of  volumes  in  the  Common  Schools  in  the 
United  States  is  about  TWO  MILLIONS,  and  in  Canada  nearly  a  quarter 
of  a  million.  The  system  introduced,  under  the  energetic  and  judicious 
measures  proposed  by  Dr.  Ryerson,  in  Upper  Canada,  deserves  special 
mention.  It  appears  to  be  the  opinion  of  some  who  have  given  special 
attention  to  this  subject,  that  the  system  of  School  Libraries  of  Canada 
is  in  advance  of  any  in  the  United  States. 


CALIFORNIA. 

DURING  1854,  $3990  52  were  expended  in  14  counties  for  school 
libraries  and  apparatus. 


CONNECTICUT.  553 


CONNECTICUT. 

IN  1838,  no  efforts  had  been  made  to  provide  the  district  schools  with 
libraries.  Mr.  Barnard  states  that  out  of  1400  schools  which  he  visited, 
there  were  but  six  libraries,  containing,  in  all,  less  than  1000  volumes. 

By  an  Act  of  the  General  Assembly,  May  Session,  185G,  the  Trea 
surer  of  the  State,  upon  the  order  of  the  Superintendent  of  Schools,  is 
authorized  and  directed  to  pay  over  the  sum  of  ten  dollars,  out  of  any 
moneys  that  maybe  in  the  public  treasury,  to  every  school  district  which 
shall  raise,  by  tax  or  subscription,  a  like  sum  for  the  same  purpose,  to 
establish  within  such  district  a  school  library,  and  to  procure  philoso 
phical  and  chemical  apparatus;  and  the  further  sum  of  five  dollars, 
annually,  upon  a  like  order  to  the  said  districts,  upon  condition  that 
they  shall  have  raised  a  like  sum  for  such  year  for  the  purposes  aforesaid. 

Since  the  passage  of  this  law  up  to  May,  1857,  133  districts  have 
availed  themselves  of  its  provisions,  and  the  aggregate  amount  raised  by 
these  districts  has  been  nearly  82000.  The  total  number  is  186;  53 
libraries  having  been  reported  previous  to  the  enactment  of  the  new 
law.  The  amount  paid  from  the  State  treasury  to  districts,  is  $1330. 
In  some  districts  a  large  portion  of  the  money  was  expended  for  refer 
ence  books ;  but  in  others,  for  volumes  for  general  circulation.  The  law 
requires  that  books  purchased  for  district  libraries  be  approved  by  the 
Board  of  Visitors  of  each  town. 

The  whole  amount  expended  for  libraries,  during  1858,  was  83757  29. 
A  large  proportion  of  the  money  has  been  appropriated  for  the  purchase 
of  books  for  circulating  libraries.  More  than  14,000  volumes  have  thus 
been  placed  within  the  reach  of  parents  and  children  during  the  past 
year.  In  city  and  village  districts,  reference  books,  maps,  philosophical 
and  chemical  apparatus  have  been  more  frequently  purchased. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1859,  there  were  461  school  libraries  with 
25,700  volumes. 

The  following  statement  is  taken  from  the  Annual  Report  of  the  Su 
perintendent  of  Common  Schools,  1858  : — 

Counties.                                                                 No.  of  Libraries.  No.  of  Vols. 

Hartford, 29  4271 

New  Haven, 45  2596 

New  London, 32  2242 


554  COMMON    SCHOOL    LIBRARIES. 

Counties?.  No.  of  Libraries.       No.  of  Vols. 

Fail-field, 34  1602 

Litchfielcl, 22  7S7 

Windham, 24  S82 

Middlesex, 33  1221 

Tolland,  11  597 


230  14,198 


INDIANA. 

"TilE  law  of  1852  imposed  a  tax  of  a  quarter  of  a  mill  on  the  pro 
perty,  and  an  assessment  of  twenty -Jive  cents  on  the  poll,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  establishing  a  library  in  every  civil  township  in  the  common 
wealth.  This  tax  was  limited  to  the  period  of  two  years.  The  assess 
ments  for  the  aforesaid  purpose,  during  these  two  years,  amounted  to 
$186,327.  The  amount  realized  from  that  levy  was  $176,336,  leaving 
a  delinquency  of  only  S9991.  The  Revised  School  Law  of  1855,  pro 
vides  for  a  similar  levy  for  only  one  year,  which  will  amount,  according 
to  the  data  found  on  page  54,  of  the  Auditor's  Report,  viz.,  8301,858,474 
of  property,  and  178,877  polls,  to  the  handsome  sum  of  8123,183. 
The  uncertainty  incident  to  such  legislative  restriction  is  enough  to 
damage  the  reputation  and  interests  of  even  the  best  of  causes.  Were 
a  similar  policy  adopted  relative  to  any  other  great  interest  of  the  State, 
it  would  be  deemed  unwise  and  ruinous  in  the  extreme.  It  is,  however, 
to  be  hoped  that  such  expressions  as  the  following,  will  not  be  lost  on 
the  public  mind  :  i  Nearly  all  the  books  have  been  drawn  out  as  much 
as  twenty-Jive  times,  many  of  them  oftener,  and  quite  a  number  of  the 
books  are  not  permitted  to  remain  in  the  library  an  hour  before  they  are 
withdrawn.'  Says  another:  (  Our  library  is  doing  more  good  than  any 
thing  that  has  ever  been  done  by  the  Legislature  of  this  State.  Great 
interest  is  manifested  in  it  here.'  The  latter  remark  represents  the 
state  of  things  in  a  rural  district  in  the  oldest  county  in  the  State,  and 
the  former  portrays  the  condition  of  the  library  enterprise  in  a  large 
river  city  in  the  (  Pocket.'  The  number  of  volumes  embraced  in  the 
purchase,  and  distributed  to  the  townships,  is  fwo  hundred  and  twenty- 
six  thousand  two  hundred  and  thirteen." 

In  1855,  there  were  135,378  volumes  in  the  school  libraries  of  the 
State  of  Indiana. 


IOWA — MASSACHUSETTS.  555 

The  number  of  volumes  distributed  is  226,213,  at  a  cost  of  $154.335  22. 

For  a  schedule  of  the  prices  paid,  see  Fourth  Report  of  the  Superin 
tendent  of  Public  Instruction,  p.  121,  1856. 

The  amount  of  library  tax  for  1855,  was  8108,243  21. 

"The  operation  of  the  library  feature  of  the  system,  as  far  as  heard 
from,  has  been  exceedingly  happy,  disappointing  the  predictions  of  its 
enemies  and  the  fears  of  its  timid  friends,  and  even  transcending  the 
most  sanguine  expectations  of  its  more  ardent  advocates.  The  interest 
awakened  by  its  use,  and  the  estimation  in  which  it  is  held  by  adults 
as  well  as  youth,  confirm  the  wisdom,  that  gave  it  a  township  character 
rather  than  a  district  mission. 

" There  are  many  pleasant  tokens  that  it  has  entered  on  a  glorious 
mission,  and  the  indications  of  the  high  estimation  in  which  it  is  held 
and  the  usefulness  it  is  accomplishing  are  neither  few  nor  insignificant. 
One  township  reports  1230  volumes  taken  out  in  3*>-  months;  another 
687  in  4  months;  another  1242  in  9  months;  another  1050  in  6 
months;  another  700  in  9  months;  another  1540  in  10  months; 
another  2127  in  S£  months.  No  two  of  the  said  townships  are  in  the 
same  county,  and  none  of  these  libraries  contained  more  than  330 
volumes."— Report  of  0.  Mils,  Feb.  11,  1856. 


IOWA. 

THE  exemptions  from  military  duty,  and  all  fines,  are  appropriated  to 
the  support  of  schools  and  school  libraries. 

In  1854,  there  were  1520  district  schools,  having  only  576  volumes 
reported  in  their  libraries. 


MASSACHUSETTS. 

FROM  the  Twelfth  Report  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Education, 
presented  November,  1848,  we  learn  that  the  number  of  volumes  in  the 
school  libraries  was  91,539,  and  their  estimated  value,  $42,707.  "It 


556  COMMON    SCHOOL   LIBRARIES. 

would  be  difficult/'  adds  the  Secretary,  "to  mention  any  way  in  which 
a  million  of  dollars  could  be  more  beneficially  expended  than  in  supply 
ing  the  requisite  apparatus  and  libraries  for  our  common  schools/' 

A  communication  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Education, 
dated  March  5,  1859,  states,  "  Our  school  system  in  Massachusetts  does 
not  embrace  '  school  libraries/  as  a  part.  Several  years  ago  they  were 
established  in  many  school  districts,  but  have  generally  failed  to  excite 
the  interest  necessary  to  keep  them  in  existence.  We  have  no  returns 
giving  information  respecting  them." 


MICHIGAN. 


Two  mills  on  each  dollar  of  valuation  is  taxed,  825  of  which  is  ap 
plied  to  the  purchase  of  books  for  the  township  library. 

The  clear  proceeds  of  all  fines,  penalties,  and  exemptions,  are  devoted  to 
the  purchase  of  books,  and  apportioned  by  the  County  Treasurer  accord 
ing  to  the  number  of  children  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen. 

The  books  are  intended  for  the  use  of  all  the  inhabitants,  and  not  re 
stricted  to  scholars  attending  school. 

The  inspectors  purchase  the  books  for  the  township  libraries,  and 
make  all  necessary  regulations  respecting  their  use.  The  township 
clerk  acts  as  librarian.  All  works  are  excluded  having  directly  or  re 
motely  a  sectarian  tendency,  and  also  novels,  romances,  &c.  No  person 
except  directors  of  school  districts  can  draw  books,  and  the  inhabitants 
of  the  districts  draw  from  them.  The  libraries  are  open  every  Saturday 
from  12  to  2. 

A  district  library  is  provided  for  the  City  of  Detroit,  by  a  tax  of 
8200  annually.  Act,  Feb.  17,  1842. 

The  whole  number  of  school  districts  is  4404.  In  1851,  there  were 
97,148  volumes  in  the  township  libraries.  In  1853,  the  number  of  volumes 
in  the  libraries  was  112,538.  In  1854,  the  number  was  121,201. 

Amount  of  two  mill  tax  assessed  by  the  supervisor,  and  collected  for 
support  of  school  and  township  libraries,  867,179  55. 

Amount  of  fines,  penalties,  and  forfeitures  of  recognizance,  received 


MISSOURI — NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 


557 


of  county  treasurers  for  the  purchase  of  books  and   township  library 
82457  80. 


MISSOURI. 

IN  1854,  the  number  of  common  schools  was  154G,  and  of  district 
libraries  1117. 


NEW   HAMPSHIRE. 

THE  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Education,  Jonathan  Tcnney,  in  his 
Report  for  1856,  after  stating  what  had  been  done  in  the  States  of  New 
York,  Ohio,  Indiana,  &c.,  earnestly  recommends  the  adoption  of  a  sys 
tem  of  school  libraries  in  New  Hampshire.  He  thinks  it  would  be  un 
wise  to  appropriate  an  equal  amount  to  each  town  of  such  various  size, 
wealth,  and  length  of  school  as  exists  there.  If  the  State  will  not  aid 
in  this  work,  he  urges  the  teachers,  committees,  and  intelligent  citizens 
to  persuade  the  towns  to  do  it. 

SCHOOL,    DISTRICT,    SOCIAL,    OR   TOWN    LIBRARIES    IN    NEW 
HAMPSHIRE. 

Total  No.  of  Vols.  1858.    Town.      Largest  Library. 


Counties. 

No.  of  Libraries. 

Bel  knap,     . 

1       . 

Carroll, 

2 

Cheshire,    . 

8       . 

Coos,  . 

.       3       . 

Grafton, 

.     13      . 

Hillsborough, 

.     11       . 

Merrimac,  . 

9 

Rockingham, 

.     IS       . 

Stafford,      . 

4       . 

Sullivan,     . 

4       . 

177 

Alton, 

.        177 

900 

Tarn  forth,  . 

800 

3,224 

Walpole,     . 

839 

510 

Colebrook,  . 

250 

6,052 

Lyme, 

.    2,000 

3,755 

Peterboro,  . 

.    1,500 

4,206 

Concord,     . 

.    2,291 

23.926 

Exeter, 

.    2,000 

2,230 

Rollinsford, 

.     1,200 

2,705 

Chaiiestown, 

.    2,235 

J58  COMMON    SCHOOL    LIBRARIES. 


NEW  YORK. 

"  IN  1835,  the  districts  were,  by  Act  of  Legislature,  authorized  to  tax 
themselves  820  each  for  the  first  year,  and  810  each  year  afterwards,  for 
the  establishment  of  a  library.  But  few  districts  availed  themselves  of 
this  privilege.  In  1838,  it  was  made  imperative  upon  each  district,  the 
State  paying  half  of  the  sum."  These  libraries  arc  "  not  so  much  for 
the  benefit  of  children  attending  school  as  for  those  who  have  completed 
their  common-school  education.  Its  main  design  was  to  throw  into 
school  districts,  and  to  place  within  the  reach  of  all  their  inhabitants,  a 
collection  of  good  works  on  subjects  calculated  to  enlarge  their  under 
standings  and  store  their  minds  with  useful  knowledge."  (Report,  1836.) 

"  Selections  for  the  district  libraries  are  made  from  the  whole  range 
of  literature  and  science,  with  the  exception  of  controversial  books, 
political  or  religious.  History,  biography,  poetry,  philosophy — mental, 
moral,  and  natural — fiction — indeed  every  department  of  human  know 
ledge,  contributes  its  share  to  the  district  school  library.  The  object  of 
this  great  charity  was  not  merely  to  furnish  books  for  children,  but  to 
establish  in  all  the  school  districts  a  miscellaneous  library  suited  to  the 
tastes  and  characters  of  every  age. 

"  By  means  of  this  diffusive  benevolence,  the  light  of  knowledge 
penetrates  every  portion  of  the  State,  and  the  sons  of  our  farmers,  mer 
chants,  mechanics,  and  laborers  have  daily  access  to  many  well-selected 
books,  of  which,  but  for  this  sagacious  policy  of  our  State,  a  majority  of 
them  would  have  never  heard.  If  knowledge  is  power,  who  can  calcu 
late  the  energy  imparted  to  the  people  of  this  State  by  the  district 
school  and  district  library  ?"  (Annual  Report  of  the  Superintendent  of 
Common  Schools,  January  2,  1849.) 

"  By  provision  of  the  Act  of  the  Legislature,  April  17,  1838,  the  sum 
of  $55,000  of  the  United  States'  deposit  fund  was  required  to  be  dis 
tributed  among  the  several  school  districts  of  the  State,  and  by  the 
trustees  of  districts  to  be  appropriated  for  three  years  (extended,  in 
1839,  to  five  years),  for  the  purchase  of  a  district  library,  and  after  that 
time,  for  a  library,  or  for  the  payment  of  teachers'  wages. 

"In  1838,  the  means  of  distributing  books  throughout  the  country 
were  by  no  means  as  great  as  they  now  are.  Railroads  were  but  few; 


NEW    YORK.  559 

and  the  means  of  access  to  many  parts  of  the  State  were  unfrequent, 
tedious,  and  expensive.  Literature  was  by  no  means  generally  circu 
lated.  The  authority  given  by  the  Legislature  to  establish  joint  dis 
trict  libraries,  at  the  same  time  that  it  recognizes  the  demand  made  for 
more  libraries,  also  admits  the  inconveniences,  expenses,  and  often 
wastefulness,  of  the  plan  of  maintaining  separate  district  libraries." 

The  opinion  of  the  State  Superintendent  of  Schools,  on  this  subject, 
as  found  in  his  Annual  Report,  1857,  shows  how  much  these  institutions 
are  neglected,  even  in  the  country,  where  it  is  difficult  to  procure  read 
ing  matter.  That  opinion  is  as  follows  : — 

"  The  advantages  that  actually  result  from  their  establishment,  while 
unquestionably  large,  are,  it  is  to  be  feared,  sensibly  decreasing.  It  is 
now  through  their  secondary  influence  in  having  excited  a  taste  for 
reading,  which  seeks  its  gratification  in  the  private  purchase  of  books, 
that  the  libraries  are  of  very  considerable  value,  rather  than  by  actually 
supplying  the  demand  they  originally  stimulated.  In  those  districts 
where  the  libraries  have  been  best  appreciated  and  most  extensively 
read,  the  interest  in  their  contents  is  to  the  largest  degree  exhausted, 
and  can  only  be  renewed  by  a  constant  replenishing  of  the  shelves  with 
fresh  books.  The  existing  appropriation  is  too  small  to  produce  a  very 
marked  effect  in  this  way,  and  the  consequence  is,  that  both  the  old  and 
the  new  volumes  are  falling  into  neglect. 

11  As  the  inhabitants  cease  to  resort  to  the  libraries,  the  officers  who 
are  charged  with  their  custody  and  preservation,  become  careless  and 
indifferent,  and  the  books  are  stowed  away  like  the  forgotten  lumber  of 
a  garret,  to  moulder  and  dilapidate. 

"  Melancholy  evidence  of  the  truth  of  their  waning  usefulness  is 
presented  in  the  fact,  that  an  apparent  diminution  of  31,940  volumes 
is  reported  in  immediate  juxtaposition  with  the  expenditure  of  over 
$43,000  in  the  past  year,  which  ought  to  have  largely  swelled  their 
number.  It  is,  doubtless,  true  that  this  reported  decrease  is  unreal, 
and  that  it  is  to  be  charged  to  the  defects  in  the  statistics.  But  the 
fact  that  the  department  has  been  forced  to  present  such  erroneous 
returns  in  spite  of  its  efforts  to  secure  accuracy,  is,  of  itself,  conclusive 
proof  that  the  books  are  so  scattered  that  they  cannot  be  correctly  cata 
logued,  or  that  the  librarians,  who  must  reflect  in  this  particular  the 
feelings  of  those  by  whom  they  are  appointed,  regard  them  as  of  too 
subordinate  importance  to  require  great  exertion  in  obtaining  minute 
information  about  their  condition.  The  increasing  applications  to  this 


560  COMMON    SCHOOL   LIBRARIES. 

department  for  permission  to  expend  the  library  money  for  the  payment 
of  teachers'  wages,  confirm  the  evidence." 

The  total  number  of  volumes  in  the  school  and  district  libraries  have 
been  reported,  for  a  series  of  years  on  the  first  of  January  as  follows :  in 

Date.                                   Volu  irtes.  Date.  Volumes. 

1S47,  .  .  1,310,986  1853,  .  .  1,604,210 

1848,  .  .  1,338,848  1854,  .  .  1,572,270 

1849,  .  .  1,409,154  1855,  .  .  1,494,542 

1850,  .  .  1,449,950  1856,  .  .  1,418,100 

1851,  .  .  1,507,077  1857,  .  .  1,377,933 

1852,  .  .  1,570.131 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  above  table,  that  notwithstanding  the  large 
amounts  annually  appropriated  to  this  purpose,  the  number  of  volumes 
in  1857  is  226,277  less  than  was  reported  in  1853.  The  Superinten 
dent  of  Public  Instruction  states,  that  he  is  unable  to  account  for  this 
falling  off,  which  in  the  last  four  years  has  amounted  to  an  average  of 
56,569  volumes  per  annum.  The  interest  in  these  libraries  seems  to 
have  ceased  in  many  parts  of  the  State,  and  may  be  owing  to  the  fact, 
that  in  too  many  cases  works  of  an  ephemeral  character  have  formed 
their  contents  more  to  the  gratification  of  the  publishing  agent  than  the 
benefit  of  the  district. 

The  following  table  gives  the  number  of  volumes  in  the  district 
libraries  in  New  York,  in  1857  : — 

Volumes. 
21,213 
1.566 
23,395 
43,521 
34,779 
16,217 
22,779 
28.718 
34,082 
16.802 
14,000 
23,356 
53,531 
41,760 
25,573 
32,798 
13,781 
28,155 


Counties. 

Volumes. 

Counties. 

Albany, 

27,559 

Greene, 

Allegliany,  . 

21,409 

Hamilton, 

Broome, 

16,521 

Herkimer, 

Cattaraugus, 

17,330 

Jefferson, 

Cayuga, 

35,142 

Kings, 

Cliatauqne,  . 

26,039 

Lewis, 

Chemung,     . 

10.519 

Livingston, 

Chenango,     . 

32,394 

Madison, 

Clinton, 

18,082 

Monroe,   . 

Columbia, 

20,869 

Montgomery, 

Cortland, 

19,757 

New  York, 

Delaware,    . 

27,223 

Niagara, 

Dutches;-, 

33,526 

Oneida,    . 

Erie, 

41,127 

Onondaga, 

Essex, 

17,393 

Ontario, 

Franklin, 

12,181 

Orange, 

Fulton, 

11,232 

Orleans, 

Genesee, 

18,249 

Oswego, 

NEW   YORK. 


561 


Counties. 
Otsego, 
Putnam, 
Queens, 
Rensselaer, 
Richmond, 
Rockland, 
St.  Lawrence, . 
Saratoga, 
Schenectady,    . 
Schobarie, 
Schuyler, 
Seneca,    . 


Cities. 
Albany, 
Auburn, 
Hudson, 
Ponghkeepsie, 
Buffalo, 
Brooklyn, 
Rochester, 


Volumes. 
36,549 

8,489 
20,732 
31,443 

5,706 

8,601 
41,517 
27,OSO 

9,136 
21,311 
12,384 
14,115 


Volumes. 
5,928 
3,625 
700 
4,653 
8,216 

29,511 
6.000 


Counties. 
Steuben,  . 
Suffolk,    . 
Sullivan, 
Tioga, 
Tompkins, 
Ulster,     . 
Warren,  . 
Washington, 
Wayne,    . 
Westchester, 
Wyoming, 
Yates. 


Cities. 

New  York, 
Utica, 
Syracuse, 
Oswego, 
Troy,         .         . 
Schenectady,    . 

Total  Cities, 


Volumes. 
29,632 
23,068 
13,003 
16,649 
20,919 
30,514 
7,790 
29,179 
26,333 
28,341 
22,018 
10,846 

1,377,933 

Volumes. 
14,000 
2,985 
4,620 
3,000 
3,580 
3,045 


89.863 


The  payments  made  by  the  State  for  these  libraries  in  the  year  1857 
were  86306  68  for  cities,  and  $25,857  07  for  the  rural  districts. 
Total,  $32,163  75. 

The  portion  of  the  literature  fund  for  the  purchase  of  libraries, 
apportioned  to  New  York  City,  has  been  annually  received  by  the 
Board  of  Education,  and  although,  by  its  by-laws,  it  has  declared  that 
school  libraries,  under  the  control  of  the  officers  of  the  ward,  should  be 
established,  yet  no  part  of  these  moneys  has  been  applied  to  such  pur 
pose.  On  the  1st  of  August,  1855,  a  Report  was  made,  by  a  Committee 
of  the  Board,  favorable  to  the  establishment  of  libraries  in  the  various 
grammar  schools,  and  of  a  library  in  the  hall  of  the  Board ;  but  no 
action,  up  to  1858,  had  been  taken  in  regard  to  it.  In  the  Report,  the 
Committee  say  that  the  sum,  so  appropriated,  then  amounted  to  about 
$100,000 ;  that  it  had  been  exhausted  not  for  libraries,  but  for  the 
current  expenses  of  the  Board.  The  friends  of  the  schools  No.  44 
and  No.  40,  in  the  5th  and  18th  wards,  have  established  libraries  in 
them,  by  voluntary  subscription.1 

1  Assembly  Documents,  No.  50,  Vol.  II,  February  11,  1858. 
36 


562  COMMON    SCHOOL   LIBRARIES. 

The  volumes  in  the  libraries1  of  the  Academies  in  the  State  of  New 
York  have  been  thus  reported  : — 

No.  of  Volumes.  Average. 

In  1854,  168 'academies  reported,          .          .          86,724  516 

1855,  172          "                        f.                            91,296  530 

1856,165          "               "                                       93,211  564 

1857,  176          "               u                                      84,983  482 

1858,  183          «               "...        100,290  552 

The  value  of  the  libraries,  in   1857,  was  reported  as  $89,642  06 ; 
and  in  1858,  at  $107,015. 


OHIO. 

THE  law  devotes  one-tenth  of  a  mill  upon  the  dollar  valuation,  on  the 
grand  list  of  property  taxable  for  State  purposes,  as  an  annual  fund  "for 
the  purpose  of  furnishing  school  libraries  and  apparatus  to  all  the  Com 
mon  Schools  of  the  State,"  and  provides  that  "  every  family  in  each 
district  or  sub-district  shall  be  entitled  to  the  use  of  one  volume  at  a 
time  from  the  school  library,  although  no  member  of  such  family  attend 
any  of  the  schools  of  the  township/'  The  Township  Boards  of  Educa 
tion  are  vested  with  the  power  to  "make  and  enforce  such  rules  relative 
to  the  use  and  preservation  of  the  school  libraries  and  apparatus,  as  they 
may  think  advisable,"  including  the  appointment  and  direction  of  libra 
rians.  These  libraries  are  "deemed  the  property  of  said  several  boards, 
or  local  school  officers,  to  whom  the  same  may  have  been  delivered,  and 
shall  not  be  subject  to  execution,  sale,  or  alienation  for  any  cause  what 
ever."  Section  51  further  provides  that  "as  soon  as  the  revenues  raised 
for  the  purpose  of  furnishing  the  Common  Schools  with  libraries  and 
apparatus  will  admit,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  State  Commissioners  of 
Common  Schools  to  purchase  the  same,  and  the  books  and  apparatus  so 
purchased  shall  be  distributed,  through  the  Auditor's  office  of  each 
county,  to  the  Board  of  Education  in  each  township,  city,  or  incorpo 
rated  village,  according  to  the  enumeration  of  scholars." 

Perhaps  no  single  recommendation  has  been  more  frequently  made, 
by  State  officers  charged  with  the  superintendence  of  Common  Schools, 
than  some  public  provision  for  Township  or  District  Libraries. 

1  The  names  and  location  of  the  academies  are  given  in  the  general  list  of 
libraries  in  New  York. 


Iii  the  report  of  II.  II.  Barney,  March  12,  1856,  it  is  stated  that 
li  the  whole  number  of  volumes  purchased  and  distributed,  or  to  be  dis 
tributed,  is  321,798,  costing  $198,092  54. " 

Receipts,  District  School  Library  Fund,  during  1854— '55,  $80,639  75; 
disbursements,  884.095  35.  Receipts  during  1855-'56,  883,257  20; 
disbursements,  882,906  47. 

The  total  number  of  school  libraries  in  Ohio  in  1855  was  4777  ;  value 
884,737  90;  volumes  136.121.  Amount  expended  for  books  in  1854 
and  1855,  8150,787  08. 

The  receipts  of  the  District  School  Library  Fund  for  the  years  1854, 
1855,  and  1856,  amount  to  §218.130  53.  One-half  of  all  the  taxes 
levied  in  1855  by  State  authority  were  for  Common  School  and  Library 
purposes.  The  total  amount  was  81,377,403  75;  of  this  $78,848  68 
were  for  libraries. 

The  orders  for  books  were  then  executed  by  a  general  agent,  H.  W. 
Derby,  of  Cincinnati.  The  schedule  of  books  bought,  with  the  prices 
paid,  are  given  in  Public  Document  No.  37,  1856.  All  the  books  are 
bound  in  full  library  style,  with  dark  sprinkled  or  marbled  edges,  covers 
embossed  and  stamped.  The  prices  are  said  to  range  from  5  to  10  per 
cent,  below  the  cost  of  the  books  purchased  for  the  State  of  Indiana. 

Information  from  various  parts  of  the  State  disclose  very  dissimilar 
views  in  regard  to  this  feature  of  the  present  system,  in  most  instances 
the  expression  being  warmly  of  approval,  and  of  anxiety  that  the  annual 
supply  of  books  may  be  continued ;  while  in  some  quarters  a  peculiar 
prejudice  seems  to  exist  against  this  provision  of  the  law. 

In  answer  to  the  question,  "  What  is  the  use  of  school  district  libra 
ries  ?"  Mr.  Barney  goes  into  an  elaborate  and  able  defence  of  the  system, 
from  which  we  make  the  following  extracts  : — 

"  The  question  is  often  asked,  and  asked,  too,  as  if  it  were  difficult  to 
be  answered  :  '  What  is  the  use  of  school  district  libraries,  and  why 
should  the  property  of  the  State  be  taxed  to  furnish  these  libraries  T 
The  best  way,  perhaps,  to  answer  this  question,  is  to  ask  another : 
'Why  is  it  necessary  to  have  a  system  of  common  schools,  and  why 
should  it  be  maintained  at  the  public  expense  ?'  Good  libraries  are 
almost  as  essential  to  the  diffusion  of  useful  knowledge,  as  good  schools. 
Mere  school  studies  do  not  reach  every  part  and  faculty  of  the  mind. 
They  do  not  discover  and  call  out  all  the  latent  powers  which  lie  hid  in 
our  youth.  They  are  but  the  means  to  future  education,  giving  to  the 


564  COMMON    SCHOOL    LIBRARIES. 

young  the  instruments  with  which  to  educate  themselves,  and  giving  to 
their  parents  and  guardians  an  opportunity  to  instil  into  their  minds  cor 
rect  principles  to  guide  them  in  their  future  course.  A  taste  for  read 
ing  interesting  and  instructive  books,  formed  and  confirmed  by  habit,  at 
the  only  period  of  life  when  a  taste*  for  reading  can  be  formed,  has  often 
accomplished  more  than  school  studies,  to  excite  in  the  young  a  vigor 
ous  desire  for  a  liberal  self-culture. 

"It  is  a  well-known  fact,  that  persons  who  do  not  attend  school  and 
learn  to  read  and  write/before  they  reach  their  majority,  seldom  or  never 
acquire  those  arts.  A  taste  for  reading  useful  books,  must,  in  like  man 
ner,  be  formed  in  youth,  or  it  will  rarely,  if  ever,  be  formed  afterward. 
As,  without  schools,  a  large  majority  of  the  people  would  continue 
through  life  ignorant  of  the  art  of  reading  and  writing,  so  without  suit 
able  libraries  placed  within  reach  of  the  young,  many  would  never  ac 
quire  a  taste  for  reading.  As  good  books,  coupled  with  the  habit  and 
love  of  reading  them,  like  virtuous  associations;  are  of  great  value  to  the 
minds  and  morals  of  the  young,  and  as  the  object  of  establishing  schools 
is  to  give  our  children  an  opportunity  of  acquiring  that  knowledge  and 
mental  training,  and  of  forming  those  habits  and  tastes,  which  will 
make  them  wiser,  better,  and  happier,  it  would  seem  to  be  almost  as  im 
portant  to  provide  for  the  establishment  of  libraries  as  of  schools. 

"  This  view  of  the  case  explains  the  reason  why  in  so  many  of  the  States, 
provision  has  already  been  made  for  creating  school  district  or  township 
libraries;  and  why  at  this  time,  the  people  in  other  States  are  earnestly 
calling  their  respective  Legislatures  to  this  vitally  important  subject. 

"It  has  become  a  sort  of  axiom  with  many  of  our  ablest  and  most  ex 
perienced  educationists,  that  a  good  library  is  quite  as  indispensable  to 
a  good  school,  as  a  good  schoolhouse  and  a  good  teacher.  Indeed,  it  is 
now  regarded,  in  many  places,  as  a  part  of  the  business  of  the  teacher, 
to  encourage  in  his  pupils  a  taste  for  reading,  by  calling  their  attention, 
nt  stated  periods,  to  the  interesting  incidents  and  valuable  information 
contained  in  particular  works,  and  by  assigning  to  them,  as  themes  or 
topics  for  their  essays  or  compositions,  important  facts  and  events 
described  in  the  volumes  of  the  library. 

"In  an  address  to  the  youth  of  Salem,  Mass.,  delivered  on  the  occasion 
of  a  school  celebration,  Mr.  George  B.  Emerson,  one  of  the  most  accom 
plished  teachers  of  the  age,  beautifully  and  impressively  illustrated  the 
great  and  manifold  advantages  of  gaining,  in  the  beginning  of  life,  the 
power  of  reading  distinctly,  naturally,  and  intelligently,  and  especially 


onio.  565 

of  acquiring  a  love  for  reading; — showing  most  conclusively  that  there 
is  no  situation  in  life  in  which  it  will  not  prove  a  source  of  the  purest 
pleasure  and  highest  improvement.  Referring  to  Thomas  Dowse,  the 
leather-dresser  of  Cambridgeport,  he  remarked  :  l  For  many  years,  and 
many  times  a  year,  I  have  passed  by  the  shop  of  that  diligent,  indus 
trious  mechanic,  whom  I  have  often  seen  busy  at  his  trade,  with  his 
arms  bare,  hard  at  work.  His  industry  and  steadiness  have  been  suc 
cessful,  and  he  has  gained  a  competency.  But  he  still  remains  wisely 
devoted  to  his  trade.  During  the  day, -you  may  see  him  at  his  work. 
At  night  he  sits  down  in  his  parlor  by  his  quiet  fireside,  and  enjoys, 
through  his  choice  and  beautiful  library,  the  company  of  the  most  ex 
traordinary  collection  of  friends  that  any  man  in  New  England  can  boast 
of.  William  H.  Prescott  goes  out  from  Boston  and  talks  with  him  about 
Ferdinand  and  Isabella.  Washington  Irving  comes  from  New  York,  and 
tells  him  the  story  of  the  wars  of  Granada,  and  the  adventurous  voyage 
of  Columbus,  or  the  Legend  of  Sleepy  Hollow,  or  the  tale  of  the  Broken 
Heart.  George  Bancroft  sits  down  with  him,  and  points  out  on  a  map 
the  colonies  and  settlements  of  America,  their  circumstances  and  fates, 
and  gives  him  the  early  history  of  liberty.  Jared  Sparks  comes  down 
from  Cambridge,  and  reads  to  him  the  letters  of  Washington,  and  makes 
his  heart  glad  with  the  heroic  deeds  of  that  godlike  man  for  the  cause 
of  his  country.  Or,  if  he  is  in  the  mood  for  poetry,  his  neighbor,  Wash 
ington  Allston,  the  great  painter,  steps  in  and  tells  him  a  story, — and 
nobody  tells  a  story  so  well, — or  repeats  to  him  lines  of  poetry.  Bryant 
comes  with  his  sweet  wood-notes,  which  he  learned  among  the  green  hills 
of  Berkshire.  And  Richard  H.  Dana,  father  and  son,  come,  the  one  to 
repeat  grave,  heart-stirring  poetry,  the  other  to  speak  of  his  Two  Years  be 
fore  the  Mast.  Or,  if  this  mechanic  is  in  a  speculative  mood,  Professor 
Hitchcock  comes  to  talk  to  him  of  all  the  changes  that  have  befallen 
the  soil  of  Massachusetts,  since  the  flood  and  before;  or  Professor  Espy 
tries  to  show  him  how  to  predict  a  storm.  Nor  is  his  acquaintance  con 
fined  to  his  own  country.  In  his  graver  hours,  he  sends  for  Sir  John 
Herschel  from  across  the  ocean,  and  he  comes  and  sits  down,  and  dis 
courses  eloquently  upon  the  wonders  of  the  vast  creation — of  all  the 
worlds  that  are  poured  upon  our  sight  by  the  glory  of  a  starry  night. 
Nor  is  it  across  the  stormy  ocean  of  blue  waves  alone  that  his  friends 
come  to  visit  him  \  but  across  the  darker  and  wider  ocean  of  time;  come 
the  wise  and  good,  the  eloquent  and  the  witty,  and  sit  down  by  his  table, 
and  discourse  with  him  as  long  as  he  wishes  to  listen.  That  eloquent 


566  COMMON    SCHOOL   LIBRARIES. 

blind  old  man  of  Scio,  with  beard  descending  to  his  girdle,  still  blind; 
but  still  eloquent,  sits  down  with  him  ;  and,  as  he  sang  almost  three 
thousand  years  ago  among  the  Grecian  Isles,  sings  the  war  of  Troy  or 
the  wanderings  of  Ulysses.  The  poet  of  the  human  heart  comes  from 
the  banks  of  Avon,  and  the  poet  of  Paradise  from  his  small  garden-house 
in  Westminster ;  Burns  from  his  cottage  on  the  Ayr,  and  Scott  from 
his  dwelling  on  the  Tweed;  and  any  time,  these  three  years  past,  may 
have  been  seen  by  his  fireside  a  man  who  ought  to  be  a  hero  with  school 
boys,  for  no  one  ever  so  felt  for  them — Charles  Dickens.  In  the  midst 
of  such  friends,  our  friend  the  leather-dresser  lives  a  happy  and  respected 
life,  not  less  respected,  and  far  more  happy,  than  if  an  uneasy  ambition 
had  made  him  a  representative  in  Congress,  or  a  governor  of  a  State, 
and  the  more  respected  and  happy  that  he  disdains  not  to  labor  daily  in 
his  honorable  calling/ 

"It  is  such  examples  as  these, — and  they  might  be  multiplied  to  an 
indefinite  extent — which  have  impressed  our  most  eminent  statesmen 
and  friends  of  education  with  the  conviction  that,  along  with  public 
schools,  district  libraries  should  be  established ;  and  that  parents  and 
teachers  should  cordially  and  steadily  co-operate  with  each  other  in 
efforts  to  excite  in  their  children  and  scholars  a  hearty  love  of  reading. 
All  will  admit  that  the  great  security  for  the  preservation  and  perpetua 
tion  of  the  blessings  of  liberty  and  good  government,  does  not  consist 
in  the  fact  that  the  political  power  is  nominally  in  the  hands  of  the 
people,  but  in  the  fact  that  the  people  do  actually  and  practically  take 
an  efficient  and  intelligent  part  in  the  management  of  public  affairs. 
All  will  agree  that  the  exercise  of  political  power  should  be  directed  by 
an  enlightened  judgment  and  upright  motives,  and  that  the  right  of 
suffrage  can  hardly  prove  a  blessing  to  those  who  do  not  possess  the  re 
quisite  amount  of  intelligence  to  exercise  it  with  discretion.  And  hence 
it  is  that  in  this  country  enlightened  public  sentiment  is  so  unanimous 
in  the  belief  that  the  preservation  of  our  free  institutions  demands  that 
the  sources  of  useful  knowledge  should  be  as  numerous,  and  as  widely 
diffused  as  possible  j  and  that  prominent  among  these  sources  of  valuable 
information,  and  second  only  to  our  public  schools  and  religious  institu 
tions,  arc  school  district  or  township  libraries. 

"  It  is  a  truth  which  requires  no  argument,  that  the  love  of  reading  is 
a  blessing  in  any  pursuit,  in  any  course  of  life, — not  less  to  the  merchant, 
farmer,  mechanic,  than  to  the  professional  man, — that  it  tends  to  refine 
arid  purify  and  elevate  society  \  in  short,  that  it  is  to  the  young,  one  of 


OHIO.  567 

the  strongest  safeguards  of  character,  and  to  those  more  advanced  in 
life,  a  sweet  solace  amid  the  cares  and  troubles  of  business. " 

Gov.  Chase,  in  his  Message,  Jan.  5,  1857,  recommends  that  township 
libraries  be  substituted  for  the  district  libraries,  and  that  the  library  at 
each  county  seat  be  made  a  county  library,  and  supplied,  as  far  as  pos 
sible,  with  the  published  documents  of  the  State  and  National  govern 
ments. 

The  present  Commissioner  of  Common  Schools,  Anson  Smyth,  Esq.,  in 
his  Report  for  the  year  ending  August  31,  1858,  states  that  for  two  years 
the  law  on  the  subject  of  libraries  had  been  in  a  state  of  suspension.  It 
is  now,  however,  again  in  operation,  and  the  Commissioner  has  taken 
every  means  to  secure  its  being  carried  out  thoroughly  and  efficiently. 
His  solicitude  for  the  proper  discharge  of  his  duties  is  manifested  in  all 
his  transactions  ;  he  consulted  the  friends  of  education,  the  officials  of  all 
kinds,  and  other  persons  on  the  subject,  and  took  every  precaution  in 
making  the  contracts  for  the  books,  to  secure  the  interests  of  the  State. 
The  Report  contains  a  number  of  extracts  from  letters  of  those  who  were 
competent  to  make  suggestions  as  to  the  character  of  the  books  to  be 
procured,  &c. 

The  opinion  is  generally  expressed  that  a  system  of  township  libraries 
would  be  much  more  useful  than  the  present  one  which  "  spreads  the 
library  matter  out  too  thinly  over  the  country."  75,000  dollars  seems 
a  large  amount  to  be  expended  for  books  in  a  single  year,  but  when  this 
is  divided  by  the  number  of  townships,  &c.,  it  gives  to  each  an  average 
of  but  $45.  But  the  townships  are  divided  into  sub-districts,  sometimes 
twelve  in  number.  It  would  seem  to  be  useless  to  attempt  to  establish 
ten  thousand  libraries  in  the  State,  giving  to  each  an  average  of  about 
seven  dollars  worth  of  books  per  annum. 

The  contract  for  furnishing  the  books  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Apple- 
ton  &  Co.,1  of  New  York,  but  the  binding  was  to  be  done  in  Ohio.  This 
latter  clause  it  was  found  impossible  to  carry  out,  and  it  was  relinquished. 

1  All  the  free  space  on  the  floor  of  the  immense  salesroom  at  Appleton's,  is  now 
occupied  by  great  masses  of  these  books,  piled  solidly  like  bricks,  ready  for  pack 
ing  and  shipment.  In  bulk,  they  measure  over  twenty-five  solid  cords,  and  they 
weigh  seventy-eight  tons.  Piled  on  end,  on  a  shelf,  in  the  usual  manner,  and  as 
close  together  as  possible,  they  would  extend  from  the  City  Hall  to  Union  Square, 
or  a  distance  of  two  miles.  We  understand  that  Messrs.  Appleton  have  made 
arrangements  to  transport  the  entire  lot  by  a  special  freight  train,  to  be  run  straight 
through  from  this  city  to  Columbus.  The  binding,  which  is  uniform,  is  beautiful 


568 


COMMON    SCHOOL    LIBRARIES. 


It  is  stated  that  13,000  volumes  of  the  works  purchased  are  the  pro 
ductions  of  Ohio  authors  and  publishers. 


Counties. 

Number 

and  Value  of  School 

Number  of  Volumes  in 

Libraries. 

School  Libraries. 

1858. 

No. 

Dollars. 

Adams, 

67 

1,379 

2,153 

Allen,      . 

59 

332 

1,254 

Ashland, 

34 

617 

1,376 

Ashtabula, 

23 

223 

4,000 

Athens, 

.        119 

2,532 

4,153 

Auglaize, 

44 

939 

1,048 

Belmont, 

143 

1,432 

5,427 

Brown, 

78 

994 

2,601 

Butler, 

97 

2,760 

4,531 

Carroll, 

74 

585 

1  489 

Champaign,     . 

62 

1,116 

1,877 

Clarke, 

74 

1,593 

2,681 

Clermont, 

68 

1.324 

2,787 

Clinton, 

62 

1,431 

2,516 

Columbiana,    . 

128 

2,726 

5,033 

Coshocton, 

74 

2,105 

2,072 

Crawford, 

61 

1,986 

3,410 

Cuyahoga, 

122 

3,337 

5,024 

Darke,     . 

109 

1,111 

2,178 

Defiance, 

45 

832 

1,476 

Delaware, 

51 

604 

1,073 

and  substantial.  Each  volume  is  lettered  on  the  back,  with  the  title  of  the  book, 
author's  name,  and  the  mark  of  the  "  Ohio  S.  Library,  1859."  The  selections  have 
been  made  exclusively  by  the  Commissioner,  to  whom  great  credit  is  due  for  the 
intelligent  and  judicious  manner  in  which  he  has  discharged  so  important  a  duty. 
This  can  best  be  appreciated  by  an  inspection  of  his  list,  from  which  the  following 
titles  (with  the  number  of  copies  required  of  each  work)  are  taken  at  random  : 
1650  Goadby's  Physiology,  1300  Walks  and  Talks  of  an  American  Farmer  in 
England,  1400  Bryant's  Poems,  1000  Halleck's  Poems,  1000  Dana's  Household 
Book  of  Poetry,  1400  Songs  and  Ballads  of  the  Revolution,  1650  Lossing's  United 
States,  1650  Mrs.  Kirkland's  Memoirs  of  Washington,  1650  Heroes  and  Hero  Wor 
ship,  500  New  American  Cyclopaedia,  1650  Michelet's  France,  1000  Downing's 
Landscape  Gardening,  500  Ruskin's  Stones  of  Venice,  100  Moore's  American 
Eloquence,  150  Benton's  Abridgment  of  Congressional  Debates,  1650  Youman's 
Household  Science,  1650  Life  of  Charles  XII,  1650  Elliott's  Fruit  Book,  1650  Flint 
on  Grasses.  1650  Youatt  and  Martin  on  Cattle,  1650  Incidents  in  American  History, 
1650  Milburn's  Rifle,  Axe,  and  Saddle-Bags,  1650  Educational  Biography,  1500 
India  and  her  People,  1250  Norse  Folk,  500  Darlington's  Agricultural  Botany,  200 
Maxims  of  Washington. — N.  Y.  Tribune,  March  29,  1859. 


OHIO. 


569 


Counties. 

Number 

and  Value  of  School 

Number  of  Volumes  in 

Libraries. 

School  Libraries. 

1858. 

No. 

Dollars. 

Erie, 

47 

724 

2,510 

Fairfield, 

90 

3,189 

4,589 

Fayette, 

59 

597 

1,651 

Franklin, 

51 

2,781 

4,445 

Fulton, 

57 

939 

1,517 

Gallia,     . 

67 

640 

981 

Geauga,. 

57 

458 

1,776 

Greene.,  . 

75 

1,789 

2,669 

Guernsey, 

104 

1,464 

2,190 

Hamilton, 

121 

.       18,269 

18,630 

Hancock, 

64 

1,094 

1,936 

Hardin,  . 

31 

276 

.     _        875 

Harrison, 

90 

1,579 

3,123 

Henry,    . 

35 

352 

607 

Highland, 

77 

2,635 

2.325 

Hocking, 

97 

1,360 

2,562 

Holmes, 

108 

802 

1,561 

Huron, 

65 

1,016 

3,227 

Jackson, 

34 

225 

1,085 

Jefferson, 

62 

1,575 

2,625 

Knox, 

94 

2,294 

2,675 

Lake, 

67 

1,153 

1,450 

Lawrence, 

24 

.        1,006 

1,897 

Licking, 

133 

2,264 

4,784 

Logan, 

61 

182 

1,740 

115 

50S 

2,598 

Lucas, 

33 

911 

1,710 

Madison, 

24 

1,099 

1,798 

Maboning,       . 

112 

2,520 

3.817 

Marion, 

35 

525 

1,140 

Medina, 

74 

1,008 

2,026 

Mei°-s 

64 

667 

981 

Mercer, 

13 

708 

1,776 

Miami, 

89 

2,006 

2,669 

Monroe, 

112 

.       2,667 

2,190 

Montgomery,  . 

117 

3.854 

18,630 

Morgan, 

70 

420 

1,936 

Morrow, 

97 

1,958 

875 

Muskingum,    . 

.        152 

.        3,162 

3,123 

Noble, 

52 

1,225 

607 

Ottowa, 

12 

510 

2,325 

Paulding, 

9 

88 

2,562 

Perry, 

89 

.        1,685 

1,561 

570 


COMMON    SCHOOL    LIBRARIES. 


Counties. 

Number 

and  Value  of  School 

Number  of  Volumes  i 

Libraries. 

School  Libraries. 

1858. 

No. 

Dollars. 

Pickaway. 

66 

1,105 

3,227 

Pike, 

41 

446 

1,085 

Portage, 

GO 

889 

2,625 

Preble, 

96 

1,742 

2,675 

Putnam, 

47 

263 

814 

Richland, 

.        149 

2,733 

5;089 

Ross, 

33 

1,520 

3,042 

Sandusky, 

9S 

1,524 

2,506 

Sciota, 

45 

1,396 

2,376 

Seneca, 

180 

960 

1,416 

Shelby, 

65 

1,168 

2,016 

Stark,      . 

160 

4,226 

6,735 

Summit, 

71 

1,471 

3,513 

Trumbull, 

17 

557 

2,743 

Tuscarawas,  . 

135 

.       3,855 

5,544 

Union,    . 

40 

815 

1,641 

Van  Wcrt,       . 

33 

447 

931 

Vinton, 

62 

765 

1,354 

Warren. 

48 

567 

1,860 

Washington,    . 

99 

1,668 

3,893 

Wayne, 

66 

1,644 

2,322 

Williams, 

31 

143 

756 

Wood, 

55 

827 

1,700 

Wyamlott, 

68 

1,065 

1,801 

Total, 


6,437 


$135,958 


245,887 


PENNSYLVANIA. 

THE  public  grammar  and  secondary  schools  of  the  First  Section  of 
the  First  School  District  of  Pennsylvania  (embracing  the  central  part 
of  Philadelphia)  have  libraries  averaging  500  volumes  each,  established 
and  maintained  by  the  income  arising  from  a  bequest  of  S10,000;  by 
Stephen  Cirard,  for  that  purpose. 


RHODE    ISLAND,  571 


RHODE    ISLAND. 

MR.  HENRY  BARNARD'S  labors  in  the  cause  of  education  in  Rhode 
Island,  some  years  ago,  met  with  much  success.  Before  he  left  the 
State,  a  library  of  at  least  500  volumes  had  been  secured  for  at  least 
twenty-nine  out  of  the  thirty-two  towns. 

11  The  Portsmouth  school  district  library  was  the  first  established, 
mainly  by  a  liberal  donation,  of  $100,  from  Miss  Sarah  Gibbs. 

"  The  library  at  Lonsdale  was  purchased,  at  an  expense  of  $550,  by  the 
Lonsdale  Company.  The  books  are  lent  out,  to  any  who  apply  for  them, 
at  a  cent  a  volume.  More  than  870  were  realized,  the  first  year,  from 
the  circulation  of  the  books. 

11  The  library  at  Slatcrsville  was  purchased  out  of  an  appropriation  of 
$500,  made  by  Messrs.  Slater,  Lockwood,  and  Carter. 

"The  libraries  at  Burrillvillc,  Gloucester,  Foster,  Cranston,  Hopkinton, 
Richmond,  Charleston,  Exeter,  Little  Compton,  New  Shoreham,  James 
town,  and  Barrington,  owe  their  existence  mainly  to  the  liberality  of 
AMASA  MANTON,  Esq.,  of  Providence,  who,  by  an  expenditure  of  $1000, 
was  instrumental  in  raising  in  these  towns  double  that  amount,  and  has 
thus  secured  the  establishment  of  ten  libraries,  with  at  least  5000  good 
books/' 

Mr.  Barnard  (in  the  "Report  and  Documents  relating  to  the  Public 
Schools  of  Rhode  Island  for  1846,"  pages  425  seq.)  has  given  an  his 
torical  and  statistical  account  of  the  several  libraries  in  the  State,  with 
a  sketch  of  the  organization  and  the  history  and  by-laws  of  the  Pawca- 
tuck  Library  Association,  as  a  favorable  specimen  of  a  public  school 
library.  He  has  also  published  the  catalogue  of  this  collection,  in  94 
closely  printed  Svo.  pages.  This  library  was  selected  by  Mr.  Barnard, 
and  the  catalogue,  with  explanatory  remarks  and  select  hints  on  reading, 
was  prepared  by  him.  We  extract  the  following  paragraphs  descriptive 
of  the  catalogue  : — 

"  The  first  of  the  following  catalogues  is  a  catalogue  of  subjects.  Its 
design  is  not  simply  to  give  the  titles  of  the  books  of  the  library,  but  to 
furnish  an  index  to  the  subjects  considered  in  the  books.  To  effect  this, 
the  various  books  in  the  library  have  been  analyzed  with  considerable 
care,  and  the  several  subjects  exhibited  by  them  have  been  arranged 


572  COMMON    SCHOOL    LIBRARIES. 

under  their  proper  heads.  The  analysis  has  been  confined  to  distinct 
treatises  and  separate  articles  on  subjects.  The  design  of  the  analysis, 
it  is  thought,  has  been  accomplished,  viz. :  to  make  the  catalogue  so 
full  that  no  one  shall  be  obliged  to  remove  a  book  from  the  shelves  in 
order  to  learn  its  contents  or  subjects,  and  that  those  who  use  the  library 
may  make  their  selection  of  books  directly  from  the  catalogue.  Thus 
the  convenience  of  persons  in  their  selections  will  be  greatly  promoted, 
and  the  injurious  handling  of  the  books  be  prevented. 

"  In  addition  to  the  catalogue  of  subjects,  a  catalogue  of  authors  is 
also  given,  in  which  the  names  of  all  the  authors  in  the  library  are 
placed  alphabetical!}/,  and  under  each  name  all  such  works  of  that 
author  as  belong  to  the  library.  By  the  aid  of  these  two  catalogues  any 
person,  even  those  the  least  familiar  with  books,  may  very  readily  refer 
to  any  work  or  any  subject  which  they  may  wish  to  examine.  In  both 
catalogues  the  number  of  each  book,  as  it  stands  on  the  library  shelves, 
is  carried  out  on  the  margin  of  the  page  against  its  title." 


VERMONT. 

THERE  are  a  few  school  libraries  in  this  State,  but  the  Secretary  of 
the  Board  of  Education,  J.  S.  Adams,  Esq.,  writes  (1859)  that,  "  hitherto 
no  means  have  existed  of  gathering  accurate  statistics  in  reference  to 
them.  A  recent  enactment  of  the  Legislature  has  made  provision  for 
collecting  statistical  information  in  regard  to  the  schools." 


WISCONSIN. 

BY  Act  of  April  16,  1852,  all  incorporated  academies  and  literary 
institutions  in  the  State  having  a  library  of  300  volumes,  are  entitled  to 
one  copy  of  the  Revised  Statutes,  one  copy  of  the  Session  Laws  of  each 
session  of  the  Legislature,  one  copy  of  the  Journals  of  the  Senate  and 


WISCONSIN.  573 

Assembly,  one  copy  each  of  the  Journals  of  two  Constitutional  Conven 
tions,  one  copy  each  of  all  documents  printed  by  order  of  the  Legisla 
ture  of  the  State,  one  copy  each  of  the  Kevised  Statutes,  Laws,  and  Jour 
nals  of  the  Council  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Territory  of 
Wisconsin,  and  the  Reports  of  the  decisions  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the  State.  These  documents  are  to  be  delivered  by  the  State  librarian 
within  ninety  days  after  publication. 

In  1854  there  were  75  school-houses  built  of  brick,  79  of  stone,  1052 
frame,  933  logs.  Total  2139,  valued  at  $347,542  55. 

In  1854,  the  number  of  district  libraries  was  830,  containing  14,027 
volumes.  The  largest  number  of  volumes  was  in  Rock  County,  1687, 
and  the  least  in  Iowa  County.  More  than  half  the  counties  had  no 
libraries. 

Section  74  of  the  school  law  provides  that  "  each  town  superintendent 
may,  in  his  discretion,  set  apart  a  sum,  not  exceeding  ten  per  cent,  of 
the  gross  amount  of  the  school  money  apportioned  to  any  district,  which 
shall  be  applied  by  such  district  to  the  purchase  of  school  district 
libraries/'  &c. 

"Too  little  importance  is  attached  to  this  subject  generally." — Report 
of  II.  A.  Wright  for  1854. 

During  1854,  $2040  89  were  expended  for  school  libraries.  The 
highest  sum  was  paid  in  Dodge  County,  $232  96,  and  the  lowest  in 
Waukesha,  $15  12.  In  29  counties  nothing  was  expended,  more  than 
half  the  whole  number  in  the  State. 

In  1855,  $4741  21  were  expended  in  27  counties.  There  were  1080 
district  libraries,  containing  21,667  volumes.  In  27  counties  out  of  50 
there  are  libraries. 

Number  of  volumes  lent  during  1855,  11,481 ;  the  greatest  number 
in  proportion  to  the  number  in  libraries  being  in  Marquette  County. 

Amount  of  library  fines  collected,  $12  16;  expended  $8  04. 

11 1  may  state  as  the  result  often  years'  experience  of  our  present  dis 
trict  library  system,  that  only  about  one-fourth  of  the  districts  have  any 
libraries  at  all,  and  those  generally  so  small  as  scarcely  to  deserve  the 
name, — averaging  less  than  nineteen  volumes  each, — and  hence,  utterly 
fail  to  fulfil  the  great  mission  of  school  libraries ;  that  what  few  books 
are  thus  collected  are  procured  at  high  prices  of  book  peddlers,  and  but 
too  generally  relate  to  banditti  sand  robbers,  the  Pirate's  Own  Boole,  and 
other  trashy  and  injurious  works,  which  could  only  incite  in  the  minds 
of  children  a  desire  themselves  to  become  desperadoes. 


574  COMMON    SCHOOL    LIBRARIES. 

'•  According  to  the  present  district  plan,  we  have  small  and  almost 
worthless  libraries ;  by  the  township  system,  we  should  have  large, 
attractive,  and  invaluable  collections. '; — L.  C.  Draper ,  Sup1 ' t  Pub.  In 
struction,  Oct.  1858. 

The  State  of  Wisconsin  has  recently  (March,  1859)  enacted  a  new 
School  Library  Law,  which  has  four  prominent  provisions,  namely  : — 

"1.  It  provides  a  permanent  Town  School  Library  Fund,  by  setting 
apart  for  this  purpose  ten  per  cent,  of  the  School  Fund  Income,  sub 
ject  to  apportionment  in  1860,  and  annually  thereafter,  together  with 
the  proceeds  of  a  special  State  tax,  to  be  levied  each  year,  of  one-tenth 
of  one  mill  on  the  dollar  valuation  of  taxable  property. 

"2.  It  provides  that  this  Fund  shall  be  set  apart  specifically,  for  esta 
blishing  and  replenishing  Toicn  School  Libraries. 

"  3.  It  provides  that  the  books  for  these  Libraries  shall  be  purchased 
by  public  authority,  and  not  by  the  local  School  Boards  as  heretofore. 

"  4.  It  provides  that  an  extra  number  of  the  State  Laws,  Journals,  and 
Documents,  sufficient  to  supply  each  Town  and  City  School  Library  with 
a  set,  shall  be  printed  by  the  State  Printer,  and  delivered  to  the  State 
Superintendent,  and  these  shall  be  substantially  bound,  under  the  direc 
tion  of  the  State  Superintendent,  with  the  approval  of  the  Governor,  at 
a  cost  not  exceeding  thirty  cents  per  volume,  to  be  paid  out  of  the 
School  Library  Fund." 

Mr.  Draper  states  :  "  There  never  was  a  measure  involving  new  and 
additional  taxation,  that  ever  passed  the  Legislature  with  such  unani 
mity.  It  passed  both  Houses  most  triumphantly,  by  a  vote  of  19  to  3 
in  the  Senate,  and  51  to  10  in  the  Assembly;  or  in  the  aggregate,  by  a 
vote  of  70  to  13.  1  have  no  doubt  that  the  men  who  supported  this 
noble  and  beneficent  measure,  will  long  be  remembered  with  honor  and 
gratitude  by  an  intelligent  and  appreciating  people. 

11  This  School  Library  Fund  will  amount  to  at  least  §35,000  annually, 
and  will  gradually  increase  in  proportion  to  the  increase  of  the  School 
Fund  Income,  and  the  increase  of  the  taxable  property  of  the  State. 
There  will  be  something  like  $18,000  a  year  from  the  School  Fund 
Income ;  and  one-tenth  of  a  mill  tax  on  the  dollar  valuation,  on 
$175,000,000  of  taxable  property  in  the  State,  as  equalized  last  year, 
would  realize  $17,500 ;  if  the  taxable  property  should  be  equalized,  as 
it  may  be,  at  two  hundred  millions,  then  the  income  from  this  special 
Library  tax  would  amount  to  $20,000  annually.  I  should  conclude, 
that  the  Library  Fund  will  reach  not  less  than  $40,000  a  year  within 


WISCONSIN.  575 

the  next  three  years.  But  estimating;  it  at  835,000  it  would  give,  on 
an  average,  to  each  of  the  650  towns  and  cities  of  the  State  $58  per 
year  in  books  at  wholesale  rates;  and  deducting  the  probable  pro  rata 
for  the  cities  and  villages,  there  would  be  about  $40,  upon  an  average, 
to  each  of  the  rural  towns.  Estimating  the  present  population  of  the 
State  at  850,000,  and  dividing  it  by  the  number  of  towns  and  cities, 
we  should  have  an  average  of  1833  persons  for  each  town  and  city; 
and  $40  or  $50  per  year  in  books,  for  this  number,  would  appear  but  a 
very  moderate  investment.  This  amount,  though  small,  will  neverthe 
less  afford  a  respectable  beginning  for  a  Town  School  Library,  when  we 
take  into  consideration  that  a  similar  amount  will  be  added  annually 
thereafter. 

111 1  congratulate  you  and  the  State,'  writes  Henry  Barnard,  'that 
your  Legislature  has  enabled  you  to  inaugurate  a  true  Library  policy — 
altogether  in  advance,  in  its  practical  bearings  and  completeness,  in 
time,  of  anything  yet  attempted/  It  is,  indeed,  an  advance  upon  the 
efforts  of  our  sister  States,  all  things  considered;  for  taking  the  three 
States  which  have  adopted  the  Township  system,  Wisconsin  will  raise 
more  money,  by  nearly  one-quarter,  than  Michigan,  besides  having  the 
advantage  of  the  State  purchasing  the  books,  instead  of  the  Township 
Boards,  as  is  done  in  Michigan ;  it  is  in  advance  of  Ohio,  whose  Li 
brary  Fund  is  provided  by  imposing  the  tenth  of  a  mill  tax,  while  ours 
is  raised  by  the  tenth  of  a  mill  tax,  and  one-tenth  of  the  School  Fund 
Income;  and  it  is  in  advance  of  Indiana,  not  in  the  amount  of  tax 
raised,  but  in  the  permanency  of  the  system,  for  in  Indiana  the  Library 
Law  is  enacted  to  be  in  force  only  two  years,  and  then  has  to  pass  the 
ordeal  of  securing  a  two  years'  renewal,  and  thus  is  subjected  to  the 
danger  of  overthrow  by  the  caprice  of  the  people,  or  through  the  mis 
management  of  those  having  it  in  charge.  Our  Wisconsin  Library 
Law  is  in  advance  of  all  others  in  providing  a  copy  of  all  State  Laws, 
Journals,  and  Documents,  substantially  bound,  for  each  School  Library. 

"It  is  a  noble  and  beneficent  law;  arid  will  yet  be  regarded,  when 
fully  known,  and  its  benefits  begin  to  be  realized,  as  the  most  important 
educational  measure  ever  inaugurated  in  Wisconsin." 


576  COMMON    SCHOOL   LIBRARIES. 


UPPER  CANADA. 

IN  connection  with  the  schools  there  is  established  a  system  of  FREE 
PUBLIC  LIBRARIES,  which  may  be  under  the  control  of  the  local  school, 
or  municipal,  authorities,  and  which  is  also  supported  by  local  tax,  and 
an  equal  amount  granted  from  the  Public  Library  Fund.  The  manner 
of  establishing  these  libraries  is  as  follows :  The  Department  issues  a 
catalogue  containing,  at  the  present  time,  say  GOOO  volumes,  which  have 
been  sanctioned  by  the  Council  of  Public  Instruction.  A  local  school, 
or  municipal,  corporation  makes  an  appropriation,  and  transmits  the 
money,  and  a  list  of  such  books  as  it  selects,  to  the  Department.  One 
hundred  per  cent,  is  then  added  to  the  amount,  and  books  to  the  value 
of  the  two  sums  are  forwarded  from  the  Library  Depository  of  the  De 
partment.  A  similar  system  is  adopted  in  supplying  the  Grammar  and 
Common  Schools  with  maps,  prints,  globes,  and  other  school  and  philo 
sophical  apparatus.1 

The  whole  number  of  volumes  distributed  by  the  Superintendent  of 
Public  Education,  of  Upper  Canada,  Dr.  E.  Byerson,  up  to  Dec.  81, 
1858,  has  been  109,182,  of  the  following  classes:— 

7,3SS 
7,529 
16,671 
12.522 
18,504 
46,279 
1,833 

326 

1  A  Special  Report  on  the  School  Law  of  Upper  Canada,  by  Dr.  Ryerson,  To 
ronto,  1858,  76  pp.  8vo.,  gives  full  information  on  the  whole  subject  of  the  Libra 
ries,  and  comparisons  with  the  systems  of  some  of  the  States. 


History,          .          .          29,430 

Agriculture.     . 

Zoology,         .         .          12,193 

Manufactures, 

Botany,           .         .            2,200 

Literature, 

Natural  Phenomena,        4,824 

Voyages, 

Physical  Science,               3,788 

Biography, 

Geology  and  Mineralogy,  1,409 

Practical  Life, 

Natural  Philosophy,          2,665 

Teacher's  Library, 

Chemistry,     .          .            1,218 

Agricultural  Chemistry,      689 

No.  of  Libraries,     . 

LOWER   CANADA.  577 


LOWER  CANADA. 

WE  have  collected  the  following  information  from  the  able  reports  of 
Pierre  J.  0.  Chauveau,  Superintendent  of  Education. 

The  Parish  Libraries  commenced  in  1853,  were  ninety  in  number  in 
1855,  and  contained  47,703  volumes;  ninety-two  in  1856,  with  57,493 
volumes;  ninety-six  in  1857,  with  60,510  volumes;  not  including  the 
public  libraries  in  Quebec  and  Montreal.  Those  intended  for  the  use 
of  the  poorer  classes  of  Montreal,  and  under  the  care  of  the  Roman  Catho 
lic  clergy,  are  composed  of  more  than  12,000  volumes. 

The  united  libraries  of  the  Superior  Schools  and  Colleges,  give  a  total 
of  78,300  volumes;  in  1856,  96,823  volumes;  in  1857,  113,142 
volumes.  The  cost  of  the  museums  and  of  the  apparatus  for  the  classes 
of  natural  philosophy,  amounts  to  £12,750. 

The  Seminaries  of  Quebec  and  Montreal,  the  two  most  ancient  of  the 
establishments,  receive  no  assistance  from  the  State.  Their  libraries, 
their  cabinets,  and  their  museums,  do  them  great  honor. 


SUNDAY    SCHOOL   LIBRARIES. 


No  account  of  the  public  libraries  of  the  United  States  would  be 
complete  without  a  notice  of  those  of  the  Sunday-schools,  which  are 
found  in  every  part  of  the  country,  forming  a  leading  feature  of  those 
established  many  years  ago  in  the  large  cities,  and  now  requiring  hun 
dreds  of  dollars  annually,  to  keep  up  their  value,  as  well  as  one  of  the  first 
objects  of  the  pioneer  Christian  settlers  in  our  Western  wilds,  who  avail 
themselves  of  the  cheap  but  useful  collections  issued  by  the  American 
Sunday  School  Union,  and  similar  Societies. 

If  we  consider  the  immense  influence  which  is  exerted  on  the  public 
mind  by  the  publications  which  find  their  way  from  these  libraries  to 
the  homes  of  the  rich  and  the  poor,  the  merchant  and  the  laborer,  and 
if  we  appreciate  the  impressions  produced  by  the  moral  and  religious 
truths  thus  taught,  we  shall  have  no  difficulty  in  understanding  the 
prevailing  Christian  sentiment,  and  the  growth  of  the  various  denomi 
nations  in  the  United  States. 

Within  a  few  years  the  publication  of  books  for  youth  has  greatly 
increased,  and  this  has  been  stimulated  by  the  formation  of  so  many 
Sunday-school  libraries,  and  the  demand  constantly  made  for  new  looks. 
Every  Sunday-school  is  obliged  to  replenish  its  stock  every  few  years, 
as  the  books  are  worn  out  by  use,  and  the  character  and  extent  of  the 
library  is  generally  regarded,  especially  by  children,  as  a  fair  indication 
of  the  prosperity  of  the  school. 

The  American  Sunday-school  Union,  during  the  year  1858,  put  into 
circulation  two  and  a  quarter  millions  of  volumes,  of  ISrno.  size,  for 
these  libraries.  The  American  Baptist  Publication  Society  printed  a 
quarter  of  a  million  volumes ;  and  the  Southern  Baptist  Publication  So 
ciety,  about  28,000  volumes.  In  1857,  the  Methodist  Sunday-school 


SUNDAY    SCHOOL   LIBRARIES.  579 

Society  issued  474,198  volumes.  In  1858,  the  Presbyterian  Board  of 
Publication  printed  463,750  volumes,  and,  since  its  formation,  lias 
issued  6,877,188  volumes. 

The  returns  of  Sunday-school  libraries,  in  the  last  United  States' 
Census  (1850),  are  hardly  worth  noticing,  as  they  are  so  manifestly 
incorrect.  These  give  1988  libraries,  with  542,321  volumes. 

Rev.  Daniel  Wise,  of  the  Methodist  Church,  stated  the  number  of 
volumes  in  the  Sunday-schools  of  his  denomination  to  be,  in  1856,  one 
million.  He  estimated  another  million  for  the  various  Baptist  sects ; 
a  third  million  for  Presbyterian  and  Congregational;  a  fourth  million  for 
the  Methodist  Church  South  and  the  minor  Methodist  bodies ;  a  fifth 
million  for  the  Episcopalians,  Unitarians,  and  all  others.  He  thinks 
that  to  these  estimates  should  be  added,  as  many  more,  for  question 
and  hymn  books,  Bibles,  Testaments,  etc. 

Mr.  Frederick  A.  Packard,  so  long  connected  with  the  American 
Sunday-school  Union,  has  furnished  the  following  remarks  on  this 
subject : 

"  The  whole  subject  of  Sunday-school  statistics  is  misrepresented  by 
parties  not  meaning  to  err,  but  misled  by  superficial  examination,  or 
hasty  conjectures.  Some  report  the  pupils  enrolled ;  others,  the  num 
ber  in  attendance  on  a  given  day;  others,  the  average  for  six  months  or 
a  year.  In  the  schools  of  cities  and  large  towns,  it  is  not  unusual  to 
find  three  or  more  schools  connected  with  one  church,  each  of  which 
has  a  library  of  from  300  to  1000  volumes.  In  village  schools,  it  is  rare 
to  find  a  Sunday-school  library  with  less  than  100  volumes.  I  have 
never  seen  a  reliable  estimate  of  the  total  number  of  children  connected 
with  Sunday-schools,  which  fixes  it  above  2,000,000.  I  think  that  is 
too  high ;  but  the  last  Report  of  the  Methodist  Sunday-school  Union, 
returns  11,000  schools,  in  their  connection,  containing  600,000  pupils. 
We  have  usually  considered  50  pupils  as  a  reasonable  average  of  the 
schools  through  the  country.  The  average  in  the  Methodist  schools,  as 
reported,  would  be  a  fraction  higher.  I  made  a  calculation  (before  look 
ing  at  their  Report)  that  two  millions  of  children,  averaging  50  pupils 
to  a  school,  would  give  40,000  schools.  This  would  not  vary  essen 
tially  from  the  reported  statistics  of  the  Methodist  schools.  My  im 
pression  is,  that  if  11,000  schools,  embracing  600,000  children,  are 
connected  with  these  schools,  the  total  number  in  attendance  upon  such 
schools,  in  this  country,  at  large,  exceeds  2,000,000 ;  for  I  do  not  think 
the  Methodist  schools  embrace  more  than  a  fourth  of  all  the  attendance. 


580  SUNDAY   SCHOOL   LIBRARIES. 

But  I  believe  the  Sunday-schools  connected  with  Roman  Catholic  churches 
do  not  have  libraries  attached  to  them ;  and  hence,  perhaps,  it  may  be  safe 
to  base  an  estimate  of  the  number  of  volumes  in  the  libraries,  upon  the 
two  millions.  We  suppose  that  each  of  the  40,000  schools  has  a  library 
of  from  50  to  100  volumes — very  few  have  less  than  100  volumes  (that 
number  bound,  lettered,  and  accompanied  with  catalogues,  being  ob 
tained  of  the  American  Sunday-school  Union,  for  $10),  and  very  many 
have  from  300  to  500  volumes,  and  not  a  few,  1000  :  I  am  inclined  to 
think,  that  an  average  of  200  volumes,  to  every  school,  would  not  be 
far  out  of  the  way.  This  would  give  us  a  total  of  EIGHT  MILLIONS  of 
volumes  to  the  40,000  schools.  This  estimate  is  confirmed  by  the 
Report  of  the  Methodist  school  to  which  I  have  reference,  which 
returns  2,000,000  of  volumes  to  600,000  pupils.  The  estimate  would 
be  fully  borne  out  by  the  issues  of  volumes,  annually  published,  for 
the  special  purpose  of  supplying  such  libraries.  They  cannot  be  less 
than  100  or  150  different  books." 

According  to  the  census,  there  were  38,183  places  of  public  worship 
in  the  United  States,  and  it  is  thought  at  least  30,000  of  these  had 
Sunday-schools  in  connection  with  them.  An  average  of  two  hundred 
volumes  to  a  library,  which  from  various  calculations  we  have  con 
cluded  to  be  a  moderate  estimate,  would  give  an  aggregate  of  six  MIL 
LION  volumes  in  the  Sunday-school  libraries  of  the  United  States. 

It  is  reasonable  then  to  believe  that  there  are  at  least  six  or  seven 
millions  of  volumes  in  this  class  of  libraries  at  the  present  time. 

For  those  who  may  wish  to  investigate  this  subject  farther,  the  fol 
lowing  statistics  collected  in  the  course  of  the  preparation  of  this  article 
are  given.  Had  time  permitted  much  more  could  have  been  obtained, 
but  it  is  believed  the  estimate  above  would  not  be  changed. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Sunday-schools  (North).  In  1855, 10,469  schools 
had  1,836,562  volumes.  In  1858,  11,490  schools  had  2,122,987  vo 
lumes. 

Methodist  Protestant.  87  schools  of  the  Maryland  Conference  re 
port  in  1858,  15,547  volumes. 

Baptist.  In  1853,  an  effort  was  made  to  collect  library  statistics. 
Very  partial  returns  were  received,  indicating  156,394  volumes  in  about 
13  States.  11.  Holrnan,  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  in  1857, 
estimates  the  number  of  volumes  in  the  Baptist  schools,  in  the  Southern 
States,  at  100,000. 

In  1856,  150  schools  of  Baptist  Churches,  in  Virginia,  had  32,309 


SUNDAY    SCHOOL   LIBRARIES.  581 

volumes.  The  largest  library  being  at  Staunton,  with  1000  volumes, 
and  17  having  over  500  volumes  each. 

In  1858,  25  schools  of  the  Potomac  Baptist  Association  had  6598 
volumes. 

In  1858,  22  schools  of  the  Maryland  Baptist  Union  had  9532  vo 
lumes,  the  largest  having  1483  volumes. 

In  May,  1842,  there  were  433  schools  connected  with  the  Mass.  S.  S. 
Society,  having  130,658  volumes. 

In  1857,  86  Protestant  schools  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  had  7380  vo 
lumes,  the  largest  library  having  890,  and  the  smallest  100  volumes. 

In  1857,  16  schools  in  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  had  11,649  volumes. 
The  largest  library,  2100  volumes,  belonged  to  a  Congregational  school. 
The  second,  1800  volumes,  to  a  Presbyterian  school.  The  smallest 
library  contained  100  volumes. 

In  1857,  the  New  York  City  S.  S.  Union  reported  84,000  volumes 
in  its  schools. 

In  1857,  there  were  281  schools  in  Upper  Canada  with  67,165 
volumes.  Average  239. 

In  Washington  City,  D.  C.,  as  we  learn  from  the  records  of  the 
S.  S.  Union,  of  this  place,  in  1850  there  were  15  schools  reporting 
6370  volumes;  in  1855,  25  reported  12,690  volumes,  and  in  1858, 
32  schools  had  13,592  volumes.  The  largest  library  had  1100  volumes, 
the  smallest  200.  From  the  reports  for  a  number  of  years,  it  appears 
that  the  average  number  of  volumes  in  the  libraries  in  the  Washington 
Sunday-schools  is  about  470. 

In  Cincinnati,  0.,  the  reports  relative  to  83  libraries  in  the  Sabbath 
Schools  were  as  follows :  in  1855,  32,522  volumes ;  in  1856,  33,924. 
The  largest  library  contained  1200  volumes,  the  smallest  60.  Twenty- 
five  libraries  had  over  500  volumes. 


MILITARY  LIBRARIES. 


AN  officer  of  the  army  furnished  the  following  information,  which 
was  published  in  the  "  Notices  of  Public  Libraries"  by  Mr.  Jewett. 

"  Under  authority  of  the  '  General  Regulations  for  the  Army/  libra 
ries,  consisting  of  newspapers,  pamphlets,  and  bound  books,  are  formed 
at  most,  if  not  all,  the  military  posts  occupied  by  our  army.  The  fund 
for  the  purchase  of  these  is  accumulated  by  savings  in  the  bake-houses 
on  soldiers'  bread,  and  taxes  on  the  sutlers  of  the  posts. 

"  The  number  of  volumes  is  generally  but  a  few  hundred,  and  not 
more  than  a  thousand,  probably,  at  any  one  of  the  largest  posts ;  and  the 
number  is  constantly  varying,  by  the  wear  and  tear  of  the  books  in  the 
hands  of  soldiers,  and  by  the  interruptions  occasioned  very  frequently  of 
late  by  the  removal  of  the  troops  or  division  of  the  companies  comprising 
the  garrison,  as  in  all  such  cases,  the  detached  troops  are  entitled  to 
take  with  them  their  proportionate  shares  of  the  library. 

"The  formation  of  these  libraries,  and  the  instituting  of  schools  for  the 
instruction  of  soldiers  and  children  at  the  military  posts,  have  had  a  very 
beneficial  effect,  in  the  education  of  those  who,  without  these  advantages, 
would  never  be  able  to  read,  and  including  an  application  of  time  to 
books  which  otherwise  would  be  spent  in  idleness  and  indulgence  in 
evil  habits/'" 

The  following  facts  have  been  supplied  by  Dr.  R.  H.  Coolidge,  U.  S.  A., 
in  a  letter,  March  8,  1859. 

"  The  old  regulation  referred  to  in  the  above  has  been  revoked.  The 
fund  arising  from  the  savings  on  the  flour  ration,  by  taking  the  soldiers' 
bread  at  a  post  bakery,  and  from  a  tax  upon  the  sutler,  can,  by  present  regu 
lations,  be  expended  for  two  objects  only :  First.  The  expenses  of  the  bake- 


MILITARY   LIBRARIES.  583 

house ;  Second.  The  expenses  of  the  soldiers'  children  at  the  post  school. 
Once  in  four  months  the  unexpended  balance  is  distributed  to  the  several 
companies  at  the  post,  and  constitutes,  in  part,  the  company  fund,  which 
the  company  officers  expend  for  the  comfort  and  benefit  of  the  men. 
They  may  buy  vegetables,  pickles,  &c.  &c.,  or  newspapers  and  books. 

"  The  money  is  raised  from  the  savings  of  the  soldiers'  rations,  and 
the  present  regulations  give  them  the  benefit  thereof.  In  former  times 
when  libraries  were  formed,  those  who  contributed  to  them  seldom 
enjoyed  them,  for  with  the  constant  movements  of  troops,  the  books 
were  necessarily  left  behind  and  sometimes  not  recovered  for  years. 
For  example,  the  library  of  the  Second  Dragoons  was  boxed  up  two  years 
since,  and  will  probably  remain  at  Leavenworth  for  years  to  come,  that 
regiment  being  in  Utah.  I  think  the  Sixth  Infantry  library  has  not 
been  unboxed  since  the  War  with  Mexico/' 


LIST  OF  LIBRARIES,  ETC. 


THE  date  of  foundation  refers  to  the  formation  of  the  library  in  all  cases 
where  it  could  be  ascertained.  The  number  of  volumes  is  from  the  latest 
reports,  and  in  most  cases  is  for  the  years  1857-8. 

The  *  before  the  name  denotes  the  libraries  designated  by  members  of  the 
Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  to  receive  the  documents  of  the  Govern 
ment  printed  for  the  Thirty-fourth  Congress,  and  distributed  through  the  De 
partment  of  the  Interior. 

The  *  after  the  name,  designates  the  libraries  where  full  sets  of  the  Govern 
ment  publications  have  been  deposited  by  the  Department  of  State,  prior  to 
the  Thirty-fourth  Congress,  when  the  law  was  changed. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

A.UBURX 

ALABAMA. 

BELLEFOXTE, 

' 

CENTRAL  INSTITUTE, 
CLAYSVILLE.     . 

Central  Institute, 

EUFAULA 

Eufaula  Union  Female  College.  . 

FLORENCE         .        . 

Synodical  Female  College    •         • 

GREF  \SBORO 

*\vesleyan  College, 

1830 
1846 

2,000 

HAVANA, 

HuXTSVILLE, 

Green  Springs  School, 

2,500 

LAFAYETTE, 

Female  College,  .... 

.  .  . 

LAGRANGE, 

Lagrange  College,*      . 

5,529 

586 


LIST   OP    LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

MARION,  . 

Howard  College,* 
Howard  Theological  Institute, 
Judson  Female  Institute 

1845 
1845 

2,200 
1,000 

MOBILE     .        •        . 

Asylum  for  the  Blind 

*Franklin  Society, 
Mechanics'  Institute,   . 
Presbyterial  Academy, 

1835 

2,500 

MONTGOMERY.  .        . 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
State  Agricultural  Society,  . 

1856 

300 

Supreme  Court  and  State  Library, 

MOULTON, 

OAK  Bo  WRY,     . 

Muscle  Shoals  Bap.  Female  Inst., 
Oak  Bowry  Female  College, 

1852 

500 

ROBINSON'S  SPRINGS, 
SALEM, 
SELMA, 

Deaf  and  Dumb  School, 
Female  Institute, 
Masonic  University, 
Youno-  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 

1852 

SOMERVILLE,     . 
SPRING  HILL,   . 

Academy,    ..... 
Spring  Hill  College,-  . 
Ecclesiastical  Seminary,      .         . 

1830 

8,000 

SUMMERFIELD,    . 

Summerfield  Institute, 

TALLADEGA, 
TUSCALOOSA,     .        . 

*Male  High  School, 
Alabama  Historical  Society, 

1850 

.  .  . 

Observatory,         .... 
^'University  of  Alabama,* 
Erosophic  Society, 

1831 

7,000 
2,500 

TUSCUMBIA, 

TUSKEGEE, 

Philomathic  Society, 
Literary  and  Scientific  Club, 

1832 

2,500 

Classical  and  Scientific  Institute, 

WINCHESTER,    . 

East  Alabama  Female  College,    . 

Female  College,  .... 

ARKADELPHIA,  . 

ARKANSAS. 

Male  Institute,     .... 

BATESVILLE,     . 

BOONSBORO, 

Cane  Hill  College, 

CAMDEN,  . 

EAGLETOWN  (C.  N.), 

Hartwell's  Academy,   . 
Choctaw  National  Library,  . 

.  .  . 

ELDORADO, 
FAYETTEVILLE, 

Monti  cello  Library, 
*Arkansas  College, 

Agricultural  Society 

FORT  SMITH, 
HELENA,  . 

College  of  St.  Andrew, 

ARK  AN  SA  S — CALIFORNIA . 


587 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded 

Volumes. 

LITTLE  ROCK,   . 

Lyceum  Library, 

1,000 

St.  John's  College,*     . 

.    .    . 

.   .    . 

State  Library,*    .... 

.   .    . 

VAX  BUREX 

JL  ounor  IVIcii's  Librcirv 

CALIFORNIA. 

COLD  SPRIXG,  . 

Cold  Spring  Library,    . 

DOWXIEVILLE    . 

*Downieville  Library  Association 

MARYS  vi  LLE,     . 

Marysville  Library, 

1855 

2,500 

Mercantile  Library  Association,  . 

1856 

2,000 

MONTEREY, 

Monterey  Library  Association,     . 

1849 

2,500 

NAPA  CITY, 

Napa  City  Library, 

1857 

.  .  . 

NEVADA,  . 

Nevada  Library  Association, 

1857 

1,000 

OAKLAND, 

Lyceum,      ..... 

1855 

•    .    . 

OROVILLE, 

Oroville  Library, 

1857 

.    .    . 

PETALUMA, 

Liberty  Library,  . 

1856 

350 

PINE  GROVE,     . 

Pine  Grove  Library,    . 

1856 

500 

SACRAMENTO 

Denver's  Library 

Lyceum,       .... 

Odd  Fellows'  Library, 

1855 

2,050 

Pioneer  Association,    . 

1854 

500 

Sacramento  Library  Association, 

1857 

4,561 

State  Agricultural  Society,  . 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

State  Library,*    .... 

1850 

11,000 

SAX  FRAXCISCO, 

Academy  of  Natural  Sciences, 

1853 

200 

Cal.  Society  of  Natural  History,  . 

1856 

200 

Hebrew  Y.  M.  Association,  . 

1855 

500 

Mechanics'  Institute,  . 

1855 

2,000 

Mercantile  Library  Association,* 

1852 

10,200 

Monumental  Engine  Company,    . 

1850 

500 

Odd  Fellows'  Library, 

1856 

5,000 

Sansome  Hook  and  Ladder  Co.,  . 

1850 

1,000 

Society  of  California  Pioneers,     . 

1854 

1,200 

St.  Mary's  Association, 

1855 

1,000 

Superintendent  Pub.  Instruction, 

1850 

750 

U.  S.  Navy  Yard, 

Verein  Association, 

1851 

3,000 

What  Cheer,         .... 

1856 

1,600 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc  ,     . 

1854 

1,488 

SAX  JOSE, 

Academy  Notre  Dame, 

1857 

3,000 

jpcicinc  Uruvgysitv 

Young  Men's  Literary  Assoc., 

1856 

1,000 

SANTA  CLARA,  . 

Santa  Clara  College,    . 

1857 

8,000 

University  of  the  Pacific.     . 

Archanian  Society 

SANTA  INES, 

College  of  Nva  Sva  de  Guadalupe, 

1844 

853 

588 


LIST    OP   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


SONORA,     . 

STOCKTON, 


ASHFORB, 

BIRMINGHAM,    . 
BRIDGEPORT,     . 

BROOKLYN, 
COLCHESTER, 
CROMWELL, 
EAST  WINDSOR, 


GREENWICH, 
GUILFORD, 
HADDAM,  . 
HARTFORD, 


LlTCHFIELD, 
MlDDLETOWN, 


Name  of  Institution. 


Foumicd.       Volur 


•  Tuolumne  Co.  Scientific  Society, . 

State  Insane  Asylum,  . 

Odd  Fellows, 

Society  of  Natural  History, . 

Stockton  Library  Association, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 


CONNECTICUT. 

Ashford  Academy, 
Young  Men's  Institute, 
Public  School  Library, 
'''"Bridgeport  Library, 
Golden  Hill  Library,    . 
Library,        ..... 
Bacon  Academy, 
Friendly  Association,  . 
Theological  Institute,  . 

Athenaeum,  .... 

Nettleton  Rhetorical  Society, 

Society  of  Inquiry, 
Greenwich  Academy,  . 
Guilford  Academy, 
Haddam  Library, 
American  Library, 
Am.  Asylum  for  Deaf  and  Dumb, 
Ct.  Society  of  Natural  History,    . 
Hartford  County  Law  Library,     . 
Hartford  Eng.  and  Class.  Acad., . 
Hartford  Female  Seminary, 
Hartford  Grammar  School, . 
Historical  Society  of  Conn.,-" 
Pavilion  Family  School, 
Retreat  for  the  Insane, 
State  Agricultural  Society,  . 
*State  Library,*    .... 
State  Teachers'  Association, 
Trinity  College,* 

Athenaeum,  .... 

Parthenon,  .... 
Watkinson  Library, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
*Young  Men's  Institute, 
Litchn'd  Co.  Hist,  and  Antiq.  Soc., 
Berkeley  Divinity  School,    . 
Wesleyan  University,* 

Peithologian, 

Philorhetorian, 


1857 
1855 
1855 
1856 

1855 


1,200 

'  400 
300 

*76 


103 


1810 
1833 


1854 


500 


1839 


^,000 


1854 

1801 
1824 

1827 

1852 

1838 

1854 
1831 
1831 


0,000 

6,000 
3,625 

2,800 


6,850 
5,500 


CONNECTICUT. 


589 


Name  of  Institution. 


Founded.       Volumes. 


MlDDLETOWN, 
MlLFORD, 

NEW  BRITAIN, 


NEW  HAVEN, 


NEW  LONDON,  . 


NEWTOWN, 

NORTH  GREENWICH, 

NORFOLK, 

NORWALK, 

NORWICH, 


PLAINFIELD, 
PUTNAM,  . 
SOUTHINGTON,  . 

STAMFORD, 

STONINGTON,     . 
SUFFIELD, 
WATER  BURY,     . 
WEST  CORNWALL, 
WEST  KILLINGLY, 
WEST  MERIDEN, 
WETHERSFIELD, 

WlNTHROP, 


Young  Men's  Literary  Assoc., 
Mil  ford  High  School,  . 
Collegiate  Institute, 
State  Normal  School,  . 
Young  Men's  Ch'n  and  Social  Un., 
American  Oriental  Society,. 
Classical  and  Scientific  Boarding 

and  Day  School, 

Collegiate  and  Commercial  Inst., 
Ct.  Acad.  of  Arts  arid  Sciences,  . 
English  and  Classical  Boarding- 
School  for  Boys, 
Grove  Hall  Female  Seminary, 
Hopkins  Grammar  School,  . 
Select  Classical  Boarding  School 
for  Boys, ..... 
*Yale  College,-     .... 

Brothers  in  Unity  Society,     . 

Lin oman  Society, 

Observatory, 

Law  School, 

Medical  Institute, 

Scientific  School, . 

Theological  Department, 
York  Square  Seminary, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Young  Men's  Institute, 
Female  Literary  and  Scientific  In., 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
'x"Young  Men's  Library  Assoc., 
Newtown  Academy,     . 
North  Greenwich  Academy, 
Norfolk  Library, 
Norwalk  Public  High  School, 
Norwich  Free  Academy, 
Otis  Library,        .... 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 
Plainfield  Academy,    . 
Putnam  Library  Association, 
Lewis  Academy, .... 
Boys'  Boarding  School, 
Boys'  Boarding  and  Day  School, 
High  Street  School, 
Connecticut  Literary  Institution, . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Cream  Hill  Agricultural  School,  . 
West  Killingly  Academy, 
State  Reform  School,  . 
State  Prison,        .... 
Institute  for  Young  Ladies, 


.  .  . 

.  :  . 

1853 
1849 

1,60 

75 

1843 

2,00 

1799 

.  .  . 

1GGO 

• 

1700 
17G8 
1753 


1820 
1813 

1822 


1858 
1841 


1840 


185G 
1850 


1858 
1845 


1854 


36,000 
12,500 
12,500 


5,000 


7,769 
1,900 


4,800 


1,300 
1,000 


590 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,  ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

j     Volumes. 

DOVER,     . 
GEORGETOWN,  . 

DELAWARE. 

Public  Library,    .... 
State  Library,*     .... 
Academical  Rhetorical  Library,  . 
Library  of  Georgetown, 

1837 
1854 

4,00*0 

225 

NEWARK,  . 

1  Delaware  College,* 
Adelphic  Society, 

1833 

9,000 

NEW  CASTLE,    . 
SMYRNA,  . 

"WILMINGTON       . 

Delta  Phi  Literary  Society,  . 
Ashmun  Institute, 
*New  Castle  Library  Company,     . 
Smyrna  Library  Association, 
Odd  Fellows  Library,  . 

1835 

1812 

1858 

1,060 

3,800 
2,000 

St.  Mary's  College,*     . 
Wesleyan  Female  College,* 
The  Iris,       .... 

1847 

1857 

4,600 
800 
600 

Wilmington   Institute   (formerly! 
Library  Company  of  Wilming-  [ 
ton  arid  Young  Men's   Asso-  f 
ciation.     United  in  1858),        j 

1788 

5,000 

-A.P4.I  4.CHICOT  A 

FLORIDA. 

'^Chamber  of  Commerce 

JACKSONVILLE, 
KNOX  HILL, 
KEY  WEST 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Knox  Hill  Academy,  . 
Library  Association 

1857 

30 

MADISON, 

MONTICELLO,    . 
PENS  ico  LA 

Madison  Academy, 
Female  Seminary, 
Collegiate  Institute, 

. 

ST.  AUGUSTINE, 
TALLAHASSEE.  . 

Collegiate  Institute,      .         .         .  | 
Naval  Hospital, 
Historical  Society  of  Florida, 
Judicial  Library, 
Academy,    .... 

1847 
1857 

1,337 
2,000 

Leon  Lodge,  No.  5.                          1 

ATHENS,   . 

State  Library,*    .... 

GEORGIA. 

Lucy  Cobb  Institute,   . 

1854 

6,500 

I 

K'University  of  Georgia,  and  Frank 
lin  College,*     .... 

1831 

13,000 

GEORGIA. 


591 


Place. 

Name  of  lustitution. 

Founded 

i 

Yolumes. 

ATHENS,   . 
ATLANTA, 

AUGUSTA, 

Demosthenian  Society, 
Phi  Kappa  Society, 
*  Atlanta  Medical  College, 
State  Agricultural  Society,  . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Medical  College  of  Georgia, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 
*Young  Men's  Library  Assoc., 

1801 
1820 
1854 
1846 

1858 
1853 

1858 
1848 

2,700 
2,300 

3,500 
3,500 

CASSYILLE, 
C  A.  YE  SPRING 

^Cherokee  Baptist  College,*  . 
Alpha  Pi  Delta  Society, 

1854 

563 
600 

CED\RTOW\ 

Woodland  Female  College            . 

COLUMBUS, 

COVINGTON, 

*Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

185G 

CUTHBERT 

FORSYTE, 

Hilliard  Male  Institute 

Monroe  Female  University.          . 

GREFNEVILLE    . 

Library  of  the  Superior  Court 

GREEXSBOROUGH, 

GRIFFIN,  . 

x-Marshall  College, 
Martin's  Farm  School, 
Synodical  Female  College.  «         . 

1853 

1857 

50 

LA  GRANGE,     .        . 

Brownwood  Institute.            .         . 

South   Georgia  Female  College 

LUMPKIN, 

MACON, 

Masonic  Female  College, 
Institution  for  the  Blind, 
Reform  Medical  College.      .         . 

1852 

.  .  . 

MADISOX,  . 

Wesleyan  Female  College,* 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Georgia  Female  College,      . 

1839 
1855 

1,500 
800 

MARIETTA, 

MIDWAY,  . 

MlLLEDGEYlLLE, 

MONTPELIER,    . 
NEWNAN 

Lunatic  Asylum, 
Oglethorpe  University,* 
Phi  Delta,    .... 
Thaliari,        .... 
State  Library,*    .... 
Montpelier  College, 

1838 

1847 

4,500 
1,000 
1,000 
6,000 

OXFORD,  . 
PENFIELD, 

*Emory  College,*  .... 
Few  Society, 
Phi  Gamma, 

1839 

5,000 
725 
960 

PERRY 

Mercer  University,* 
Theological  Department, 

1838 
1833 

5,500 

ROME, 

592 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

SAVANNAH, 

Chatham  Academy,      . 

Hist.  Soc.  and  Savannah  Library,* 

1839 

9,00*0 

Massic  School      .... 

Oglethorpe  Medical  College, 

1853 

Public  School,      .         .      "  . 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

Savannah  Medical  College,  . 

1853 

807 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1855 

800 

Young  Men's  Literary  Assoc., 

1855 

431 

SPARTA,    . 

Academy,    ..... 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

Female  Seminary, 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

TALBOTTON, 

Female  Seminary, 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

TilOMASVILLE,    . 

ILLINOIS. 

ALEDO 

Mercer  Colle°"iate  Institute.          . 

ALTON,     . 

Alton  Library  Association,  . 

1852 

1,000 

111.  Literary  and  Historical  Soc.,  . 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

Illinois  Penitentiary,    . 

.  .  . 

.    .   . 

ATHENS,    . 
AURORA,  . 

Philo  Franklin  Literary  Society,  . 
Literary  and  Historical  Society,  . 

1855 

1858 

'  400 

BELLEVILLE,     . 

German  Library, 

1836 

2,066 

BELVIDERE, 

Library  Association,    . 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

BLOOMINGTON,  . 

^Normal  University, 

1857 

1.500 

CANTON,   . 

Library  Association,    . 

.  .  . 

CARBONDALE,    . 

-College,       .    _     . 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

Library  Association,     . 

1857 

.  .  . 

CHICAGO,  . 

Bell's  Commercial  College,  . 

1854 

27000 

Chicago  High  School,  . 

413 

^Chicago  Historical  Society,  . 

1856 

6,000 

Chicago  Theological  Seminary,    . 

1855 

710 

Excelsior  Society, 

1846 

2,250 

Law  Library,        .... 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

Mechanics'  Institute,    . 

1843 

4,000 

Rush  Medical  College, 

1841 

200 

University  of  Chicago, 

1857 

1,000 

Univ.  of  St.  Mary's  of  the  Lake 

Young  Men's  Association,   . 

1841 

4,000 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 

1858 

.  .  . 

DANVILLE, 

Danville  Seminary, 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

DIXON, 

Dixon  Collegiate  Institute,  . 

•  .  . 

.  .  . 

EDGINGTON, 

Circulating  Library,     . 

.  .  . 

400 

EVANSTON, 

Garrett  Biblical  Institute,    . 

Northwestern  University, 

1857 

2,030 

FREEPORT, 

Garrett  Biblical  Institute.    . 

ILLINOIS. 


593 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

GALENA,    . 

Classical  Institute         . 

Galena  Academy                             . 

GALESBURG, 
GEORGETOWN.  . 

Young  Men's  Association,    . 
Knox  College,*    .... 
Adelphi  Society,  . 
Georgetown  Seminary,          .         . 

1844 
1845 

3,00*0 
401 

GODFRKY, 
HlLLSHORO 

Monticello  Female  Seminary, 
Hillsboro  College         .         . 

1838 

1,100 

JACKSONVILI  F 

--Illinois  College,- 
Societies 

1830 

3;000 
1,500 

Institution  for  Deaf  and  Dumb     . 

Institution  for  the  Blind, 
State  Hospital  for  the  Insane, 

1849 

KNOXVILLE, 

LAWRENCEVILLE. 

Library  Association,    . 

LEBANON,  . 

MACOMB,  . 

MARENGO. 

McKendrce  College,*  . 
Philosophian  Society,   . 
Platonian  Society, 
McDonough  College,    . 
Maren°'o  Collegiate  Institute,        . 

1835 

1837 
1849 
1849 

3,000 
2,000 
160 

MARIOX,    . 

McLEANSBORO, 

MOXMOUTH, 

MOUNT  CARMEL, 
AIouNT  CARROLL 

Marion  Academy, 
McLeansboro  Library  Association, 
Monmouth  College, 
Nashville  Academy, 
Mount  Carroll  Seminary 

1857 

200 

MOUNT  MORRIS, 

Rock  River  Seminary,*        •         • 

NASHVILLE, 

Nashville  Academy,     . 
Washington  County  Library, 

OLNEY, 
PARIS, 

PEORIA,    . 
PRINCETON, 

QuiNCY,      . 

Olney  Library,     .... 
Edgar  Academy,  .... 
Paris  Methodist  Seminary,  . 
*Peoria  City  Library,    . 
Peoria  University,* 
Wesleyan  Seminary,     . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Union  High  School,     . 

185G 
1855 

1858 
1841 

2,900 
2.172 

ROBIN'S  NEST,  . 

ROCKFORD, 

*Quincy  Seminary, 
Jubilee  College,  .... 

1855 
1841 

3,200 

ROCK  ISLAND,  . 
SHELBYVILLE,  . 
SPRINGFIELD,    . 

Rockford  Academy, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Shelby  Seminary, 
Illinois  State  University, 
Philomathean  Society, 
Utilior  Society,     . 
State  Agricultural  Society 

1856 
1852 

i,boo 

100 
100 

State  Library,4'"    .... 

1845 

4,000 

Youn0*  Ladies'  Institute, 

38 


594 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    ETC 


Name  of  Institution. 


Founded.  •      Volumes 


SPRINGFIELD, 
ST.  CHARLES, 
STERLING, 
UPPER  ALTON, 


WARSAW,  . 
.   WAUKEGAN, 

WHEAT  OX, 


ANNAPOLIS, 
BLOOMINGTON,  . 


BROOKVILLE,  . 

BROWNSTOWN,  . 
CANNELTON, 

CENTREVILLE,  . 

CONNERSYILLE. 
CORYDOXj 

CRAWFORDSVILLE, 


CROWN  POINT, 
DANVILLE, 
DUNLAI'SYILLE, 
EVANSYILLE. 


FORT  WAYNE. 

FRANKLIN. 
GOSH  EN.    . 
GRANT, 
GrREEXCASTLE, 


GREEXSBURG, 

HARTSVILLE, 


1  Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc..  .  j  1858  ;  ... 

j  St.  Charles  Library,      .          .  .  .  .  .  ... 

•  Sterling  Library  Assoc.,        .  .  .  .  .  \  300 

!*Shurtleff  College,*       .         .  .  1835  [  2,000 

Alpha  Zeta  Society,      .  .  1848  !  250 
Society  of  Moral   and   Reli 
gious  Inquiry,  . 

Hancock  Library  Assoc.,      .  .  j  1857  <  149 

"x"Waukegan  Academy,            .  .  .  .  .  ... 

Illinois  Institute, 


INDIANA. 


Manual  Labor  School, 
Indiana  State  University,41"  . 
Athenian  Society, 
Law  Department, 
Philomathean  Society,  . 
i  Monroe  County  Library, 
!  Brookville  College, 
j  Jackson  County  Library, 
'  Working  Men's  Institute,     . 
!  White  Water  College, 
Mechanics'   and    "Working   Men's 

Institute,         . 

i   Harrison  County  Library.     . 
*Wabash  College/-        .    '    . 
Calliopean  Society. 
Lyceum  Society,   . 
|  Institute,      . 
r'McClure  Working  Men's  Assoc.,  . 

Presbyterian  College,  . 
I  Evansville  Library  Assoc.,  . 
i  Vanderburg  County  Library, 
;  Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc..    . 
"•'"Fort  Wayne  College,    . 
|  Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

Franklin  College, 

i  Union  School,      .... 
1   Grant  County  Library, 
Indiana  Asbury  University.  ":> 
Law  Department, 
Philological  Society,     . 
Platoneon  Society, 
Asbury  Female  Seminary.    . 
Public  Library,    .... 
Hartsville  University, 


1854 
1830 


1829 


!  1839 
!  1847 
i  1847 


1857 
1852 


1858 
1844 


1,753 

1,658 


2,540 


GOO 


400 


1837  |      0,459  i 


INDIANA. 


595 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

INDIANAPOLIS,  . 

LAFAYETTE, 

LANCASTER, 
LAPORTE, 

LAWRENCEBURG, 
LEXINGTON. 

LOGANSPORT,       . 

MADISON, 
MANCHESTER,    . 
MARION,    . 

MlSIIAWAKA, 

MOORE'S  HILL, 
MUNCIETOWN,    . 
NEW  ALBANY,  . 

NOTRE  DAME  DU  LAC, 

ORLEANS, 
PERU, 
PORTLAND, 
PRINCETON, 
RICHMOND, 

ROCKVILLE, 

RUSIIVILLE, 

SOUTH  BEND.     . 
SOUTH  HANOVER. 

SULLIVAN, 

Indiana  Female  College, 
Indiana  Historical  Society.* 
Indiana  Hospital  for  the  Insane,  . 
Indiana  Inst.  Deaf  and  Dumb,     . 
Indiana  State  Board  of  Agricult., 
Institution  for  the  Blind, 
Marion  County  Library, 
McClean  Female  Institute,  . 
Northwest  Christian  University,  . 

1831 

450 

1854 

1,500 

1847 

1825 

20,000 
'500 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Farmer's  Institute, 

1854 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 
Eleutherian  College,    . 
Indiana  Medical  College, 
*McClure  Working  Men's  Library, 
Public  Library,    .... 
Scott  County  Library, 
Ladies'  Sigourney  Library, 
*McClure  Working  Men's  Library. 
Seminary,    ..... 
*Library  Association,*  . 
Manchester  Academy, 
College  of  Indiana, 
Mishawaka  Institute,   . 
^College,        ..... 
^Working  Men's  Library, 
Indiana  Asbury  Female  College, 
Theological  Seminary,* 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
St.  Mary's  Library,  University  of 
Notre  Dame,* 
N.  E.  Indiana  Literary  Institute, 
Peru  Institute,     .... 
*Liber  College,      .... 
Gibson  County  Library, 
Manual  Labor  and  Working  Men's 
Institute,           .... 
Green  mount  College,  . 
Friend's  College, 
*Parke  County  Library, 
Fairview  Seminary, 
McClure  Working  Men's  Institute, 
South  Bend  Academy, 
Hanover  College,* 
Philalethean  Society,    . 
Society  of  Religious  Inquiry, 
Union  Literary  Society, 
Mechanics'  Library,     . 
Sullivan  County  Library, 

1S55 

1855 

250   ! 

1 

.  .  . 

1848 

1,100 

1854 
1854 

2,495 

'  800 

1831 

1855 

1842 

4,500 
1,000 

2,500 

I 

1855           873 

1856 

500 

1827 
1840 

1830 

3,000 

1,265 

150 

596 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Name  of  Institutior 


,;  Founded.  I     Volumes. 


TERRA  HAUTE, 
TERRE  HAUTE, 
VALPARAISO, 

VlXCEXXES, 


WABASH, 


BURLIXGTOX,    . 
DAVENPORT, 


DES  MOIXES, 


DUBUQUE, 


FAIRFIELD, 

FAYETTE, 
IOWA  CITY, 


KKOKUK,    . 

KKOSAXQUA, 

MOUXT  PLEASANT, 

MUSCATINE, 

PELLA,      . 
WASHIXGTOX,    . 
WESTPOIXT,     . 


McClure  Working  Men's  Institute, 

St.  Mary's  College. 

Academy,    ..... 

Catholic  Diocesan  Library, 

Public  Library,   .... 

Working  Men's  Institute,      . 
*Vincennes  University, 
*McClure  Mechanics'  Institute, 


IOWA. 

Burlington  University, 

Iowa  Hist,  and  Geol.  Institute.    . 
;:~Iowa  College,       .... 
(Removed,  1858,  to  Grinnell, 
Iowa.) 

Public  Library,    .... 

Scott  County  Library, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

Young  Men's  Literary  Assoc., 

Agricultural  College,    . 

Central  College  of  Iowa, 

Iowa  State  Agricultural  Society, 

State  Library,"*    .... 

Alexander  College, 

High  School,        .... 

Mt.  St.  Bernard's  Theol.  Sem.,     . 

St.  Joseph's  Seminary, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

Fairfield  Library, 

Fairfield  University,     . 

Fayette  County  University,  . 

Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum,    . 

Iowa  State  University,* 

Institution  for  the  Blind, 

State  Historical  Society, 

Coll.  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons, 

Keosanka  Library  Association,    . 
~x"Iowa  Wesleyan  University,* 

Asylum  for  Insane, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

Central  University  of  Iowa, 

Washington  College,    . 

Des  Moines  College,    . 

Union  Literary  Society, 


1835  !  14,000 

180G  |  1,783 

1856  450 

1858  !  103 


1854 
1853 
1850 


1,500 

600 

2,300 


1858 
1853 


1855 
1839 


1856 


1854 
1855 
1853 


1,200 


200 


1850 


1857 


1850 


300, 

450 


KENTUCKY. 


597 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

AUGUSTA, 
BARDSTOWN, 

BLENDON,         . 

KENTUCKY. 

*Augusta  College, 
St.  Joseph's  College,*  . 
Junior  Students'  Library, 
Sophoporan  Society, 
Students'  Library,  . 
Central  College,  .... 

1822 
1824 

3,000 
5,000 
650 
350 

685 

BOWLING  GREEN, 
COLUMBIA, 

COVINGTON, 
DANVILLE 

Southern  College, 
High  School,        . 
Talbot  Library,    .... 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1857 
1825 

2  000 

DRENXOX  SPRINGS.    . 

"             "°     Society, 

a            a             a 

it                      U                      It 

Danville  Theological  Seminary,  . 
Institution  for  Deaf  and  Dumb,  . 
Western  Military  Institute, 

1853 

1822 

1,700 
1,700 
1,700 
2,000 

ELKTON,    . 

Green  River  Academy, 

.  .  . 

FLEMING  SBUKG, 

Fleming  County  Seminary, 

FRANKFORT, 

High  School,        .... 
State  Agricultural  Society, 

1855 

300 

FRANKLIN  SPRINGS,  . 
GEORGETOWN,  . 

GLASGOW, 

GllEENEVILLE,    . 

State  Library,*    .... 
Kentucky  Military  Institute, 
Female  Collegiate  Institute, 
Georgetown  College,41" 
Adelphi  Society,  . 
Ciceronian, 
Tau  Theta  Kappa, 
Theological  Institute, 
Urania  College,   .... 

1834 

1846 

1837 
1841 
1840 

10,000 
1,000 
1,500 
6,000 
300 
1,000 
700 

HARDING  SBURG, 

Presbyterial  College,    . 
Mt.  Alba  Female  College,    . 

1849 

1,300 

HARRODSBURG, 

HARTFORD, 
HOPKINSVILLE, 

LEBANON, 

Bacon  College,*  .... 
"          "        Society,        .        ) 

it             a                 tt                            ( 
a             a                 tt                            J 

-"Hartford  Seminary, 
Library  Association,    . 
Western  Lunatic  Asylum,    . 
Female  Seminary, 
*St.  Mary's  College, 

1857 

625 
950 

3,000 
5,000 

LEXINGTON, 

Eastern  Lunatic  Asylum, 

Kentucky  Ag.  and  Mech.  Assoc., 
^Lexington  Library, 
Normal  School,   .... 

1856 

11,000 

Transylvania  University.*    . 

1798 

12,000 

598 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Xame  of  Institution. 


Founded. '     Volumes. 


LEXIXGTOX,       .        .  j  Transylvania  University,  Society, 

it  a  a 

Law  Department, 
Medical  Department,    .         .  j  1819         8,000 
LOUISVILLE,      .         .      Female  College,*          .         .         .      .  .  .         ... 

Franklin  Literary  Assoc.,     .          .  j    .  .  .  j  11 

Institution  for  the  Blind,      .         .  ;   1842  I      ... 
Kentucky  Historical  Society,        .  |   1838         1,410 
Law  Dep't  Univ.  of  Louisville,    .[...!      ... 
Law  Library,        .         .         .         .  j    .  .  .         1,352 

Louisville  Library,        .         .         .  !   1848         3,500 
^Mechanics'  Institution,--        .         .  |   1853         7,000 
Medical  Dep't  Univ.  of  Louisville,      1837        1,000 
Mercantile  Library  Association,   .       ...         4,500 

Southwestern    Agricultural    and 

Mechanical  Association, 
University  of  Louisville, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     .  j   1853 

MAYSVILLE,       .         .      Female  Institute,         .         .         .  }    .  .  . 
Maysville  Library,        .          .         .   j    .   .  . 
Odd  Fellows'  Library,  .         .  j    .  .  . 

MILLERSBURG,  .         .      Male  and  Fern.  Collegiate  List., 
MOUXT  STERLIXG,      .    *  Athenaeum  and  Library  Assoc., 

Odd  Fellows'  Library/ 

NEW  CASTLE,    .         .      Henry  Female  College, 
OWEXSVILLE,     .         .      Academy,    .... 

PADUCAII,  .         .      Mechanics'  Institute,  . 

Paducah  College,*       . 
K"Paducah  Library, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    .  j  1858 

PRIXCETOX,        .         .  !  Cumberland  College,    .         .         .      1826         1,210 
PRESTOXBURG,  .         .      Literary  and  Scientific  Assoc., 

Seminary,    ..... 

RICHMOND,        .         .  j  Madison  County  Library,      .         .  j 

ROCHESTER,       .         .  '  Gasper  Academy, 

RUSSELLVILLE,          .   *Bethel  College,    ....      1856        3,000 

Underwood  Library,     . 
SHELBYVILLE,   .         .      Kentucky  Female  College,  . 

|  Shelby  College,- .         .         .         .  j  1841        4,000 

Observatory,  . 
Phi  Mu  Society,     . 

STAMPING  GROUND,  .  !  Stamping  Ground  Female  Acad., 
j  Stamping  Ground  Male  Acad.,     . 


LOUISIANA — MAINE. 


599 


Name  of  Institu 


Founded.  !     Volume 


LOUISIANA. 

ALGIERS,  .         .         .      Library  and  Lyceum,  . 

BATON  ROUGE,  .        .     Baton  Rouge  College,*        1,000 

College  of  St.  Peter  and  St.  Paul,     1838  300 

j  Deaf  and  Dumb,  and  Blind  Asy 
lum,          .         .         .         .         .      1852 
I  State  Library,-    ....      1888       14.020   I 
BELIZE,     .         .         .  j  Association  of  Pilots,  . 
BELLVIEW,         .         ,  |  Bellview  Library, 
BRINGIERS,        .        .     Bacon  College,     . 

Jefferson  College,         6,000 

Coy  ING  TON,       .         .      Academy,    .... 

GRAND  COUTEAU,       .      St.  Charles  College,*    .         .         .      1838  j      6,000 

JACKSON,  .         .         .      Centenary  College  of  La.,*          .      1845  !      3,000 

Society,       ' |      1,600 

"  !      1,6.00 

I  Insane  Asylum  of  Louisiana, 

LA  FOURCHE,    .         .  !  Ecc.  Sera."  of  St.  Vincent -of  Paul, 
MINDEN,    .         .         .  j  Minden  Female  College, 
MOUNT  LEBANON,      .      Female  Institute, 

j*Mt.  Lebanon  University, 
NATCHITOCHES,          .      St.  Joseph's  College,    . 
NEW  ORLEANS,          .      Fisk  Free  Library,       .         .         .      1847         7,000 
I  Jesuits'  College,  ....      1849         2,000 
rLibrary    and     Lyceum    Society 

(Public  School),     .         .         .      1844      10,000 
[^Mechanics'  Society, 
I  Medical  College,  . 

•-"Mercantile  Library  Association,  .      1857 
|  New  Orleans  Acad.  of  Sciences,  . 
j  Southern  Agricultural  Society  of 
Louisiana,         .... 
j  University  of  Louisiana,*    .         .1849         1,000 

Med.  Department,         .         .      1835 
i  Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    .      1852  360 

OPELOUSAS,       .         .  j  Franklin  College,         .         .         .1839 
PLAQUEMINE,     .         .     Parochial  College, 
POINTE  COUPEE,         .      Poydras  College, 
SIIREVEPORT,     .         .      Male  Institute,     . 

ST.  JAMES,         .         .      Louisiana  College,        .         .         .  j    .  .  .         3,000 
ST.  MARTINVILLE,      .  j  Attakapas  College, 
WASHINGTON,    .         .  ;  Washington  College,    .         .         .      1795         1,800 


MAINE. 


ALFRED  VILLAGE, 
ANSON,     . 


Alfred  Academy, 
Anson  Academy, 


1823 


600 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


ATHEXS,    .         .         .      Somerset  Academy, 

AUBURN,  .         .         .      Lewistown  Falls  Academy,  . 

AUGUSTA,  .         .  |  Corinna  Union  Academy,     . 

State  Board  of  Agriculture, 

I  State  Library,*    ....  1836        7,600 

I  Vaughan  and  McClellan  Libra-    ]  1842     1  i  inn 

ries,  Maine  Insane  Hospital,    j  1847     j     ' 

BAXGOR,   .         .         .      Mechanics'  Association,       .         .  1828         2,000 

^Mercantile  Library  Association,  .  1843         4,500 

Theological  Seminary,*        .         .  1820       10,200 

Society  of  Inquiry, 

BATH,        .         .         .      Patten  Library  Association,          .  ...         2,000 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 

Young  Men's  Debating  Club,       .  1853            201 
BELFAST,           .         .    ^Social  Library,    . 
BELGRADE,        .         .     Titcomb  Academy. 

BEXTOX,    .         .         .      Benton  Institute,          .         .         .  1837 
BETHEL,    .         .         .      Gould's    Classical    and    English 

School, 1836 

BIDDEFORD,       .         .      York  Mechanics'  Institute,  .         .  1841 

|  BLOOMFIELU,     .         .  j  Bloomfield.  Academy,  .         .         .  1810 

|  BLUEHILL,         .         .  |  Bluehill  Academy,        .         .         .  1803 

BRUNSWICK,       .         .  |*Bowdoin  College,*       .         .         .  1802 

Alpha  Delta  Phi  Society,      .  .   .  .  \ 

Athenaeum,  ....  1836  j      5,500 
ChiPsi,        ... 
Delta  Kappa  Epsilon,  . 

Peucinian,    .         .         .         .  |  1805  |      6,720 
Phi  Beta  Kappa, 
Psi  Upsilon, 

j  Historical  Society  of  Maine,        .  1829           500 

I  Medical  School  of  Maine,    .         .  1820         3,400 

BUCKSPORT,       .         .  j*East  Maine  Conference  Seminary,  .  .  . 

Mechanics'  Library  Association,  .  ... 

Social  Library,     ....  1806 

CALAIS,     .         .         .  j  Calais  Academy,           .         .         .  1850  j      ... 

Calais  Literary  Club,   .         .         .  1827  j      1,423 

CAPE  ELIZABETH,      .     State  Reform  School,  .         .         .  1853  |      ... 

CASTIXE,  .         .         .      Public  Library,    ....  1855  |         572 

CHARLESTOWX,  .      Charlestown  Academy,         

CHERRYFJELD,  .         .      Cherryfield  Academy,           .         .  1829 
CHINA,      .         .         .      China  Academy,           .         .         .... 

EASTPORT,         .         .  j  Athenaeum, 1832 

Eastport  Library,  

EAST  CHINA,     .         .  j  East  China  High  School,     .         .  ... 

EAST  CORXISH,          .  j  East  Cornish  Academy,        .         .  1 1845 

EAST  MACIIIAS,          .  i  Washington  Academy,         .         .  1792 

FARMIXGTOX,     .          .  |  Farmington  Academy,          .          .  1807  ! 

First  Unitarian  Society,       .         .  1852 

FOXCROFT,         .         .      Foxcroft  Academy,      .         .         .  1823 


Founded.       Volumes. 


MAINE. 


601 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution, 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

FREEDOM, 
F  RYE  BURG, 
GARDINER, 

GORIIAM,  . 

HALLOWELL, 
HAM  PD  EX, 
HAUTLAXD, 
HEUROX,  . 
HOULTOX, 

KENT'S  HILL,    . 

LEE, 
LEWISTOX  FALLS, 

LEWISTOX, 
LIXCOLX,  . 
LIMERICK, 

LlMIXGTOX, 
LlTCHFIELD  CORXER, 

MACHIAS, 
Moxsox,   . 
MOXMOUTH, 
NEW  CASTLE,    . 
NORTH  BRIDGKTOX,  . 
NORWAY,  . 
ORRIXGTOX, 
PARIS, 
PARSOXFIELD,  . 
PATTEX.    . 

PORTLAXD, 

ROBBIXSTOX,       . 
ROCKLAXD, 

1  SACO, 

SOUTH  BERWICK, 
SOUTH  PARIS,    .. 
STAXDISH, 
THOMASTON, 

Freedom  Academy, 
Fryeburg  Academy,     . 
Athenaeum,           .... 

1792 

1,800 

Mechanics'  Association, 
Gorham  Male  Academy, 
Maine  Female  Seminary, 
Social  Library,     .... 
Hampden  Academy,    . 
Hartland  Academy, 
Hebron  Academy, 
Houlton  Academy, 
Forest  Club, 
Maine  Wesleyan  Seminary, 
Calliopean  Society, 
Normal  Institute, 
Harper  Library,  .... 
Lewiston  Falls  Academy,     . 
Maine  State  Seminary, 
Mattanawcook  Academy,     . 
Limerick  Academy, 
Limington  Academy,  . 
Litchfield  Academy,     . 
Social  Library,    .... 
Monson  Academy, 
Momnouth  Academy,  . 
Lincoln  Academy, 
Bridgeton  Academy,    . 
High  School  and  Academy, 
Social  Library,     .... 
Paris  Hill  Academy,    . 
Parson  field  Academy,  . 
Patten  Academy, 
Athenaeum,"""         .... 
^Mechanic's  Library,     . 
Mercantile  Library  Association,  . 
Society  of  Natural  History,"" 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Lyceum,       ..... 

1841 

2,250 

1850 
1843 

1804 
1847 
1849 

1,720 
'  500 

1835 
1845 

1,600 

1,000 

1857 

1808 
1848 
•18-15 
1820 

1847 

'  500 
G20 

1832 

1827 
1820 
1851 
1843 
1853 

8,550 
2,200 
1,550 

G07 

Young  Men's  Liberal  Lib.  Assoc., 
Athenaeum,.         .... 
Athenaeum,  ..... 
Mechanics'  Institute,    . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
South  Berwick  Academy,     . 
Oxford  Normal  School, 
Standish  Academy, 
Ladies'  Home  Library, 
Public  Library,    .... 

1854 
1850 
1844 

1791 

1848 
1848 
1851 

120 
1,600 

1,829 
3,000 

100 

625 
225 

602 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Xamc  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

ToPSHAMj 

Franklin  Family  School 

VASSALBORO,    . 
WARREX,  . 

Oak  Grove  School, 

|   1850 

1    .  .  . 

WATERVILLE,    . 

Waterville  Academy,  . 
*  Waterville  College,4'  . 
Delta  Ivappa  Epsilon 

1808 
1820 

10,500 

Erosophian  Adelphi,     . 
Literary  Fraternity, 
Zeta  Psi,      .... 

1828 

2,500 
3,000 

Waterville  Liberal  Institute, 

j 

j  WESTBROOK, 
WIXTIIROP, 
YARMOUTH, 

Westbrook  Seminary,  . 
Towle  Academy, 
Xorth  Yarmouth  Academy, 

|  1831 

.  .  . 

AXXAPOLIS, 
BALTIMORE, 

Yarmouth  Institute,     . 

MARYLAND. 

St.  John's  College,* 
State  Library,*    . 
TJ.  S.  Naval  Academy,* 
Baltimore  Female  College,  . 
Catholic  Institute, 

1851 

I 

1784 
1826 
1845 
1849 

3,292 
20,000 
7,500 
3.000 

Institution  for  the  Blind, 
Law  Library,        .... 
Loyola  College,    .... 
Manual  Labor  School  for  Boys,    . 
•"Maryland  Historical  Society,* 
Maryland  Hospital  for  Insane, 

1854 

1840 
1843 

1,000 
19,600 
600 
17,400 

Maryland  Institute, 
Mechanics'  Institute,    . 
Mechanical  Fire  Company, 
Medical  Dep't  Univ.  of  Maryland, 
"^Mercantile  Library  Association,  . 
Mount  Hope  Instit.  for  Insane,    . 

1847 

1839 
1807 
1839 

11,000 
1,000 
2,200 
1,000 
14,060 

BROOKEVILLE,  . 

CATOXSYILLE,   . 
CAMBRIDGE, 

*0dd  Fellows'  Library, 
Patapsco  Fire  Company, 
Peabody  Institute, 
State  Agricultural  Society,  . 
St.  Mary's  College,*     . 
Washington  Medical  College, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 
Brookeville  Academy,  . 
St.  Timothy  Hall, 
Cambridge  Librarv  Association, 

1840 

1809 
1827 
185G 

12,584 
1,000 

13,000 

1,200 
900 

CHARLOTTE  HALL,     . 
CHESTERTOWX, 

Charlotte  Hall  School, 
'^Washington  College,* 
Mount  Vernon  Society, 

179G 

1783 
1847 

1,560 
2,000 
100 

MARYLAND — MASSACHUSETTS. 


603 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

j  Founded.      Volumes. 

i 

CHURCH  CREEK, 

Library  Association,    . 

1858  ;      ... 

COLL.  OF  ST.  JAMES, 

~:fCollege  of  St.  James,* 

1845  j      5,000 

Belles-Lettres  Society, 

1845  I      1,480 

Irving  Society, 

1847         1,640 

Waverley  Society, 

.  .  .            850  j 

CUMBERLAND,    . 

American  Library  Association,    . 

... 

EAST  BALTIMORE, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1858 

E  ASTON,     . 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1857            900 

ELLICOTT'S  MILLS,    . 

St.  Charles  College,     . 

1848  1         GOO 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 

1854            455 

EMMETTSBURG,  . 

*Mt.  St.  Mary's  College,-       . 

1830         4,000 

Students'  Library, 

GOO 

FREDERICK  CITY, 

Frederick  Female  Seminary, 

!  1846         1,000 

NEW  WINDSOR, 

Calvert  College,  .... 

1852  I      2,000 

Social  Library,     .... 

1840  ;         550 

OWEXSVILLE,     . 

West  River  .Institute,  . 

1851   ;         400   i 

ROCKVILLE, 

Montgomery  County  Library  As 

j 

sociation,        .... 

Rockville  Academy, 



SANDY  SPRING, 

Sandy  Spring  Library  Company, 

1841  !         700 

UPPER  MARLBORO 

"'"Upper  Marlboro  Academy,  . 

URBANA,   .         .         . 

Shirley  Female  Institute,     . 

j 

WEST  RIVER,    . 

Classical  Institute, 

.  .  .  j         400   ! 

MASSACHUSETTS 

! 

AMIIERST, 

Amherst  College. 

1821   i    12,000 

"            "        (Societies), 

8,000 

Observatory,         .... 

.  .  .  i      ... 

Mount  Pleasant  Institute, 

ANDOVER, 

Abbott  Female  Seminary,   . 

1829  ;      ... 

English  High  School,  . 

800 

Philips  Academy, 

1780         1,000 

Punchard  Free  School, 

1856              50 

Theological  Seminary, 

1808       22,700 

Porter  Rhetorical  Societv,     . 

.  .  .         2,600 

Society  of  Inquiry, 

1,349  i 

ASHFIELD, 

Sanderson  Academy,   . 

1821 

AUBURNDALE;     . 

Lassell  Female  Seminary,    . 

1853  i      ... 

BEDFORD,  . 

Family  Boardin0"  School  for  Boys 

BERNARDSTON,  . 

Goodall  Academy, 

1833         ... 

BlLLERICA, 

Howe  School,      .... 

1852            160   | 

BOLTON,     . 

Houghton  School, 

1848 

BOSTON,     . 

Adjutant-General's  Library, 

1812            600   ! 

Amer.  Acad.  of  Arts  and  Sciences, 

1780       10,000   I 

Amer.   Board    of  Commissioners 

Foreign  Missions,  . 

1822        5,626 

604 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

BOSTON,    . 

Amer.  Institute  of  Instruction,     . 
Amer.  Statistical  Association,""    . 
Amer.  Unitarian  Association, 
*  Athenaeum,*        .... 
Board  of  Agriculture, 
Board  of  Education,    . 
••Board  of  Trade, 
Boston  Library,* 
Boston    Society  for  Medical  Im 
provement,     .... 
Boston  Society  of  Nat.  History,  . 
Bowditch  Library, 
Bowdoin  Literary  Assoc.,     .         . 

1830 
1839 

1825 
180G 

1837 
1792 

1830 

1,000 
2,500 
500 
70,000 
1,000 

14,395 

500 
6,000 
3,000 

Comer's  Commercial  College, 
Congregational  Library  Assoc.,    . 
Dramatic  Fund  Assoc., 
East  Boston  Library  Assoc., 

1840 

1854 

4,050 

Franklin  Library 

Handel  and  Haydn  Library,         . 

Kind's  Chapel  Library, 

Library  of  the  General  Court, 
Mass.  College  of  Pharmacy, 
Mass.  Historical  Society,*    . 

1823 
1791 
1821 

8,000 
300 
13,000 
600 

Mass.  School  for  Idiotic  and  Fee 
ble-minded  Youth, 

Mass.    Society  for  Promotion    of 
Agriculture,  .... 
Mass.  Teachers'  Assoc., 
Mechanic    Apprentices     Library 
Association,  .... 
Mercantile  Library  Association,  . 
Mount  Vernon  School  for  Young 
Ladies,  ..... 

1792 
1845 

1820 
1820 

5.000 

16,075 

Musical  Fund  Society, 

New  England  Female  Mod.  Coll., 
New  England  Historic   and  Ge 
nealogical  Society, 
New  England  Methodist  Histori 
cal  Society,    .... 

1848 
1845 

50 
500 

BRADFORD, 

Perkins'  Institute  and  N.  E.  Asy 
lum  for  Blind, 
Prince  Library,    .... 
Public  Library  of  the  City, 
Republican  Institution, 
Social  Law  Library,     . 
State  Library,      .... 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Union,     . 
Bradford  Academy, 

1832 
1758 
1852 
1819 
1804 
1826 
1851 
1851 
1804 

1,800 
70,000 
1,000 
5,600 
13,000 
2,500 
2,083 

MASSACHUSETTS. 


G05 


Place. 

Xame  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

BlUDGEWATER,  . 

BRIGHTON, 

BRIMFIELD, 
CAMBRIDGE. 

Bridgewater  Academy, 
Natural  History  Society, 
State    Normal   School    (for   both 
Sexes),  ..... 
Library  Association,    . 
Lyceum,      ..... 
Hitchcock  Free  Grammar  School, 

1799 
1853 

1840 
185G 

1855 

'  525 
1,800 

Cambridge  High  School, 

1850 

1,700 

Cloverden  Observatory 

^Harvard  College,* 
Alpha  Delta  Phi, 
Astronomical  Observatory,  . 
Delta  Kappa  Epsilon,  . 

1G38 

1837 

74,000 
300 
1,000 

Harvard  Nat.  Hist.  Society,  . 
Hasty  Pudding  Club,    . 
Institute  of  1770, 
Law  School, 
Medical  School,    . 
Porcellian  Club,   . 
Rumford  Society, 
Theological  School, 
Lawrence  Scientific  School, 

1837 
1808 
179G 

1782 
1791 
1848 
1815 

178 
4,500 
2,800 
14,000 
2,000 
5,000 

8,700 

CAMBRIDGEPOIIT, 
CIIARLESTOWN,  . 

CHATHAM, 

CHELSEA, 

CLINTON,  . 
CONCORD, 

Parish  Library,   .... 
Franklin  Library  Association, 
Bunker  Hill  Library  Association, 
Charlestown  Female  Seminary,    . 
Mishawum  Literary  Association,  . 
Naval  Lyceum  Library, 
Chatham  Academy, 
Library  Association,    . 
Winnisimmet  Literary  Institute,  . 
Bigelow  Library  Association, 
Concord  Library, 
Concord  School,  .... 

1849 
1848 
1854 
1832 
1851 

1847 
1849 
1852 

494 
400 

1,000 

850 
650 
2,280 

CONWAY,  . 

DEDHAM,  . 
DEERFIELD, 

DlGHTON, 

DORCHESTER,    . 

Conway  Academy, 
*Town  Library,     .... 
Deerfield  Academy, 
Deerfield   Reading  Association,  ) 
(formerly  Social  Library,)       \ 
Dighton  Academy, 
Antiquarian  and  Historical  Soc., 
Asvlum  for  Insane 

1852 

1797 
1790 

1856 
1843 

'  600 
1,400 

'  480 

Dorchester  and  Milton  Circulating 
Library,          .... 

Gardner  Library  Association,       . 

1838 

1,000 

DUDLEY,  . 

Mattapan  Library  Association,     . 
Union  Lyceum,    .... 
Nichols  Academy, 

1848 
1819 

987 

606 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    E'l  C. 


DUXBURY, 

EAST  BRIDGEWATER, 
EAST  HAMPTOX, 
EDGARTOWN, 

FALL  RIVER,     . 

FALMOUTII, 
FITCHBURG, 


FRANKLIN, 
GREAT  BARRING  TOX, 
GREENFIELD,     . 
GLOUCESTER,     . 

GROTON,   . 

HADLEY,  . 
HANOVER, 
HARWICH, 
HAVERHILL, 


HIXGHAM, 

HlXSDALE, 
HOLLISTOX, 

IPSWICH,   . 
JAMAICA  PLAIN, 

LANCASTER, 


LAWRENCE, 


LEICESTER, 
LEXOX,      . 

LOWELL,  . 


LYNX, 

MANCHESTER,    . 
MARBLEIIEAD,   . 

MARLBORO, 


Partridge  Academy,     . 
East  Bridgewater  Academy, 
Williston  Seminary,     . 
Lyceum,      .... 
Athenaeum, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 
Lawrence  Academy,    . 
Athenaeum, 

State    Normal   School    (for    Fe 
males),  .... 
Franklin  Library, 
Great  Barrington  Academy, 
Library  Association,    . 
Citizens'  Library  Association, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 
Lawrence  Academy,     . 
Groton  Library,  . 
Hopkins  Academy, 
Hanover  Academy, 
Pine  Grove  Seminary, 
Athenaeum,          . 
Circulating  Library,     . 
Essex  N.  Dist.  Medical  Society,  . 
Mechanics'  Institute,   . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    , 
Derby  Academy, 
Hinsdale  Academy, 
Mount  Hollis  Seminary, 
Ipswich  Female  Seminary,  . 
Eliot  Library  Association,    . 
Moss  Hill  Seminary,    . 
Lancaster  Academy,    . 
Lancaster  Library, 
State  Reform  School  for  Girls,     . 
Franklin  Library  Association, 
Pacific  Mills,        . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Leicester  Academy,     . 
Lenox  Academy, 
Lenox  Library  Association, 
|  City  School  Library,     . 
'Middlesex  Mechanic  Association, 
Middlesex  N.  Dist,  Med.  Society, 
Washington  Athenaeum  and  Ly 
ceum,     . 

Library  Association,"""  . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Lyceum,      . 
Marblehead  Academy, 
Second  Parish  Library, 


1817 
1840 


i   1853 
i  178G 


!   1855 


1858 
1793 


|   1845 
1852 

|   1854 

'   1855 
1784 

I  1848 
i  1852 


1847 
1851 
1855 
1847 
1852 
1857 
1784 
1803 
1854 
1844 
1825 
1848 


1855 


1830 
1796 

1847 


G92 


1,288 
GOO 
275 


415 

1,800 

2,024 

350 


1,100 

11,000 

6,630 

166 


3,500 
G50 

72G 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


607 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded.      Volumes. 

MED  FORD, 
MERRIMAC, 
MIDDLEBORO,    . 

MILFORD,  . 

MlLTOX,     . 

Moxsox,  .         .         . 
NANTUCKKT, 
NEKDIIAM, 
NEW  BEDFORD, 

NEWBURY, 
NEWBURYPORT, 

NEW  MARLBOROTTGH, 

NEW  SALEM, 
NEWTOX,  . 

NEWTOX  CENTRE, 
NORTH  ADAMS, 
NORTHAMPTON, 

NORTH  BRIDGEWATER,  | 
NORTH  BROOKFIELD, 

NORTH  WILBRAHAM,    ! 
NORTH  WOBURN,       .  j 
NORTON,   . 
PEPPERELL, 

PlTTSFIELD, 

PLYMOUTH, 
PLYMPTON, 

RANDOLPH,        .         .  ! 
READVILLE, 
ROCHESTER, 
ROXBURY, 

Tufts  College,      .... 
Merrimac  Academy,     . 
Boys'  Family  School,  . 
Peirce  Academy, 
Town  Library,     .... 

1854 
1822 

3,300 

1850  j         500 

Milford  Library,  .... 
Milton  Academy, 
Monson  Academy, 
Athenaeum,          .... 

Oakland  Institute, 

1798 
1704 

1847 

3,202 

";:"Free  Public  Library,  . 
Friends'  Academy, 
Dummer  Academy, 
Newbury  Library, 
Public  Library  of  the  City, 
Putnam  Free  School,  . 
South  Berkshire  Institute,    . 
New  Salem  Academy, 
Collegiate  Institute,     . 
Riverside  Institute, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Family  Boarding  School  for  Boys, 
Newton  Theological  Institution,  . 
Drury  Academy, 
Young  Men's  Literary  Assoc., 
Northampton  Collegiate  Institute, 
State  Lunatic  Hospital, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Young  Men's  Institute, 
Hunt's  Academy, 
Library  Association,    . 
Lyceum,      ..... 

1852 
1812 
1763 

12,000 

1854 

1838 

8,493 

1735 

1857 
1854 

1858 

500 

1825 
1841 

10,325 

18-J5         3,000 

1857            413 

Theological  Society,    . 
Wesleyan  Academy,     . 
New  Bridge  Social  Library, 
Wheaton  Female  Seminary,          .  i 
Asylum  for  Insane,      .          .          .  \ 
Pepperell  Academy,    . 
Berkshire  Medical  School,*. 
Library  Association,    . 
Young  Ladies'  Institute, 
Young  Ladies'  Seminary,    . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Pilgrim  Society,  .... 

1819 
1824 

1837 

400 

365 
...     i 

1841 
1823 
1850         1,340 
1849         1J500   ! 



Plympton  Academy,     . 
Prospect  Hill  Gymnasium,  .         .  1 
Reading  Room  Association,          .  j 
Readville  Library,        .         .         .  1 

Rochester  Academy,    .         .         . 
Athenasum, 

1848         6,900 

608 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,  ETC. 


Place. 

Xanie  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

RoXBURYj 

Mechanics'  Institute 

SALEM,      . 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Athenaeum,  ..... 
East  India  Marine  Society, 
Essex  Agricultural  Society, 
~*Essex  Institute,  .... 
Essex  S.  Dist.  Med.  Library, 
Evangelical  Library,    . 
Salem  Charitable  Mech.  Assoc.,  . 
Social  Library.    .         .         . 

1857 
1810 
1799 
1818 
1848 
1805 

1820 

12,000 
300 
G50 
10,500 
725 
1,400 
3,006 

SHEFFIELD, 
SHELBURXE  FALLS,    . 

State    Normal    School    (for   Fe 
males),          .... 
Young  Men's  LTnion,    . 
Sheffield  Academy, 
Shelburue  Falls  Academy,  . 

1854 
1840 

SOUTHAMPTON,  . 

SOUTH  BRAIXTREE,    . 
SOUTH  DAXVERS, 
SOUTH  HAD  LEY, 
SOUTH  READING, 

Sheldon    English    and    Classical 
School,          .... 
Hollis  Institute,  .... 
*Peabody  Institute, 
Mt.  Holyoke  Female  Seminary,    . 
Greenwood  Seminary, 

1829 
1851 

1852 
1856 

5,408 

SOUTHWICH, 
SOUTH  YARMOUTH,    . 
SPRINGFIELD,    . 

STERLING, 

Dickinson  Academy,    . 
Yarmouth  Academy,    . 
*City  Library,        .... 
Springfield  Institute,    . 
Family  Boarding  School, 

1843 
1855 

1,600 

STOCKBRIDGE,    . 

Berkshire  Family  School,     . 

SUDBURY, 

Williams  Academy, 

1828 

SWAMPSCOTT,     . 
TAUXTON, 

TOPSFIELD, 
Tuuiio,      . 
TYXGSBORO, 

Literary  Association,    . 
Bristol  Academy, 
Myrieteville  Academy, 
Old  Colony  Historical  Society, 
^Social  Library,     .... 
Young  Men's  Library  Assoc., 
Topsfield  Academy, 
Truro  Union  Academy, 
Tyno-sboro  Library, 

1852 
1792 
1853 
1853 
1828 
1854 
1854 
1841 

625 

3,119 
2,000 
800 

WALTHAM, 

Farmers'  and  Mechanics'  Library, 

WESTBORO, 
WESTFIELU, 

WESTFORD, 

State  Reform  School,  . 
State    Normal    School    (for   both 
sexes),           .... 
Westford  Academy, 
Westford  Library, 

185G 

1844 
1793 

1,500 

1,687 

WEST  MEDFORD, 
WESTMINSTER,  . 
WEST  NEWTOX, 

Mystic  Hall  Seminary, 
Westminster  Academy, 
Athenaeum,  ..... 
West  Newton  English  and  Classi- 

1854 

1847 
1850 

1855 

1,843 

MASSACHUSETTS. 


G09 


WEST  ROXBURY, 
WEST  TiSBUiiY, 
WEST  TOWNSEND, 

WHITINSVILLE, 

WlLBRAHAM, 


!    WlLLIAMSTOWX, 


WOBURN,  . 


WORCESTER, 


W  RE  NTH  AM, 
YARMOUTH, 


Name  of  Institution. 


Public  Library,    .... 
Duke's  County  Academy,     . 
Family  Boarding  School,     . 
Townsend  Female  Seminary, 
Circulating  Library,     . 
Wesleyan  Academy,    . 

Athena,         .... 

Pierian,         .... 

Union  Philosophical  Society, 

Young  Men's  Debating  Club 

and  Lyceum, 
'Williams  College,* 

Alpha  Delta  Phi, 

Chi  Psi,        .... 

Delta  Kappa  Epsilon,  . 
.Delta  Psi,     .... 

Kappa  Alpha, 

Mills  Theological  Society,     . 

Observatory, 

Philologian  Society, 

Philotechnian  Society, 

Sigma  Phi,  .... 
Free  Library,       .... 
Religious  Charitable  Library, 
Warren  Academy, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 
Young  Men's  Library, 
American  Antiquarian  Society,*  . 
College  of  the  Holy  Cross,* 

Societies,      . 

Mather  Library,  .... 
Mechanics'  Association, 
Oread  Institute,  .... 
School  of  Design  and  Academy 

of  Fine  Arts, 
State  Lunatic  Hospital, 
Worcester  Academy,    . 
Worcester  County  High  School,    . 
Worcester  Dist.  Med.  Society, 
Worcester  Female  College, 
'"Worcester   Lyceum   and  Library 

Association, 

Day's  Academy,  .... 
Lyceum,      ..... 


1839 
1857 
1824 


1793 


1795 

1795 


1856 


1830 


1812 
1843 


1842 
1851 

185G 


1832 

1804 


1829 
1806 


',200 


4,3  GO 
4,410 


1,700 
500 


GOO 

26,000 

4,GGO 

600 


1,796 


1,800 

8,400 


610 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC, 


Place. 

Xanie  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

ADRIAX,    . 

MICHIGAN. 

Law  Library,       .... 

.    .    . 

ALBIOX,    . 

Union  School,      .... 
Female  College,  .... 
AtheniaedeSj 

1855 

1841 

ALMOXT,  . 
Axx  ARC  OK, 


BATTLE  CREEK, 
CKXTIIEVILLE,   . 
CHARLOTTE, 
CLARKSTOX, 
COLIMYATER, 
COXSTAXTIXE,    . 

CORUXXA, 

DETROIT,  . 


DEXTER,    . 
Disco, 
D()\VA(;IAC, 
EAST  SAG ix AW, 
FLINT, 


GALESBURG, 

GRAXD  RAPIDS, 


Clever  Fellows, 

Eclectics,      .         .  .  .... 

Young  Ladies'  Association,  .  i    .  .  . 

Wesleyan  College,*      .  .  .      1856 

Young  Men's  Society,  .  .  j   1S'48 

Misses  Clark's  School,  .  .  '   1840 

Union  School,      .          .  .  .  j    .  .  . 

'University  of  Michigan,*  .  .  i   1837 

Alpha  Nu,    .         .  .  1  ! 

Literary  Adelphi,  .  >      .  .  . 

Phi  Alpha,  .         .  .  )  I 

Christian  Library  Assoc.,  .  !   1858 

Detroit  Observatory,  .  .       .  .  . 

Medical  Department,  .  .  I  1837 

Union  School,       .         .  .  .  j    .   .  . 

Union  School,       .         .  .  .       .  .  . 

Charlotte  Academy,     .  .  .  j    .  .  . 

Clarkston  Academy,    .  .  .  !    .  .  . 

Union  School,       .         .  .  .   j    .  .   . 

Union  School,      .          .  .  .  j    .  .   . 

Union  School,      .          .  .  .   J    .  .  . 

Barstow  School,  .         .  .  .       .  .  . 

Capital  School,    .          .  .  .       .  .  . 

Eighth  Ward  School,   .  .  .   I    .  .  . 

Fire  Department  Library,  .  .  j 

Historical  Society  of  Michigan, 

Mechanics'  Society, 

State  Agricultural  Society,  . 

St.  Philip's  College,*  . 

Young  Men's  Society, . 

L'nion  School, 

Disco  Academy,  . 

Union  School, 


1857 
1842 
1850 
1831) 
1833 


U/nion  School,       .... 
Deaf  and  Dumb,  and  Blind  Asy 
lum,        . 

Ladies'  Library,  . 
Scientific  Institute, 
Union  School,       .... 
Union  School,      .... 
St.  Mary's  College, 
Union  School,      .... 


1854 
1853 


1,129 

'125 

1,580 


1,5GG 

253 

3,000 

3,500 


MICHIGAN. 


Oil 


Xamc  of  Institutioi 


Founded.       Volumes. 


GRAND  RAP  IDS, 

HlLLSDALE, 


HOMER,     . 

i    Ho  WELL,    . 
!(>XIA, 

JACKSON,  . 

\    JONESVILLE, 

!  KALAMAZOO, 


!  LANSING,  . 


LEONI, 
;  MARSHALL, 


I    MlLFORD,  . 

MONROE,   . 

NlLER,         . 

OLIVET,  . 
i  ONTONAGON, 

Owosso, 

PLYMOUTH, 

POXTIAC,  . 

PORT  HURON,   , 

QUINCY,  . 
j  ROMEO, 

SAGIXAW  CITY, 

SALINE,     . 

Sc'HOOLCRAFT, 

SPRING  ARBOR, 

STURGIS,  . 
TECUMSEII, 


Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,  ,       .  .  .  ... 

Young  Men's  Library  Assoc.,  .  j    .  .  .  ... 

Fayette  Library,  .         .         .  .1851  .JOO 

-Hillsdale  College,         .         .  .      1857  i  ... 

Hillsdale  Library  Association,  .       .  .  .  j  ... 

Union  School,       .          .         .  ,       .  .  .  ... 

Homer  Academy,          .          .  .!...'  ... 

Union  School,      .          .          .  .   [    .  .  .  |  ... 

Union  School, 

Union  School, 

Young  Men's  Library.           .  .  I    ...  I  ... 

Union  School,      .          .          .  .;...!  ... 

Asylum  for  Insane,      .          .  .       .  .  .  ... 

'   Gregory's  Commercial  College,  .       .  .  .  ... 

|*Kakmazoo  College,     .         .  .1854  1,000 

••  Kalama/oo  Literary  Institute,  .       .  .   .  j  ... 

i  Ladies  Library,    .          .          .  .      1852  I  G33 

Theological  Seminary,           .  .  |   1853   i  1.000 

Union  School.      .      "  .          .  .       .  .  .  .  .   . 

I   Youno-  Men's  Library,  .  .  . 

T  •  T    -1  I 

!   Lansing  Library.  .          .         .       .  .  .         ... 

.Michigan  Female  College,    .          .       .  .  .  j      ... 
•-'State  Agricultural  College.  .         .      1855   |          300 

State  Library,*    .         .         .         .      183G  |      7.000 

State  Prison*         .         .          .          .       .  .  .  600 

Union  School,      .          .          .          .   j     .  .   .  |       ... 

Michigan  Union  College,      .          .       ...         ... 

Theological  Institute,  .         .         .       ...         ... 

Marshall  College, 

Union  School, 

Young  Ladies'  Institute, 

Union  School, 

Public  Library,    .          .          .          .  I    ...  I      1,500 

Young  Ladies'  Collegiate  Inst.,    .  I  1853  j         580 

Union  School,       .          .          .         .  j    .  .  .  |      ... 

Olivet  Institute,  . 

Public  Library,    . 

Union  School, 

Union  School, 

Union  School, 

Union  School, 

Union  School, 

Dickinson  Institute,      .          .          .  ;    .   .  .  i 

U"nion  School, 

Union  School,      . 

Cedar  Park  Seminary, 

Central  Lodge  Library, 

Michigan  Central  College,    . 
i  Union  School, 
I  Union  School, 


612 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,  ETC 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution, 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

TlIREF  PtlYER^ 

WHITE  PIGEON, 
WOODSTOCK, 
YPSILANTI, 

j 

Union  School,      .... 
Manual  Labor  Institute, 
State  Normal  School,  . 
Normal  Lyceum,  . 
Union  School,      .... 

1848 
1853 

1,200 

1,000 

CHATFIELD, 
FAIRBAULT, 

MINNESOTA. 

^Academy,    ..... 
Fairbault  College, 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

RFD  WI\G 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
"Hamline  Univer-utY 

1858 

Adelphian  Society, 

Si^ournean  Society       . 

ST.  ANTHONY,   . 

Library  Association,    . 
St   AnthoiiY  College 

1849 

300 

ST  P  vur 

LTniYersitY  of  Minnesota,     . 
Agricultural  Society,    •         .         . 

1852 

100 

Gorman  LiterarY  Association 

STILLWATER,     . 
ABERDEEN, 

Mercantile  Library  Association,  . 
Minnesota  Historical  Society, 
State  Library,      .... 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

MISSISSIPPI. 

1859 
1849 
1849 
1856 
1858 

.   .    . 

5,300 

I   CARROLLTON,    . 
CENTRE  HILL,  . 
CIIULAHOMA,     . 

i     Cl  INTON 

"-"Library  Association,    . 
•"Masonic  Male  Academy, 
Semple  Broaddus  College,    . 
Cold  Water  Female  Seminary,     . 
Central  Female  Institute, 

1857 
1856 

'  300 

Male  College,       .... 

F  N  0  N 

Mississippi  College,*  . 
Hio-h  School,        .... 

1851 

1,600 

GARLANDSYILLE, 
GRENADA, 

HFRNANDO 

Union  Seminary, 
Bascom  Female  Seminary,  . 
Town  Library,     .... 
Yallobnsha  Bap.  Female  Coll.,     . 
Mississippi  Female  College, 

1857 

500 
700 

HIGHLAND, 
HOLLY  SPRINGS, 

Cal  mack's  Academy,    . 
Chalmers  Institute, 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

MISSISSIPPI — MISSOURI. 


618 


Place. 

1 

Xame  of  Institution. 

Founded 

i 

Volumes. 

HOLLY  SPRINGS 

St  Thomas  Hall 

JACKSON,  . 

Blind  Asylum,     .... 

1848 

Deaf  and  Dumb  Institute.    . 
Jackson  Female  Institute,    . 
State  Historical  Society 

::: 

1838 

5  000 

LEXINGTON. 

Central  Mississippi  Fern.  Coll.,    . 
Male  and  Female  Academy 

::: 

Mvco\, 

Macon  Academy 

McljEODS 

NATCHEZ, 
OAKLAND  COLLEGE,  . 

*Natchez  Institute, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 
Oakland  College.'- 

"             "    "    Societies,  . 

1845 
1831 

2,083 

2,040 
2.000 

OXFORD,  . 

Union  Female  College 

PONTOTOC, 

"^University  of  Mississippi,    . 
Hermean,                                 ) 
Phi  Sigma,                               J 
Male  and  Female  Academy 

1848 

8,000 
1.000 

Presbyterian  Collegiate  Institute 

PORT  GIBSON,  . 

Planters'  College, 

SHARON,    . 
UTICA,      .         . 

'-"Madison  College,"''" 
Female  Institute 

1851 

500 

WASHINGTON,    . 

Jefferson  College, 
State  Agricultural  Society,  . 

1801 

. 
1,000 

ARCADIA,  . 

MISSOUIil. 

High  School  * 

BOONEYILLE,       . 

Central  Missouri  A^ric.  Soc 

CANTON,    . 

CAPE  GIRARDEAU, 
CARONDELET 

"x"St.  Vincent's  College,-" 

1843 

5,500 

COLUMBIA, 

FAYETTE, 
FULTON,   . 

Missouri  University,*  . 
Athenian  Society, 
Medical  Department,    . 
Union  Literary  Society, 
""Central  College,  .         .         . 
Howard  High  School,* 
Deaf  'and  Dumb  Asylum,    . 
State  Lunatic  Asylum, 
^Westminster  College,  . 
Philalthian  Society, 
Philologic  Society, 
Society  of  Inquiry. 

1844 
184G 

1857 
1845 
1853 

1853 

2,300 

200 

325 

500 
150 
500 
400 
300 
300 

014 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Xame  of  Institution. 


HANNIBAL, 

!  HUXTSVILLE, 
JACKSOX,  . 
JEFFERSON  CITY, 


LEXINGTON, 
LIBERTY,  . 

MIDDLE  FORK, 
MOUXT  PLEASANT, 
NKW  PALMYRA, 
PALMYRA, 


PERRY  VILLE, 
RICHLAXD, 
RICHMOND, 
SARCOXIE, 
ST.  CHARLES, 


SPRINGFIELD, 

ST.  Louis, 


WAVERLY, 


Literary  Institute, 
Huntsville  College, 
Southeast  Agricultural  Society,    . 
Historical  Society  of  Missouri,*    . 
Missouri  Penitentiary, 
State  Library,*     .... 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 
Baptist  Female  College, 
^Masonic  College, 
Female  Institute, 
""William  Jewell  College,"" 
McGee  College,   .... 
Mount  Pleasant  College, 
Marion  College,    .... 
Female  College,  .... 
Male  and  Female  Seminary, 
Palmyra  Seminary, 
St.  Paul's  College, 
St.  Mary's  College, 
Mather  College,  .... 
Richmond  College, 
Cave  Spring  Academy, 
Library  Association,    . 
Lindenwood  Female  College, 
St.  Charles  College,*    . 
Southwestern  State  Agric.  Soc.,   . 
Academy  of  Sciences, 
Law  Library,        .... 
Lyceum,      . 

Mercantile  Library  Association,  . 
Normal  School,    .... 
;:"0'Fallon  Polytechnic  Institute,    . 
State  Asylum  for  Blind, 
St.  Louis    Agricultural    and    Me 
chanical  Association, 
St.  Louis  Female  Institute, . 
St.  Louis  University,* 

Medical  Department,    . 

Orthological  Society,     .         ] 

Philalethic         " 

Phileuphradigne  Society,       ) 
St.  Louis  Vocalist  Association,     . 
Washington  University, 
Wyman's  High  School, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Shelby  College,    .... 


1845 


1844 

1855 

1858 


1843 

1849 
1855 


Volumes. 


425 


300 

630 

4,637 


1855 


1846 


1854 
1851 


1829 
1836 
1840 

1832 

1847 

1857 

1854 


4,000 


1837  |         900 

i 

1856  ' 

1838 


4,457   ! 
14,800   i 


2,500   | 


7,000 
1,053 

1,000 

485 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE. 


615 


A  TK IX  SOX, 

BATH, 

BOSCAWEX, 

CHARLESTOWN, 

COXCORD, 


DERRY,  . 

DUBLIX,   . 

i 

j  EXETER, 


FRAXCESTOWX,  . 
FRANKLIN, 
GILFORD,  . 

GlLMANTON, 

GREAT  FALLS,  . 
GROTOX,    . 
HAMPTON  FALLS, 
HAXCOCK, 

HAXOYER, 


HILLSBORO, 

HOPKIXTOX, 
KEEN, 

JjAXC  ASTER, 

LEBAXOX, 
MANCHESTER,    . 


Name  of  Institutio 


Founded.!      Yolumcs. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE! 

New  England  Christian  Institute, 

Atkinson  Academy,     . 

Bath  Academy,    .... 

Boscawen  Academy,    . 

Gharlestown  Library,  . 

Meth.  Gen.  Biblical  Institute, 

Missionary  Library, 
New  Hampshire  Asylum  for  the 
Insane,  ..... 
"-New  Hampshire  Historical  Soc.,";f 
Public  Library,   .... 
State  Agricultural  Society,  . 
State  Library,*    .... 
Pinkerton  Academy,    . 
Juvenile  Library, 
Union  Library,     .... 
Phillips  Exeter  Academy,   . 

Golden  Branch  Society, 
Town  Library,      .... 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 
Francestown  Academy, 
Franklin  Academy, 
Gilford  Academy, 
Social  Library,     .... 
Theological  Seminary, 
Manufacturers  and  Village  Lib., . 
Public  Library,    .... 
Rockingham  Academy, 
Hancock  Academy, 
Literary  and  Scientific  Institute, 
"Dartmouth  College,'*    . 

Chandler  Scientific  School,  . 

Philotechnic  Society,     . 

Social  Friends'  Library, 

Society  of  Inquiry, 

United  Fraternity, 

Northern   Academy  of  Arts 
and  Sciences,    . 

Medical  School,    . 
Agricultural  and  Mechanical  So 
ciety,      ..... 
Contoocookville  Academy,   . 
Keen  Boarding  School, 
Lancaster  Academy,    . 
Liberal  Institute, 
Town  Library,      .... 
City  Library,        .... 


1847 
1857 


1850 
1818 


1825 
1793 
1781 
1841 
1852 
1856 
1819 
1831 


1794 
1841 


1836 
1769 


1783 
1786 

1841 

1798 

1856 


184^ 


3,000 
400 


1,500 
900 

7,000    ; 


1,213 
450 
2,000   i 
1,539   I 
1,716 


300 
4,300 
3,510 

800 


14,423 


540 

7,933 

500 

7,818 

1,300 
1200 


5,314 


616 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

MANCHESTER,    . 

House  of  Reformation, 

State  Agricultural  Society  .         • 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1854 

100 

MERIDEN, 

Kimball  Union  Academy,     . 

1815 

2,000 

Philadelphia!!  Society,  . 

1855 

1,000 

MILLVILLE, 

St.  Paul's  School, 

1855 

.  .  . 

MOUNT  VERNON, 

Appleton  Academy,     . 

1850 

.  .  . 

NASHUA,   . 

Nashua  Literary  Institution. 

NEW  HAMPTON, 

Literary  and  Biblical  Institution, 

1849 

1,000 

Literary  A  del  phi, 

1827 

1,000 

Society    of   Theological  Re 

search,    .... 

1855 

800 

New  Hampton  Academy,     . 

1849 

. 

NEW  IPSWICH,  . 

Appleton  Academy, 

1789 

800 

NEW  LONDON,   . 

Literaryand  Scientific  Institution, 

New  London  Academy, 

1837 

NORTHFIELD,      . 

N.  H.  Conference  Seminary, 

.  .  . 

1,000 

OXFORD,   . 

Oxford  Academy, 

.    .    . 

PEMBROKE, 

Pembroke  Academy,  . 

1818 

People's  Literary  Institute,  . 

1841 

.    .   . 

PETERBORO, 

Public  Library,    .... 

.  .  . 

.    .    . 

PlTTSFIELD, 

Pittsfield  Academy, 

1880 

.    .    . 

PORTSMOUTH,    . 

f  Athenaeum,*        .... 

1817 

8,252 

Mercantile  Library  Association,  . 

1852 

1,293 

South  Parish  Library,  . 

1820 

74G 

St.  John's  Church, 

.  .  . 

500 

Unitarian  Church, 

. 

G78 

U.  S.  Navy  Yard  Library,    . 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 

1852 

540 

REED'S  FERRY, 

Mernmac  Normal  Institute.          . 

SALMON  FALLS, 

Library  Association,     . 

1846 

983 

SAXBORNTON  BRIDGE, 

N.  H.  Conference   Seminary,  and 

Female  College, 

1852 

175 

L.L.,          .... 

100 

U.  P.,         .... 

274 

J.A.S.,     .        .        .        . 

.  .  . 

280 

Public  Library,    .... 

. 

300 

UNION, 

Union  Village  Library, 

1854 

202 

WAKEFIELD, 

Wakefield  and  Brookfield  Union 

Library,           .... 

1797 

550 

WEST  LEBANON, 

Tilden  Female  Seminary,     . 

1853 

.  .  . 

WOLFBOROXJGH. 

7 

Wolfborough  and  Taftonborough 

Academy,        .... 

1820 

NEW   JERSEY. 


G17 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded 

Volumes. 

BEL  VI])  ERE, 

BLAIRSTOWN,     . 
BORDENTOWN,    . 
BRIDGETON, 

BURLINGTON,    . 

C  AMD  EX,    . 

ELIZABETH, 
FREEHOLD, 
GRKEXWICH, 
HACKENSACK,    . 
HAMILTON  SQUARE,  . 
JERSEY  CITY,    . 
LAWREXCEVILLE, 

MORRISTOWN,    . 

MOUNT  HOLLY, 
MULLICA  HILL, 
NEWARK,'  . 

NEW  BRUNSWICK, 

NEWTON,  . 

ORANGE,  . 
PRINCETON, 

SALEM, 

NEW    JERSEY. 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Presbyterial  Academy, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

I 

1858 

1,000 

West  Jersey  Academy, 
Bloomfield    Mansion    Seminary 
(for  Young  Ladies), 
Burlington  College,*    . 
Theological  Department, 
Burlington  Library, 
^Franklin  Library, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Freehold  Institute, 
Greenwich  Library, 
"""Library  Association,     . 
Hamilton  Library, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
High  School,        .... 
Calliopean,  .... 
Philomathean, 
Morris  Institute  and  Apprentices' 
Library,           .... 
Greenwood  Institute,    . 

...            400 

184G 

1,573 

1858 
1858 
1847 
180G 

1854 
1810 

1,500 

447 

.  .  . 

1812 

.  . 

1,500 

Harmony  Library, 
High  School,        .... 
Newark  Library  Association, 
*New  Jersey  Historical  Society,"""  . 
Van  Arsdale's  Observatory, 
""Rutgers  College,"-" 
Peithersophian  Society, 
Philoclean                "      . 
Natural  History      " 
Theological   Seminary,  Reformed 
Dutch  Church, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 
Young  Men's  Library  Assoc., 
Newton  Collegiate  Institute, 

184G 

1845 

7,000 
2,194 

mo 

1825 

1825 
1857 

1810 
1854 

7,000 
2,000 
3,000 

10.000 
2,^500 

1857 

500 

Newton  Lyceum, 
Orange  Lyceum  and  Lib.  Assoc., 
""College  of  New  Jersey,"'''" 
American  Whig  Society, 
Cliosophic                  " 
Law  School, 
Theological  Seminary, 
Salem  Academy, 

1883 
1755 

17G5 
1812 

1,200 
11,000 
4,500 
4,322 

14,000 

618 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Xante  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

SOMERVILLE, 

State  Agricultural  Society,  . 

| 

TRENTON, 

Park  School  for  Young  Ladies,    . 

.    .    .    i 

| 
•       *        •              j 

State  Library,*    .... 

1804 

7,787 

Stfitc  Lunntic  .Asylum           •          • 

i 

*State  Normal  School,  . 

1858 

4,411 

Trenton  Academy,  Philomathean 

Society,  ..... 

1851 

700 

Trenton  Library  Association, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1856 

175 

WEST  HOBOKEN* 

Lyceum  and  Library  Association, 

1852 

811 

WoODSTOWK". 

Webster  Club  Library. 

NEW    YORK. 

ADDISOX,  . 

Addison  Academy, 

1849 

251 

ALBANY,  . 

Albany  Academy, 

1817 

931 

Albany  Female  Academy,   . 

1821 

1,074 

Albany  Female  Seminary,   . 

1828 

709 

Albany  Institute,  ~x~ 

1829 

10,000 

Albany  Library,  .... 

1792 

G,000  i 

Albany  Medical  College, 

1845 

4,500 

Apprentices'  Library,  . 

.  .  . 

3,000 

Assembly  Library, 

.  .  . 

8,000 

Dudley  Observatory,     . 

1857 

1,000 

Law  School  Univ.  of  Albany, 

X.  Y.  State  Agricultural  Society, 

1832 

2,300 

Senate  Library,    .... 

6,000 

St.  Mary's  Library  Association,    . 

1849 

450 

State  Library  of  New  York,* 

1818 

53,500 

. 

State  Normal  School,* 

1844 

1,000 

"'Young  Men's  Association,-"  . 

1833 

8,OGO 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 

1857 

600 

ALBION,    . 

Albion  Academy, 

1840 

441 

j 

Phipps  Union  Seminary, 

1854 

393 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1858 

.  . 

ALEXANDER, 

Genesee  and  Wyoming  Seminary, 

1845 

'  460 

ALFRED  CENTRE, 

Alfred  University  and  Academy, 

1843 

737 

Alleghanian, 

i 
! 

Ladies'  Literary,   . 

i 

Orophilian,    .... 

Phi  Mu,         .... 

! 

Religious  Union,  . 

. 

. 

AMEXIA,    . 

Amenia  Seminary, 

183G 

1,852 

AMES, 

Ames  Academy, 

1837 

300 

AMSTERDAM, 

Female  Seminary, 

1839 

414 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1858 

ANGELICA, 

^Angelica  Academy, 

NEW    YORK. 


619 


Place. 

Nairn;  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

RGYLK,    . 
UUURX,    . 

•"Argyle  Academy, 
Auburn  Academy, 
Auburn  Theological  Seminary,*  . 

1841 
1815 
1821 

177 
237 
6,000 

[JGUSTA, 
UllORA,     . 

Augusta  Academy, 
*Cayuga  Academy, 

1842 
1801 

868 
2,009 

IOOKFIELD,       . 
JOOKLYX, 

Brookfield  Academy,   . 
Brooklyn   Athenaeum  and  Head 
ing-Room,*     .... 
Brooklyn  Collegiate  and  Polytech. 
Institute,         .... 
City  Library,        .... 
^Mercantile  Library  Association,  . 
Packer  Collegiate  Institute, 
Strong  Place  Baptist  Church  Li 
brary, 

1847 
1852 

1854 
1839 

1857 
1854 

1852 

126 
3,759 

335 
3,000 
11,400 

1,128 

500 

IOCKPORT, 

:FFALO, 

U.  S.  Naval  Lyceum,* 
U.  S.  Naval  Hospital,  . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 
Youths'  Free  Library, 
Collegiate  Institute, 
Female  Academy,        T 
German  Youn^  Men's  Assoc         . 

185P> 

1853 

1828 

1851 

4,50-0 

1,76-2 
5,000 
376 
195 

Martin  Luther  College 

Medical  Dt-pt.  Univ.  of  Buffalo,  . 
Observatory,          .... 
*St.  Joseph's  College,  ''  . 

184G 

400 

:LLEVILLE, 
yniAXY, 
XGHAMPTOX,  . 

,ACK  ROCK,    . 

UGHTOX, 
JTTEIIXUTS,       . 

iMBRIDGE, 
XAJOHARIE,    . 
iXAXDAIGUAj  . 

Young  Men's  Association,   . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Union,     . 
Union  Literary  Society, 
Bethany  Academy, 
Binghampton  Academy, 
Inebriate  Asylum, 
Susquehanna  Seminary, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Clover  Street  Seminary, 
Gilbertsville    Academy  and    Col 
legiate  Institute,     . 
Washington  Academy, 
Canajoharie  Academy, 
Brigham  Hall  (Lunatic  Asvlum), 

1836 
1852 
1826 
1841 

1842 
1859 
1854 

9,331 

1,200 
604 

200 
382 

'  138 
'  817 

323 

338 
158 

773 

LNTOX,     . 
iRMEL,     . 

Ontario  Female  Seminary,  , 
Canton  Academy, 
"-St.  Lawrence  University, 
Theological  School, 
Raymond  Collegiate  Institute, 

1856 
1856 

882 
281 
100 
2,500 

iTSKILL, 

Catskill  Librarv, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1858 

620 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Xamc  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

CAZENOVIA, 

Oneida  Conference  Seminary, 

1830 

1,910 

Lyceum,                                     \ 

H  ^  r\ 

Philomathesian,    .         .        J 

(  (  9 

ClIAMPLAIX, 

Champlain  Academy,  . 

1842 

263 

CHARLOTTEVILLE, 

N.  Y.  Conference  Seminary, 

1850 

350 

Athena,         .... 

Philomathean. 

Theta  Phi, 

CHERRY  VALLEY, 

Wesleyan  Literary  Society,  . 
Cherry  Valley  Academy, 

1796 

'  144 

CHESTER,  . 

Chester  Academy, 

1844 

225 

ClIITTEXANGO,     . 

CLARENCE, 

Yates  Polytechnic  Institute, 
Clarence  Academy, 

1853 
1854 

295 
213 

CLARKESVILLE, 

Brookfield  Academy,   . 

. 

190 

CLAVERACK, 

Claverack  Academy  and  Hudson 

River  Institute, 

1854 

365 

CLIFTON  PARK, 

Jonesville  Academy,    . 

1850 

405 

CLIXTOX,  . 

Clinton  Grammar  School,    . 

1817 

225 

Clinton  Liberal  Institute,     . 

1854 

1,210 

•'"Hamilton  College,* 

18JO 

-5,340 

Phoenix  Society,  . 

.  .  . 

5,400 

Union           " 

1834 

3,400 

Observatory, 

. 

.  .  . 

CORTLAXD  VILLAGE, 

Cortlandville  Academy, 

1843 

663 

DELHI, 

Delaware  Academy,     . 

1820 

814 

DE  RUYTER, 

De  Euyter  Institute,    . 

1836 

263 

DUXDEE,    . 

Dundee  Academy, 

1855 

193 

DUXKIRK,  . 

Library,        ..... 

183S 

.  .  . 

EAST  BLOOMFIELD,   . 

East  Bloomfield  Academy,  . 

.  .  . 

596 

EAST  BROOKLYN, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1858 

. 

EAST  HAMPTON, 

Clinton  Academy, 

1787 

348 

Library  Company, 

1805 

581 

EAST  PEMBROKE, 

Rural  Seminary, 

185G 

678 

EDDYTOWX, 

Starkey  Seminary, 

1848 

1,215 

ELBRIDGE, 

Monroe  Collegiate  Institute, 

1839 

722 

ELLIXGTOX, 

Ellington  Academy,     . 

1853 

177 

ELMIRA,    . 

Female  College,  .... 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 

1858 

. 

F  AIRFIELD, 

Fairfield  Academy, 

1803 

'  732 

FLATBUSH, 

Erasmus  Hall  Academy, 

1787 

2,408 

King's  County  Lunatic  Asylum,  . 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

FLORIDA,  . 

S.  S.  Seward  Institute, 

1845 

125 

FLUSHING, 

Flushing  Library  Association, 

1858 

.  .  . 

Sandford  Hall  (Lunatic  Asylum) 

St.  Paul's  College,  (?)  . 

1858 

2,800 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

FORDHAM, 

*Free  Library,       .... 

. 

St.  John's  College,  *     . 

1840 

12,090 

St.  Joseph's  Theolog.  Seminary,  . 

' 

.  .  . 

NEW    YORK. 


621 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

FORT  COVINGTON, 

Fort  Covington  Academy,    . 

1831 

100 

FORT  EDWARD,  . 

Washington  County  Seminary  and 
Collegiate  Institute, 

1854 

414 

FORT  PLAIN,     . 

Fort  Plain  Seminary  and  Female 

Collegiate  Institute, 

1853 

188 

FRANKLIN, 

"'"Delaware  Literary  Institute, 

1835 

614 

FREDONIA, 

*Fredonia  Academy,     . 

1824 

1,634 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1858 

.  .  . 

FRIENDSHIP,      .  . 

Friendship  Academy,  . 

1849 

189 

FULTON,    . 

Falley  Seminary, 

.  .  . 

395 

FULTON  VILLE 

Youn°'  Men's  Association,    . 

GALWAY,  . 

Gahvay  Academy, 

1845 

98 

Ladies'  Seminary, 

.  .  . 

GENESEE, 

At  hence  u  in  Library,     . 

1853 

4,318 

GENESEO, 

Athenaeum,           .... 

Geneseo  Academy, 

1827 

1,124 

GENEVA,  . 

Geneva  Medical  College, 

1835 

600 

Geneva  Union  School, 

1853 

1,221 

Hobart  Free  College,* 

1821 

5,449 

Hermean  Society, 

1845 

4,563 

Philopeuthian  Society, 

1855 

766 

GlLBERTSVILLE, 

Academy,    ..... 

. 

383 

GLEN'S  FALLS,. 

Glen's  Falls  Academy, 

1842 

225 

GLOVERSVILLE, 

Union  Seminary, 

1854 

101 

GOSHEN,    . 

^"Farmers'  Hall  Academy, 

1790 

620 

GOUVERNEUR,      . 

Wesleyan  Seminary,    . 

1828 

425 

GREENE  VILLE.  . 

Greeneville  Academy, 

1816 

330 

GROTON,            -. 

Groton  Academy, 

1837 

381 

HALF  MOON,     . 

Half  Moon  Academy,  . 

1851 

135 

HAMILTON, 

Hamilton  Academy,     . 

. 

807 

Hamilton  Female  Seminary, 

.  .  . 

184 

Home  School,      .... 

Madison  University,*  . 

1824 

6,321 

Adelphian  Society, 
^Eonian            li 

.  .  . 

800 
900 

Athenaeum      " 

. 

700 

Grammar  School, 

1853 

650 

Missionary  Society, 

.  .  . 

800 

Theological  Department, 

1820 

HARTWICK, 

Hartwick  Theological  and  Classi 

cal  Seminary,  . 

1816 

1,500 

Philophronean  Society, 

Theological  Society.      .         . 

HAVAXNA, 

People's  College, 

1857 

HENRIETTA, 

Monroe  Academy, 

.  .  . 

141 

HOLLAND  PATENT,    . 

Hobart  Hall  Academy, 

1838 

588 

HoLLEY,    . 

Holley  Academy, 

1850 

174 

HOMER,     . 

Cortland  Academy, 

1819 

1,108 

HOOSICK  FALLS, 

Ball  Seminary,    .... 

1843 

174 

HUDSON,  . 

Franklin  Library  Association, 

1837 

1,783 

622 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


I'lacc.                                                         Name  of  Institution.                                Founded.      Volumes. 

| 

HUDSON,   . 

ITHACA,     . 
JAMAICA,  . 

JAMESTOWN, 

JoiIXSTOWX, 
JOXESYILLE, 
JORDAX.     . 

KEESEVILLE,     . 
KIXDEUHOOK,    . 

KlXGSliORO, 
KlXGSTOX, 

LAXSIXGBURG,  . 
LE  ROY,    . 

LIBERTY,  . 
LI:-.IA, 

LYOXS, 

LITTLE  FALLS,  . 
LOCK  POUT, 

LoWVILLE, 

MACEDOX  CEXTRE,     . 

MALOXE,    . 

MAXHATTAXVILLE,    . 
MAXLIUS,  . 
MARION,    . 
MATT  A  WAX, 
MAYYILLE, 

McGllAWYILLE, 

MEDIXA,    . 
MEXICO,    . 

MlDDLEKURY,      . 
MlDDLETOWX,      . 
MlLLYILLE, 
MONTGOMERY,    . 
Mo  XT  I  CELLO,       . 
Mo  R  A  YI  A, 

MOUNT  VEIIXOX, 
XE\V  B:-:ULIN,    . 
NEWISH;, 

Hudson  Academy, 
Hudson  Female  Academy,  . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Ithaca  Academy, 
Union  Hall  Academy,           .          . 
'-"Young  Men's  Literary  Union, 
Jamestown  Academy,  . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Johnstown  Academy,  . 
Jonesville  Academy,    . 
Jordan  Academy, 
Keeseville  Academy,   . 
Kinderhook  Academy, 
Kingsboro  Academy,   . 
Kingston  Academy, 
Female  Seminary, 
Ingham  Collegiate  Institute, 
Altonian  Literary  Society,     . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,     . 
Liberty  Normal  Institute,     . 
""Genesee  College,"-" 

1807 

1858 
1823 
1792 

1G4 
151 

'  447 

6G7 

1880 
1858 
1794 

1842 

1835 
1824 
1839 
17D5 

299 

'  211 

309 
303 

225 
583 
309 
522 

1852 

1855 
1849 
1850 

1,160 

500 

'  172 
3,500 

Gencsee  Lyceum, 
Ladies'  Literary  Society, 
Genesee  Wesleyan  Seminary, 

1833 

2,019 
831 
438 
120 

1,119 
182 
185 

Little  Falls  Academy,  . 
Lockport  U"nion  School, 
Young  Meti's  Association,    . 
"x"Lowville  Academy, 
Macedon  Academy, 
-"Franklin  Academy, 
Bloomingdale  Asylum  for  Insane, 
Manlius  Academy, 
Marion  Collegiate  Institute, 

1844 
1850 

1808 
1842 
1831 

1835 
1855 

395 
19G 

Mayville  Academy, 
New  York  Central  College,  . 
-"Medina  Academy, 
Mexico  Academy, 
Academy,     ..... 
Walkill  Academy, 
Millville  Academy, 
Montgomery  Academy, 
Monticello  Academy,   . 
Moravia  Institute, 
West  Chester  F;»nn  School, 
•'•"New  Berlin  Academy, 

1884 
1849 
1850 
182G 
1819 

1840 
1791 
1852 
1840 
185G 
1844 

173 

GOO 
333 
480 
852 
428 
187 
45G 
170 
3G9 

Theolog.  Sem.  Associate  Rcf.  Ch., 

1802 

8,500 

NEW    YORK 


628 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

NEW  PALTZ, 
NKW  YORK, 

New  Paltz  Academy,  . 
American  Bible  Society, 
American  Bible  Union, 
American  Ethnological  Society,  . 
American  and  Foreign  Bible  Soc.j 
American  Geographical  and  Sta 
tistical  Society, 
American  Institute,""   . 
American  Literary  Association 

1845 
1816 

1850 
1842 

1853 
1883 

340 
1,500 
4,000 

1,576 

2450 

7,500 

Apprentices  and  Demilt  Library, 

1820 
1839 

19,02G 
80;000 

1857 

Bacon  Literary  Association. 

Bancroft  Institute, 
Clinton  Place  Female  Seminary 

Coll.  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons, 

-College  of  St.  Francis  Xavier,     . 
Columbia  College,""" 
Grammar  School, 
Cooper  Institute, 
Episcopal  Historical  Society, 
Episcopal  Theological  Seminary,""" 
';c"Free  Academy,    .... 

1807 
1850 
1757 

1838 

1850 
1818 
1847 

1,500 

18,000 
1,148 

12,903 
G,000 

Clionian  Society,   . 
Phrenakosinian  Society 

Juvenile  Asylum, 
House  of  Refuge. 
Institut,  for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb, 
Institution  for  the  Blind, 
Irvin0"  Literary  Union, 

1854 

1817 

1832 

'  500 
4,135 

Law  Institute  Library,"x" 
Lyceum  of  Xatural  History, 
Mechanics'  Institute,    . 
"""Mercantile  Library  Association,-' 
Merchants'    and   Clerks'    Library 
Association,    .... 
Metropolitan  Medical  College, 

1830 
1818 
183G 
1820 

1855 

8,000 
3.000 
5,000 
51,000 

1,000 

I 

"x"New  York  City  Library, 

2,000 

1 

New  York  City  Lunatic  Asylum 

New  York  Historical  Society,*    . 
New  York  Hospital,    . 
New  Yrork  Medical  College, 

1804 
1796 

25,000 
6,000 

New  York"  Society  Library,"''" 
New  York  State  Colonization  Soc 

1754 

i 

40,000 

Omacatl  Society, 

1855 

339 

Presbyterian    Board    of   Foreign 

3  000 

Printers'  Free  Library, 
-Public  School,  14th  Ward,  . 
l*Public  School'  (20th  Ward)  Lib., 

1823 
1844 

4,000 

1,800 

624 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Xame  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

NEW  YORK, 

Rutgers  Female  Institute,    . 

1838 

3,015 

Seamen's  Friend  Society  Library, 

Spingler  Institute, 

1852 

2,000 

St.  Luke's  Hospital, 

1855 

.  .  . 

Union  Theological  Seminary,"-      . 

183G 

24,000 

University  of  the  City  of  N.  Y.,*  ) 
Medical  Department,    .         \ 

1831 
1841 

|  4,000 

Washington  Institute,  . 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1852 

2,293 

Young  Men's  Christian  Union, 

NORTH  G-RAXVILLE,  . 

N.  G.  Female  Seminary, 

1854 

358 

NORTH  HEDUOX, 

North  Hebron  Institute, 

1854 

223 

NORTH  SALEM,  . 

North  Salem  Academy, 

1790 

262 

NORWICH, 

Norwich  Academy, 

1843 

558 

NUXDA,     . 

Nunda  Literary  Institute,    . 

1845 

189 

NYACK, 

Rockland   County  Female    Insti 

tute,        

1855 

OAKFIELD, 

Gary  Collegiate  Seminary,    . 

1845 

680 

OGDEXSBURG,    . 

Ogdensburg  Institute, 

1835 

383 

Young  People's  Association, 

OLE  AX,     . 

Olean  Academy,  .... 

1853 

328 

OXOXDAGA  VALLEY, 

Onondaga  Academy,   . 

1813 

595 

ORAXGE,   . 

Orange  Lyceum, 

OSWEGO,     . 

~*City  Lib.  and  Mechanics'  Assoc., 

1854 

7,000 

Oswego  Academy, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1858 

OVID, 

-Agricultural  College,  . 

1856 

.  . 

Ovid  Academy,    .... 

1826 

460 

OwK<;o,     . 

";fOwego  Academy, 

1828 

524 

OXFORD,  . 

Oxford  Academy, 

1794 

1,252 

PALMYRA, 

Palmyra  Union  School, 

. 

1,071 

PEEKSKILL, 

Cortland  Institute, 

. 

. 

Peekskill  Academy,     . 

1838 

607 

PERRY,      . 

Perry  Academy,  .... 

1843 

305 

PETERBORO, 

Peterboro  Academy,    . 

1853 

177 

PHELPS,    . 

Phelps  Union  School,   . 

. 

484 

PIKE, 

Genesee  Conference  Seminary,     . 

1856 

216 

PLATTSBURG,    . 

Plattsburg  Academy,   . 

1828 

165 

POMPEY,     . 

Pompey  Academy, 

1811 

399 

PORT  CHESTER, 

Library  and  Reading-Room. 

POTSDAM, 

St.  Lawrence  Academy, 

1816 

784 

POUGHKEEPSIE, 

Cottage  Hill  Seminary, 

7 

Dutchess  County  Academy, 

1792 

263 

Law  School,          .... 

1845 

Lyceum  of  Natural  History, 

600 

Poughkeepsie  Female  Academy, 

1836 

629 

"-Public  Library,    .... 

1843 

4,650 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 

PRATTSBURG,    . 

Franklin  Academy, 

1824 

1,200 

PROSPECT, 

Prospect  Academy, 

1851 

376 

NEW   YORK. 


625 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

PULASKI,   . 

RANDOLPH, 
RED  CREEK, 

RENSSELAERVILLE,      . 

RHINEBECK, 

RlCHBURG, 

ROCHESTER, 

Pulaski  Academy, 
Randolph  Academy  Assoc., 
Red  Creek  Union  Academy, 
Rensselaerville  Academy,    . 
Rhinebeck  Academy,  . 
Richburg  Academy, 
Athenaeum  and  Mechanics'  Asso- 

1853 

1839 
1845 
1841 
1850 

393 
312 
208 
213 
473 
121 

6,524 

ROGERSVILLE,    . 
ROME                        . 

Court  of  Appeals, 
Female  Academy, 
House  of  Refuge, 
"^University  of  Rochester,*    . 
Theological  Seminary,  . 
Union  Seminary, 

1829 

1846 
1850 
1850 
1853 

1835 

5,000 
171 

5,200 
5,500 
134 

486 

ROXDOUT, 

RUSIIFORD, 
SAG  HARBOR,    . 
SALEM,      . 
SAND  LAKE, 
SANQUOIT, 
SIRATOG^  SPRINGS 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Rushford  Academy, 
Sag  Harbor  Institute,  . 
Washington  Academy, 
Sand  Lake  Academy,  . 
Sanquoit  Academy, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc 

1858 
1852 
1848 
1791 
184G 
1849 

133 
201 
364 
261 
171 

SAUGERTIES, 

Academy,     ..... 
^Lyceum,      ..... 

1854 

180 

SCHENECTADY,   . 

Schenectady  Lyceum  and  Acad., 
"''•"Union  College  "*  . 

1795 

375 

9,000 

• 

Adelphic  Society, 
Philomathean  Society,  . 
Union  School,      .... 

1796 
1793 

3,550 

3,812 
3,002 

SCIIUYLERVILLE, 

SCOHARIE, 
SENECA  FALLS, 

SlIERBURNE, 

SING  SING, 
SODUS, 

Young  Men's  Association,    . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Schuylerville  Academy, 
Scoharie  Academy, 
Seneca  Falls  Academy, 
Sherburne  Union  Academy, 
Mount  Pleasant  Academy,  . 

1858 
1840 

1837 
1827 

3,800 

'  147 
211 
301 
522 
1,361 
110 

SoMERS,      . 

Public  Library,    .... 

210 

SPENCERTOWN,  . 
SPRINGVILLE,    . 
STAPLETON, 
STARKEY, 
SUSPENSION  BRIDGE, 
SYRACUSE, 

TARRYTOWN,     . 
TROY, 

Spencertown  Academy, 
Springville  Academy,  . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Starkey  Seminary, 
De  Veaux  College, 
^Franklin  Institute,*     . 
N.  Y.  Asylum  for  Idiots, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Paulding  Institute, 
Troy  Academy,    .... 
Troy  Female  Seminary, 
Troy  University, 

1856 

1857 
1837 
1855 
1858 

1858 

225 
136 

1,300 
2,700 

'  244 
1,049 

40 


626 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

TllOY, 

UNADILLA, 
UNION  VILLAGE, 
UTICA, 

VERXON,  . 
WALTON,  . 
WALWORTH, 
WARS  AAV,  . 
WARWICK, 
WATERFORD, 
WATERTOWN,     . 

WESTFIELD, 
WEST  POINT,     . 
WEST  WINFIELD, 

WHITE  HALL,   . 
WHITESTOWX,    . 
WILSON,    . 
WINDSOR, 
WYOMING, 
YATES  CENTRE, 

YOXKERS, 
YORKYILLE, 

I 

! 

ASHEVILLE, 
CHAPEL  HILL,  . 

CHARLOTTE, 
DAVIDSON  COLLEGE,  . 

El)  EXT  ON, 

FAYETTEVILLE, 
FORESTVILLE,    . 

*  Young  Men's  Association,* 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Unadilla  Academy, 
Union  Village  A.cademy, 
Amicable  Library  Association,     . 
Apprentices'  Library,  . 
Mechanics'  Association, 
State  Lunatic  Asylum,* 

1834 

1855 

9,405 

'  261 
451 

1843 

4,060 
155 
109 

LTtica  Female  Seminary, 

Young  Men's  Association,    . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Vernon  Academy, 
Walton  Academy, 
Walworth  Academy,    . 
Warsaw  Union  School, 
Warwick  Institute, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Jefferson  County  Institute,  . 
Westfield  Academy,     . 

1858 

1858 
1855 

2,200 

333 
117 
121 
273 
106 

1,200 
506 

U.  S.  Military  Academy,*    . 
West  Winfield  Academy,     . 
Whitehall  Academy,    . 
Whitestown  Seminary,          .         .  - 
Wilson  Collegiate  Institute, 
Windsor  Academy, 
Middlebury  Academy,  . 

1812 

16,392 

197 
333 
840 
709 
170 
802 
526 

Family  Boarding  School  for  Young 
Ladies,  ..... 
Yorkville  Library  Association,     . 

.  .  . 

N.    CAROLINA. 

*Holston  Conference  Fern.  Coll.,* 
*University  of  North  Carolina,*    . 
Dialectic  Society, 
Law  School, 

1795 
1795 

3,501 
6,000 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
*Davidson  College,*     . 
Franklin  Literary  Club, 
Cross  Creek  Lodge,  I.  0.  0.  F.,  . 
Wake  Forest  College,* 

1*837 

8,000 

1844 
1838 

1,350 

NORTH    CAROLINA — OHIO. 


627 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

FORESTVILLE,     . 
GOLDSBORO, 

Euzelian  Society, 
Philomathesian  Society, 
"''"Wayne  Institute, 

1835 
1835 

5,000 
2,400 

GREENSBORO,    . 
HOLLY  SPRING, 
MADISON,  . 
MOUNT  PLEASANT.     . 
MOUNT  VERNON, 

MURFREESBORO, 

Greensboro  Female  College, 
High  School,       .         .         . 
•'"Baptist  College,  .... 
Western  Carolina  Male  Academy, 
Male  and  Female  Seminary, 
Chowan  Female  Collegiate  Inst 

1857 
1854 

500 

NEWBERN, 
NEW  INSTITUTE, 

Female  Seminary, 

NEWTON,  . 

Catawba  College, 

NORMAL  COLLEGE,    . 
OLIN, 
OXFORD,   . 
RALEIGH,  . 

-"Normal  College,  .... 
*01in  Institute,     .... 
Oxford  Female  College, 
Deaf  and  Dumb,  and  Blind  Insti 
tution,    ..... 
Sedgwick  Female  Seminary, 

1857 

1848 

'  500 

State  Agricultural  Society 

REED'S  CROSS-ROADS, 
ROCKFORD, 

State  Library,*    .... 
High  School,       .... 
Female  Institute, 

1840 
.  .  . 

6,693 

ROXBORO, 

Masonic  Classical  Institute, 

SALEM, 

Fayette  Academy, 

SAMPSON,  . 

Salem  Female  Academy,     . 
""Clinton  Female  College, 

1804 

1,800 

VALLE  CRUCIS, 

Mission  School,  .... 

WELDON,  . 
WILMINGTON,    . 

*Roanoke  Literary  Society,  . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1857 

1858 

600 

AKRON, 

OHIO. 

Mechanics'  Library, 

ANTRIM,    . 
ASHLAND, 

Madison  College, 

.  .  . 

ATHENS,    . 
AUSTINBURG,     . 

Ohio  University,* 
Athenian  Literary  Society,  . 
Philomathian               " 
*  Grand  River  Institute, 

1816 
1836 

1,870 
1,500 
1,322 

BEREA, 

BUCYRUS,  . 

CADIZ, 
CANFIELD 

Baldwin  University,    . 
"x"Bucyrus  Library, 
-"Cadiz  Library  Association, 
Mahonino'  County  Academy 

1846 
1857 
1857 

800 
274 

CANTON,    . 
CENTRAL  COLLEGE,    . 

ClIILLICOTHE,     . 

''^Citizens'  Library, 
Central  College,  .... 
*Young    Men's    Gymnasium    and 
Library  Association, 

1843 
1856 

'  600 
1,000 

628 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

CHILLICOTHE,    . 

Public  School  Library 

CINCINNATI, 

Academy  of  Fine  Arts, 

Apprentices'  Library,  . 
Astronomical  Society  and  Obser- 

1842 

5,000 

Cinciniiati   College   of   Medicine 
and  Surgery,  .... 
Cincinnati  Horticultural  Society, 
Cincinnati  Union  Library  Assoc., 
Colored  Men's  Library, 
Eclectic  Medical  Institute,  . 
Fairmount  Theological  Seminary, 
Hamilton  County  Lunatic  Asylum, 

1842 
1855 

1845 
1849 

2,129 

500 
1,040 
500 
1,941 
4,000 

Historical  and  Philosophical  So 
ciety  of  Ohio, 
Hughes  High  School,  . 
Lane  Theological  Seminary,* 
Law  Library,       .... 
Law  School,  Cincinnati  College, 
Medical  College  of  Ohio,    . 
Medical  Library  Association, 
Miami  Medical  College, 
Ohio  Dental  College,  . 
Ohio  Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
"""Ohio  School  Library,  . 
Physio-Medical  College  of  Ohio,  . 
Pioneer  Association,    .         . 

1841 

1837 

1847 

'182*6 

1852 
1848 
1828 
1854 

1848 

1,800 
300 
10,500 
2,729 
2,500 
2,129 
250 

|  13,000 
442 

St.  Xavier  College,*    . 
Philopedian  Society,     . 
Philhermenian  Society, 
Society  for  the  Promotion  of  Use- 

1841 

5,600 
300 
300 

ClRCLEVILLE,      . 

CLEVELAND, 

Wesley  an  Female  College,  . 
Young  Ladies'  Lyceum, 
Western    Academy    of    Natural 
Sciences,         .... 
Woodward  High  School, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Union,     . 
Y.  M.  C.  Union,  German  Branch, 
*Young  Men's  Mercantile  Library 
Association,* 
"x"Union  School  Lyceum  Library,  . 
Agricultural  College,  . 

1857 

1857 

1835 

1848 
1856 

1835 
1851 

300 
800 

200 
1,076 
530 

17,541 
663 

Board  of  Education,   . 
Cleveland  Medical  College,  . 
^Cleveland  Library  Association,    . 

.  .  . 

1,500 
1,000 

Cleveland  University,* 
Med.  Dept.  West.  Res.  College,   . 
Western  Homoeopathic  College,  . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1844 
1850 
1854 

600 
'  230 

OHIO. 


629 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Pounded. 

Volumes. 

COLLEGE  HILL, 

^Farmers'  College, 
Ohio  Female  College,  . 

1846 

COLUMBUS                  . 

Capitol  University    (?) 

Central  Ohio  Lunatic  Asylum,     . 
Columbus  AthoiicEum.           .          • 

275 

Institution  for  the  Blind, 
Institution  for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb, 
Starling  Medical  College,     . 
State  Board  of  Agriculture           . 

1837 
1855 

1847 

'  300 

COSIIOCTON, 
DAYTON,  . 

State  Library  of  Ohio,* 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
*Uniori  School,      .... 
Dayton  Library  Association, 
Southern  Ohio  Lunatic  Asylum 

1818 
1855 

1846 

18,123 
230 

3,724 

DELAWARE, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
*0hio  Wesleyan  University,* 

1858 
1845 

6,300 
3,500 

GAMBIER, 

GLENDALE, 
GRANVILLE, 

HAMMONDSVILLE, 
HILLSBORO, 

Kenyon  College  and  Theological 
Seminary,*  .... 
Nu  Pi  Jvappa  Society,  . 
Philomathesian  Society, 
American  Female  College,  . 
Denison  University,*  . 
Calliopean  Society, 
Ben.  Franklin  Library  Assoc..     . 
Oakland  Female  Seminary, 
Si£0urney  Library, 

1826 
1832 
1828 
1852 
1832 
1816 
1858 
1840 

6,000 
3,000 
3,040 

5,000 
1,437 

'  650 
100 

HUDSON,  . 
IBERIA, 

Western  Reserve  College,*  . 
Phi  Delta  Society, 
Philozethian  Society,    . 
Observatory,         .... 
Iberia  College,     .... 

1826 
1840 
1828 

7,634 
2,204 
2,000 

IRONTON,  . 
JEFFERSON, 

Ironton  Library  Association, 
Historical   Society  of  Aslitabula 
County,  ..... 
Jefferson  Library, 

1856 
1838 

445 

LANCASTER, 
LIMA, 

State  Reform  School,  . 

MANSFIELD, 

Female  College,  .... 
*Mansfield  Library  Association 

MARIETTA, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Marietta  College,* 
Alpha  Kappa  Society,  . 
Psi  Gamma          " 
Societv  of  Inquiry, 

1858 
1835 
1840 
1840 

9,200 
2,730 
2,400 
815 

NEW  ATHENS,   . 
NEWBURG, 

Marietta  Historical  Association,  . 
*Marietta  Library, 
Franklin  College,* 
Northern  Ohio  Lunatic  Asylum. 

1841 
1829 
1824 

150 
1,903 
2,000 

NEW  CONCORD,  . 

Muskingum  College,    . 

630 


LIST   OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

i 

Volumes.     | 

1 

NORWALK, 
OBERLIX,  . 

OXFORD,  . 
POMEROY, 

Fire  Lands  Historical  Society,     . 
*0berlin  College,  * 
Theological  Department, 
Union  Society,     . 
Miami  University,* 
Erodelphian  Society,     . 
Theological   Seminary  Associate 
Reformed  Church, 
*Pomeroy  Academy,     . 

1857 
1834 
1835 

1812 

1825 

1839 

5,208 
700 
1,000 
6,500 
1,550 

1,500 

PORTSMOUTH,    . 

Our  Club,    .... 

RlPLEY,     . 

Library  Association,     . 

SANDUSKY, 

High  School  Library,  . 

|  SOMERSET, 
SPRINGFIELD,    . 

ST.  CLAIRVILLE, 

St.  Joseph's  College,  . 
Wittenberg  College,*  . 
Excelsior  Society, 
Philosophian  Society,  . 
Theological  Seminary, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
High  School  Library, 

1846 
1845 
1846 
1845 
1854 

2,000 
2,500 
2,500 

::: 

STEUBEXVILLE,  . 

TlFFIN, 

City  Library,        .... 
Heidelberg  College,     . 
Seneca  Library  Association, 

1848 
1850 

1,336 
420 

i 

TOLEDO,   . 
TROY, 

Theological  Seminary  of  German 
Reformed  Church, 
*Young  Men's  Association,  . 
*Union  School  Library, 

1853 
1838 

2,100 
700 

URBAXA,  . 
WASHINGTON,    . 

Urbana  University,*    . 
Miller  Academy, 

1853 

3,100 

Philoand  Jefferson  Societies, 
*Franklin  Library, 

1852 

400 

WESTERYILLE,  . 
WEST  LIBERTY, 

Otterbein  University,  . 
West  Liberty  University,     . 

1857 

1,500 

WEST  UNION,    . 

*Union  School,     .... 

WORTHINGTON, 

XEXIA,      . 

YELLOW  SPRINGS,     . 
ZANESVILLE, 

Female  College,  .... 
Associate  Theological  Seminary, 
*Antioeh  College,* 
Zariesville  Athenaeum, 

1839 
1794 
1853 
1828 

480 
2,050 
3,018 
4,054 

AAROXBURG, 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Aaronburg  Academy,  . 

Aaronburg  High  School, 

AKTXGDOX  CENTRE,  . 

Howard  High  School, 
Abin'Tton  Academy, 

.  .  . 

AIRY  VIEW, 
ALLEGHANY  CITY,     . 

Airy  View  Academy,  . 
Everett  Literary  Society, 
Western  Theological  Seminary,   . 

1857 

1827 

9,000 

PENNSYLVANIA. 


631 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

ALLEGHAXY  CITY,     . 

ALLE\TOWX, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Associa 
tion,       ..... 

1857 

2,000 

ALTOONA, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Altoona  Mechanics'  Library  and 
Reading-Room  Association.    . 

1858 

ASHLAND 

ATHENS,    . 

Athens  Academy, 

BEDFORD, 

Bedford  Classical  School 

BFECII  CHEEK 

Beech  Creek  Graded  School 

BELLEFONTE,    . 

Bellefonte  Academy,    . 
^Farmers'  Hi^h  School 

BERRYSBURG, 

Berrysbur0"  Academy 

BETHANY, 

Conference  Seminary           .         . 

University  of  North  Pennsylvania 

BETHLEHEM, 

Female  Seminary, 
Youn01  Men's  Missionary  Society, 

1785 

3,500 

BLAIRSVILLE,    . 
BOALZBURG, 

BoYERTOWV. 

Literary  and  Scientific  Society,    . 
Boalzburg  Academy,  . 
Boyertown  Seminary   • 

.  .  . 

BRADFORD, 
BRIDGEPORT,     . 
BROOKVILLE,     . 

Bradford  Academy, 
Union  School,      .... 
Barclay  Library, 

BROWNSVILLE,  . 

BUTLER 

Brookville  Academy,  . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
*^Vitherspoon  Institute 

1853 

.  .  . 

BYBERRY, 

Young  Men's  Literary  Assoc., 
Byberry  Library, 
Philosophical  Society,                    . 

1857 
1794 

150 
1,738 

CANONSBURG,    . 
CARLISLE, 

CASSVILLE, 
CHAMBERSBURG, 

Jefferson  College,* 
Franklin  Literary  Society,    . 
Philo  Literary  Society, 
Theological  School, 
^Dickinson  College,*     . 
Belles-Lettres  Society,  . 
Law  School, 
Union  Philosophical  Society, 
Cassville  Seminary, 
Robison's  Free  Library, 

1791 
1797 
1805 
1794 

1782 

2,000 
3,679 
4,029 
2,000 
6,438 
7,137 

7,563 

CHESTER,  . 
COLUMBIA, 

CoXXELS  VILLE 

Chester  Library  Company,  . 
Chester  Seminary, 
Crozer  Academy, 
Columbia  Library, 
Connellsville  Academy 

1769 
1856 

1,000 

CoOPERSTOWX, 

Preparatory  School,     . 
Union  School,      .... 
Cooperstown  Academy, 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

COTTAGE,  . 

Cottage  Hill  College,  . 

DANVILLE, 

^Danville  Academy, 
Danville  High  School, 

632 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

*•                           Xaine  of  Institution. 

Founded 

Volumes. 

DANVILLE, 
DARBY, 
DAYTOX,  . 
DEERFIELD 

Danville  Institute, 
Sharon  Observatory,    . 
Dayton  Academy, 
Deerfield  Academy 

DOYLESTOWX,    . 
EASTOX,    . 

ERIE, 
ECONOMY, 

-"Doylestown  Library,    . 
Easton  Library  Company,   . 

Lafayette  College,*      . 
Brainerd  Evangelical  Soc.,  ] 
Franklin  Society, 
Washington  Society,     .         ) 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Irving  Literary  Institute,     . 

1S5G 
1811 
1833 

1857 
1839 

500 
4,139 
2,000 

I  3,000 
1,015 

FALLSIXGTOX,  . 
FRAXKFORD, 

Fallsington  Library  Company, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Friends'  Asylum  for  Insane 

1802 

1858 

1,800 

FREDERICK, 
FREEPORT, 
GERMAXTOWX,   . 

Frederick  Institute, 
Freeport  Academy, 
Friends'  Library, 
Germantown  Academy, 
Pennsylvania  Training  School  for 
Feeble-minded  Children 

.  .  . 

GETTYSBURG,    . 
GLADE  Rux, 

GlRARD,     . 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Lutheran  Historical  Society, 
^Pennsylvania  College,* 
Education  Society, 
German  Society,  . 
Linnean  Society,  . 
Philomathean  Society, 
Phrenakosmian  Society, 
Theological     Seminary    General 
Synod  Lutheran  Church, 
Glade  Run  Academy,  . 
Agricultural  Library  Association, 

1858 
1857 
1832 

1831 
1825 

3,417 
250 
200 
100 
3,000 
3,100 

10,000 

GOLDSBORO, 

Union  Library  Association 

HARLEYSVILLE, 
HARRISBURG,    . 

Cassel's  Library, 
Harrisburg  Academv? 

.1838 

8,000 

Harrisburo"  Female  Seminarv 

State  Agricultural  Society,  . 

HARFORD, 
HARTSVILLE,     . 

State  Library,*    .... 
State  Lunatic  Hospital, 
"Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Harford  University,     . 
Tennent  School,  .... 

1816 
1855 

15,000 
1,200 
800 

HATBORO, 

""Union  Library,    .... 
Youn<r  Ladies'  Institute, 

1755 

5,000 

HAVERFORD,     . 

HAZLETOX, 
IIOLMESBURG,   . 

Haverford  College, 
Loganian  Society, 
Hazleton  Graded  School,     . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1833 

1848 

1858 

2,  GOO 
1,000 

PENNSYLVANIA. 


633 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded 

Volumes. 

HONESDALE, 

*Honesdale  Literary  Institute, 

HUNTINGDON,    . 

Huntingdon  Academy, 

Huntingdon  Female  Seminary,    . 

INDIANA,  . 
JERSEY  SHORE, 

Lyceum,      ..... 
West  Branch  Hio-h  School, 

JONESTOWN, 
KING  OF  PRUSSIA, 
KINGSTON, 

KlSHAWQTJILAS 

Swatara  Literary  Institute,  . 
Union  Library  of  Upper  Merion, 
Bennett  Library, 
Kishawquilas  Seminary                 • 

1850 
1853 
1851 

271 
725 
1,000 

KlTTANNING, 

Kittanning  Female  Institute, 

Literary  Society,          .         . 

LANCASTER, 

Franklin  and  Marshall  College,*  j 

Diagnothian  Society,    . 
Goethian             u 
^Historical,  Agricultural,  and  Me- 

1787 
1855 
1835 

|   6,000 

3,400 
3,000 

L  1TROBE,  . 

Mechanics'  Library, 
Young  Men's.  Christian  Associa 
tion,       ..... 
St.  Vincent's  College,  . 

1831 

1855 

1,200 
250 

L  YWRENCEVILLE, 

Lawrenceville  Academy, 

LEECHBURG, 

Leechbui'f  Institute,    . 

LEWISBURG 

Female  Institute, 

Lewisburo-  Academy,  . 

LEWTSTOWN. 

x"University  at  Lewisburg,*  . 
Euepian  Society,  . 
Theta  Alpha, 
Theological  Department, 

1851 
1856 

3,000 
2,000 
2,000 

LlNGLESTOWN,    . 

Lino-lestown  Institute, 

LOCK  H  \VENT,    . 

Lock  Haven  Select  School, 

Union  Graded  School, 

LOWER  MERIOtf, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Associa. 
tion,        .... 

1858 

MACALLISTERVILLE,   . 

Macallisterville  Academy,    . 

McVEYTOWN,     . 

Mattawana  School, 

McIvEESPORT,     . 

Western  Seminary, 

MEADVILLE, 
MECH  YNICSBURG, 

x"Alleghany  College,^'    . 
Alleghany  Literary  Society, 
Philo-Franklin  Lit.      « 
Meadville  Academy,    . 
Meadville  Female  Seminary, 
Meadville  Theological  School,*  . 
Irvino1  Female  College, 

1815 
1820 
1834 
1854 

1844 

8,000 
350 
900 
405 
1,000 
6,350 

MEDIA, 

Media  Academy, 

Brook  Hall  Female  Seminary 

Galey's  Boardino1  School, 

634 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Pounded. 

Volumes. 

MERCERSBURG,  . 

MlFFLINBURG,    . 
MONTROSE, 

Theological     Seminary    German 
Reformed  Church, 
Mifflinburg  Academy,  . 
Montrose  Academy 

1825 

8,100 

MORGANTOWN,    . 

MOUNT  BETHEL, 
MOUNT  PLEASANT,    . 
MOUNTVILLE,    . 

Morgantown  Academy, 
Select  School,  .... 
*Mount  Pleasant  Union  College,  . 
Monntville  Library  and  Reading- 
Room  Association, 

1857 

'  250 

NAZARETH, 
NEW  BERLIN,    . 

Moravian  Historical  Society, 
Union  Seminary, 

1857 

300 

NEW  BETHLEHEM, 

New  Bethlehem  Academy 

NEW  BRITAIN,  . 

NEW  CASTLE,    . 
NEW  COLUMBUS, 

New  Castle  Graded  School, 
New  Castle  School  for  Teachers, 
New  Columbus  Academy,    . 

•  •  • 

.  .  . 

NEW  MILFORD, 

New  Milford  Select  School, 

NEW  WILMINGTON,    . 

St.  Joseph's  College,    . 
New  Wilmington  Graded  School, 

NORRISTOWN,    . 

^Westminster  College,  . 
Institution  for  Boys,     . 

Norristown  Library  Company, 
Oakland  Female  Institute,  . 
Young  Ladies'  Literary  and 
Library  Association, 
Treemont  Seminary,    . 

1796 
1845 

5,000 
3,000 

1,000 

NORTH  STONINGTON, 

North  Stonington  School,    . 

ORWIGSBURG, 

Academy,   ..... 

PERKIOMEN  BRIDGE, 
PHILADELPHIA, 

Penn  Female  College, 
Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,     . 
Amer.  Baptist  Publication  Soc.,  . 

1851 
1812 

1,000 
25,000 
1  200 

Amer.  Philosophical  Society,* 
Amer.  Sunday  School  Union, 
Apprentices'  Library  Company,*. 
Athenaeum,*        .... 
Board  of  Missions  of  Presbyterian 
Church,           .... 

1742 

1821 
1813 

1816 

20,000 
6,000 
16,226 
13,000 

Carpenters'  Company, 
Central  High  School,  . 
Observatory, 
Chestnut  St.  Female  Seminary,    . 

1724 
1841 

1,500 
1,075 

Christ  Church  Library, 
College  Avenue  Anat   School,      . 

784 

Coll.  of  St.  Thomas  of  Villa  Nova, 
Controllers  of  Public  Schools  Li- 

1847 

2,000 

Eastern  State  Penitentiary, 
Eclectic  Medical  College,     . 
Episcopal  Library  and   Reading- 
Room,    ..... 

1835 

2,300 
500 

PENNSYLVANIA. 


635 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

PHILADELPHIA, 

Female  Medical  College, 
Florence  Lit  Inst  and  Library 

1850 

Franklin  Institute,*     . 
Free  Reading-Room  Association 
of  Spring  Garden, 
Friends'  Asylum  for  the  Insane 

1830 

6,962 
1,400 

Friends'  Observatory 

German  Society, 
Girard  College,* 
Historical  Society  of  Penn'a, 
Homoeopathic  Medical  College 

1817 
1854 

1825 

8,000 
3,163 
4,250 

Institute  for  Colored  Youth, 
Institution  for  the  Blind, 
Institution  for  Deaf  and  Dumb,  . 
Jefferson  Medical  College,  . 
Kensington  Literary  Institute 

1853 
1833 

1820 
1824 

1,500 

Law  Association, 
Law    Department    University    of 
Pennsylvania. 

1802 

5,300 

Library  Association  of  Friends,  . 
^Library  Company  of  Philadelphia 
and  Loganian  Library,* 
Library  of  the  Four  Monthly  Meet 
ings  of  Friends,     . 
Mantua  Academy, 
^Mechanics'    Institute    of    South- 
wark,     ..... 
Medical  Dept.  Penn'a  College,     . 
Medical  Dept.  Univ.  of  Penn'a,  . 
Medical  Institute  of  Philadelphia 

1835 
1731 

1742 

1850 
1839 
1765 

5,581 
64,900 
5,300 

2,700 

Medico-Chirurgical  College, 
Mercantile  Library  Association,* 
Moyamensing  Literary  Institute, 
Northern  Liberties  Franklin  Lib., 

1850 
1811 
1852 

16,500 
2,400 

*Page  Library,      .... 
Penn'a  Acad.  of  the  Fine  Arts,    . 
Penn'a.  Coll.  of  Dental  Surgery, 
Penn'a  Horticultural  Society, 
Pennsylvania  Hospital, 
Penn'a  Hospital  for  the  Insane,  . 

1805 
1856 
1833 
1762 

'  200 

1,050 
11,000 
3,800 

Penn'a  Seamen's  Friend  Society, 
Philadelphia  City  Institute, 
Philad.  Coll.  of  Dental  Surgery,  • 

1845 
1855 

1,500 

Philad.  College  of  Medicine, 
Philad.  College  of  Pharmacy,      . 
Philadelphia  Hospital  (Blockley), 

1835 

1822 

i,ooo 

Philadelphia  Library  Association 
of  Colored  Brethren, 
Philadelphia  School  of  Anatomy 

.  .  . 

636 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

PHILADELPHIA, 

Philadelphia  Society  for  Promot- 

Polytechnic  College,*  . 
Philotechnic  Society,    . 
Presbyterian   Board   of  Publica 
tion,        ... 

1853 

1857 

1,500 

Presbyterian  Historical  Society,  . 
Public  Lib.  for  People  of  Color,  . 
Southwark  Library  Company, 
^Spring  Garden  Institute,     . 
St.  Joseph's  College,*  . 

1822 

1,500 

1,300 
8,237 
3,250 

Theological    Seminary  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Church 

Theological  Seminary  St.  Charles 
of  Boromeo,  . 

United  States  Mint,     . 
United  States  Navy  Yard 

250 

> 

University  of  Pennsylvania,* 
Philomathean  Society, 
Zelosophic             " 
Wagner  Free  Institute  of  Science, 
Walnut  St.  Female  Seminary 

1750 
1813 
1829 

1855 

5,000 
1,700 
1,250 

7,000 

West  Philadelphia  Institute, 
Wills  Hospital,    . 

1853 

2,403 

Wistar  Medical  College, 

PIXE  GROVE,     . 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Young  Men's  Institute, 
Pine  Grove  Academy, 

1855 
1850 

2,500 

PlTTSBURG, 

German  Library, 
House  of  Refuge, 
Pittsburg  Female  College,  . 
Theological    Seminary  Associate 
Presbyterian  .... 
Western  Pennsylvania  Hospital, 
Western  University  of  Penn'aj*  . 
Young  Catholics'  Friend  Soc., 

1854 

1854 

1828 
1854 
1855 

1,600 

1,500 
'  084 

POIXT  PLEASANT, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
*Young  Men's  Mercantile  Library 
Association,  .... 
Point  Pleasant  Academy,    . 

1855 

1847 

400 
2,700 

POTTSVILLE, 

*Pottsville  Literary  Society,  . 

Scientific  Association, 
Younf  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 

1854 

373 

PRO  MPT  ox, 

Prompton  Academy,    . 

PULASKI,   . 

Pulaski  Graded  School, 

QUAKERTOWX,    . 

Richland  Library, 

RAIXSBURG, 
READIXG,  . 

Alleghany  Seminary,  . 
Reading  Institute, 
*Readino;  Library, 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

RIDGWAY, 

^Library  Association,    . 

PENNSYLVANIA. 


637 


~ 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

ROXBOROUG-H,    . 
SALENA,    . 
SCRAXTOX, 
SHADE  GAP, 
SHIRLEYSBURG, 

SMETHPORT, 
STOUCIIBURG,    . 
STROUDSBURG,  . 

TOWANDA, 

TROY, 
TUSCARORA, 
UXIOXVILLE,     . 
UTICA, 
VEXAXGO, 
VILLAGE  GREEN, 
WARREN,  . 

WASHINGTON,    . 

WAVERLEY, 
WAYXESBURG,  . 
WELLSBOROUGH, 
WEST  CHESTER, 

WEST-TOWN,     . 

WlLKESBARRE,  . 

WlLLTAMSPORT, 

WOOD  VALE, 
WYOMING, 

YORK, 

Roxborough  Lyceum, 
Salena  School,     .... 
Scranton  Graded  School, 
Shade  Gap  Seminary, 
Female  Seminary, 
Juniata  Academy, 
Shirleysburg  Female  Seminary,  . 
Smethport  Academy,  . 
Stouchburg  Academy, 
Stroudsburg  Library,  . 
~x~Susquehanna  Collegiate  Institute, 
Troy  Academy,    .... 
Tuscarora  Academy,    . 
Unionville  High  School, 
Utica  Academy,  .... 

1857 

800 

II; 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

Village  Green  Seminary, 
Warren  Academy, 
Union  Graded  School, 
-"Washington  College,* 
Washington  Lit.  Society, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

180G 

3,800 

1857 

300 

College,       .         .         .         . 
Wellsborough  Academy, 
Chester  County  Athenaeum, 
Chester  County  Cabinet  of  Natu 
ral  Science,    .... 
^National    Library  and    Reading- 

1827 
1826 

2,092 
230 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
West-Town  School, 
^Library  and  Bar  Association, 
Wyoming  Historical  and  Geologi- 

1858 

Dickinson  Seminary,  . 

Laurel  Hill  Academy, 
Luzerne  Institute, 
Wyoming  Seminary,    . 

York  County  Acad,  for  Boys, 
York  County  Acad.  for  Ladies,    . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1855 

400 

638 


LIST   OP   LIBRARIES,  ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution, 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

RHODE    ISLAND. 

BARRINGTON, 

550 

BRISTOL,  . 

Old  Library,         .... 

. 

550 

State  Normal  School,  . 

.    .    . 

147 

BURRILLVILLE,  . 

Manton  Library, 

.    .    . 

808 

CAROLINA  MILLS, 

Library,       ..... 

100 

CENTRED  \.LE 

Fruit  Hill  Classical  Institute 

CHARLESTOWN,  . 

Itinerating  Library,     . 

.    .    . 

706 

CHEPACKET, 

Manton  Library, 

750 

COVENTRY, 

Bowen's  Hill  Library, 

405 

Washington  Village  Library, 

402 

CUMBERLAND  HILL,  . 

Carrington  Library,     . 

2,500 

Manton  Library, 

.    .    . 

375 

EAST  GREENWICH,     . 

Social  Library,    .... 

100 

Episcopal  Parish  Library,  . 

.    .    . 

100 

^Methodist  Seminary,    . 

.    .    . 

870 

EXETER,    . 

Fisherville  Library,     . 

675 

FOSTER,    . 

Manton  Library, 

.    .    . 

1,200 

HOPKINTON, 

Brand's  Iron  Works,    . 

800 

JAMESTOWN, 

Old  Library,        .... 

550 

Village  Library,  .... 

500 

KINGSTON, 

Kingston  Hill  Library, 

800 

High  School,       .... 

KNIGHTSVILLE, 

District,  No.  8,  Library, 

.    .    . 

400 

LITTLE  COMPTON,      . 

Social  Library,    .... 

1,108 

LONSDALE, 

Lonsdale  Library, 

.    .    . 

900 

MlDDLETOWN,    . 

Library,       ..... 

.    .    . 

300 

NEWPORT, 

Hammond's  Circulating  Library, 

.    .    . 

8,000 

Mechanics'  Library,    . 

1828 

1,100 

Newport  Historical  Society, 

1857 

Redwood  Library,* 

1730 

7,052 

NEW  SHOREHAM, 

Richardson's  Circulating  Library, 
Island  Library,    .... 

.  .  . 

500 
400 

NORTH  SCITUATE, 

Aborn  Library,   .... 

.  .  . 

450 

Rhode  Island  Seminary, 

.  .  . 

Smithville  Seminary,   . 

.  .  . 

500 

PAWTUCKET, 

District,  No.  2,  . 

350 

Pawtucket  Library,     . 

2,000 

PEACEDALE, 

Peacedale  Library, 

,    .  .  . 

100 

Rodman's  District  Library, 

100 

PHCENIX,  . 

Phcenix  Village  Library,     . 

.  .  . 

720 

River  Point  Classical  Seminary,  . 

PORTSMOUTH,    . 

North  End  Library,     . 

425 

South  End  Library, 

.  .  . 

650 

PROVIDENCE,     . 

*Brown  University,"- 

1764 

28,500 

Philermenian  Society,  . 

1798 

4,000 

United  Brothers'  Society,     . 

1806 

4,000 

RHODE   ISLAND — SOUTH   CAROLINA. 


639 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Pounded. 

Volumes. 

Butler  Hospital  for  the  Insane 

Commercial  Academy. 

*City  Teachers'  Library, 
Female  Seminary, 
Franklin  Lyceum, 
Franklin  Society, 
Friends'  Boarding  School,  . 
Mechanics'  Library,     . 
Perrins'  Circulating  Library, 

Providence  AthenaBiim,        .          < 

Providence  Bar  Library, 
Public  High  School  Library, 
Reform  School,    .... 
Rhode  Island  Art  Association,     . 
Rhode  Island  Historical  Society,* 
Rhode  Island  List,  of  Instruction, 
Rhode  Island  Soc.  for  Encourage 
ment  of  Domestic  Industry,    . 
State  Agricultural  Society,  . 

1831 
1823 
1819 

1820 
1753 
1831 

1830 

1850 
1854 
1822 

1845 

1820 

500 

2,500 
GOO 
1,500 
3,500 
5,000 

|  22,602 

1,700 
19,637 

3,000 

1  500 

SLATERSVILLE,  . 

State  Normal  School, 
Winsor's  Circulating  Library, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Slatersville  Library,     . 
Globe,          ..... 
Hamlet, 

1854 
1848 
1853 

4,700 
1,650 

750 
350 
275 

200 

I    TlVERTOX, 

Globe  Factory,    .... 

160 

Union  Society, 

WARREN,  . 
WARWICK. 

Lyceum,      ..... 
Young  Ladies'  Seminary,     . 
Boys'  Family  School,  . 

850 
400 

WESTERLY, 

Ladies'  Library,  .... 
Old  Warwick  Library, 
Paucatuck  Library, 

250 
475 
2,000 

ABBEVILLE, 
ANDERSON, 

S.    CAROLINA. 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Johnson  Female  University, 

1857 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

BEAUFORT, 

Beaufort  Library,* 

C  AMD  EN,    . 

Theological  Seminary  Epis.  Ch., 

CEDAR  SPRING, 

Deaf  and  Dumb  Institution, 
Institution  for  the  Blind,     . 

1849 
1855 

.  .  . 

640 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

CHARLESTON,    . 

Apprentices'  Library, 
••College  of  Charleston,* 
Charleston  City  Library, 
Charleston  Library  Society, 
Eliot  Society  of  Natural  History, 

1824 

1791 

1748 

7,000 
7,000 
1,800 
20,000 

Female  Hi°"h  Sohool. 

CHERAW,  . 
COLUMBIA, 

Medical  College  State  of  S.  C.,    . 
Medical  Society  of  S.  Carolina,    . 
Observatory,         .... 
South  Carolina  Historical  Soc.,    . 
Southern  Baptist  Publication  So 
ciety,      
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
"Cheraw  Literary  Society,     . 
*Athenaeum,          .... 
Legislative  Library,     . 
Library  of  the  Court  of  Appeals, 
Saint  Mary's  College,  . 
S.  C.  Asylum  for  Insane 

1833 
1855 

1854 
1848 
185G 
1814 

1837 

}  2,450 

'  440 
800 
2,400 
12,000 
3,500 

DUE  WEST, 
FAIR  FOREST,   . 

South  Carolina  College,*     . 
Theological  Seminary  of  the  Sy 
nod  of  S.  Carolina  and  Ga.,    . 
Society  of  Inquiry,  . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
*Erskine  College, 
State  Agricultural  Society,  . 

1805 
1830 
1855 

25,000 

16,600 
200 
75 

GREENVILLE,    . 

Female  Institute, 
Furman  Theological  Seminary,  . 
*Furman  University,*  . 

1852 

1,000 
1,500 

Franklin  Readino-  Society,    . 

Philosophian, 
Theological  Department, 
Young  Men's  Missionary  Society, 

1835 

.  .  . 

GREENWOOD, 

Fuller  Institute,  . 

LAURENS,  . 

Greenwood  Library,     . 
Hodges  Institute, 
Female  College,  .... 

1847 
1848 

900 
615 

LEXINGTON, 
ORANGKBURG,    . 

Theological  Seminary  of  Evange 
lical  Lutheran  Church,  . 
*Kiett  Library,      .... 

1833 

1,800 

PENDLETON, 

Farmers'  Society, 

SOCIETY  HILL,  . 
SPARTANBURG,  . 

SUMTER,    . 
UNIONVILLE,     . 

Library,       ..... 
Institution  for  Deaf  and  Dumb,  . 
Female  College,  .... 
Wofford  College, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc  ,    . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1849 
1855 
1853 

1858 
1858 

i,ooo 

TENNESSEE. 


641 


Name  of  Institution. 


Founded.      Volumes. 


TENNESSEE. 

BROWNSVILLE,  .  .  I  Brownsville  Female  College, 
CARTHAGE,  .  .  j  Literary  Association.  . 
CHATTANOOGA,.  .  Academy,  .... 
CLARKSVILLE,  .  .  Stewart  College, ....  1848  | 
Stewart  Society,  . 
Washington  Irving  Society,  . 
Young  Men?s  Christian  Assoc.,  . 
COLUMBIA,  .  .  Female  Institute,  .  .  .  1839  3,500 
Jackson  College,*  .  .  .  1834  I  3,500 
Societies,  .  .  .  ,  I  .  .  .  500 

DENMARK,         .         .      Female  College. .... 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

ENON  COLLEGE,         .      Enon  College,      .         .         ...      1851 
FAIRFIELD,        .         .      Duck  River  Male  Academy, 
FALL  BRANCH,  .         .      Fall  Branch  Seminary, 
FRANKLIN  COLLEGE,       Franklin  College,*      .         .         .      1845       10,000 
(Near  Nashville.}  Apollonian  Society,      .         .      1845       10,000 

Euphronian      "  500 

GERMANTOWN,  .         .      Shelby  Male  High  School,   .         .      1854         1,200 

Eromathean  Society,    . 

GREENEVILLE,  .         .      Greeneville  College,    .         .         .  j  1800         3,300 

Tusculum  College,*     .         .         .      1835  |      1,000 

HIAWASSEE  COLLEGE,     Hiawassee  College,      .         .         .-     .  .  .         1,100 
Eroalethian  Society,     .          .       .  .  . 
Eromathesian  Society,  .... 

IRVING  COLLEGE,  .  '""Irving  College,  .  .  .  .1851 
JACKSON,  .  .  .  West  Tennessee  College,  .  .  1843 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,  .  1858 

JONESBORO,       .         .      Holston  Baptist  Female  Institute,       .  .  . 
KNOXVILLE,      .         .    *Deaf  and  Dumb  Institution,        .      1850  823   j 

East  Tennessee  University,*        .      1819         3,000 

Chi  Delta  Society,     " 1,100 

Medical  Department,    .         .      185G 
Philomathesian,   .          .          .   j    .   .  .         1,100 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 
LA  GRANGE,      .         .  j  La  Grange  College,     .         .         .  j  1857  485 

LEBANON,  .         .  j  Cumberland  University,*     .         .  I   1844         5,000 

Law  Department, 

Theological  Department,      .      1854?       7,000 
LEWISBURG,       .         .  |  Judson  Female  Institute,     . 
LEXINGTON,       .         .  j  Howell  Institute, 
MARION,    .         .         .      Collegiate  Institute,     . 
MARYVILLE,      .         .    ^Southwest  Theological  Seminary, 

and  Maryville  College,*   .         .1821         4,275 
Beth  Hacma  Society,    . 
Beth  Hacma  ve  Berith, 


41 


642 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Fouadsd, 

Volumes. 

MEMPHIS, 
MG-LEMORESVILLE,     . 

McMlNNVILLE,  . 

MOSSY  CREEK,  . 
MURFREESBOIIO, 

NASHVILLE, 

PULASKI,   . 

ROGERSVILLE,  . 
SPRING  CREEK, 
TRENTON, 

WASHINGTON  COLL., 
WINCHESTER,    . 

AUSTIN,    . 

BASTROP, 
CIIAPPELL  HILL, 

CLARKSVILLE,  . 
DANGERFIELD,  . 
GALVESTON, 

Medical  College, 
•:~0dd  Fellows'  Library  Assoc., 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1  1855 

250 

Central  Female  Institute,     . 
Mossy  Creek  Baptist  College, 
Tennessee  Female  Institute, 
*Union  University,'54' 
Female  Institute, 
Institution  fo?  the  Blind, 
Law  School,         .... 
Mechanics'  Institute,    . 
State  Agricultural  Society,  . 
State  Hospital,    .... 
State  Library,*   .... 
Tennessee  Historical  Society, 
"^University  of  Nashville,*    . 
Erosophian  Society, 
Medical  Department,    . 
Western  Military  Institute,   . 
Washington  Institute, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

.  .  . 

250 

1848 
1844 
1854 

1855 

2,500 
13,30*0 

182G 

1850 

1848 

14,000 

4,159 

1855 

Caldwell  College, 

^Andrew  College, 
Baseom  Rhetorical  Society, 
Washington  College,* 
*Mary  Sharp  College,    . 

TEXAS. 

Female  Academy, 
Literary  and  Library  Association, 
State  Library,      .... 
Supreme  Court  Library, 

1854 
1795 
1855 

520 
1,800 
600 

1837 

1,000 

Male  and  Female  Academv, 
Chappell  Hill  College, 

...    ! 

McKenzie's  Institute,  . 
Margaret  Houston  Female  Coll., 
College  of  the  Immaculate  Con- 

Galveston  Reading  Club, 
University  of  St.  Mary, 

1854 

TEXAS — VERMONT. 


643 


BARNET,    . 
BAR  RE, 

BENNINGTON,     . 
BRADFORD, 

BRANDON, 

BRATTLEBORO,  . 

BRISTOL,  . 


Name  of  Institution. 


GAY  HILL,        .         .      Live  Oak  Female  Seminary,         .      1851 

GILMER,    .         .         .      Gilmer  Female  College, 

GOLIAD,    .         .         .      Aranama  College,        .         .         .      1855 

Paine  Institute, 

HENDERSON,      .         .      Fowler's  Institute, 

HOUSTON,  .         .  j  Houston  Lyceum,         .         .         .      1854  \         700 

HUNTSVILLE,     .         .  |  Andrew  Female  College, 

j  Austin  College,*          .         .         .1850 
Clay  Union  Society, 
Philomathean  Society, 

INDEPENDENCE,          .      Baylor  University,       .         .         .      1845         1,000 
Eusophian  Society, 
Philomathesian  Society, 
Young  Men's  Chr'n  Assoc., 
Female  High  School,  . 
LARISSA,  .         .         .      Larissa  College,  . 
MARSHALL,        .         .  !  Marshall  University,    . 
NACOGDOCHES,  .         .  j  Lyceum, 
NEW  WIED,       .         .  j   Western  Texas  University, 

PALESTINE,        .  |*Franklin  College,         , 

PARIS,       .         .         .      Female  Institute, 
RUTEKSVILLE,   .         .      Rutersville  Female  College, 
j  Texas  Christian  College, 
j  Texas  Monumental  and  Military 

Institute,*      ....      1856  350 

SAN  AUGUSTINE,        .      East  Texas  University,* 
SEGUIX,     .         .         .  I  Guadalupe  High  School,      .         .      1851 
STARRVILLE,      .         .  !  Female  College, 
TYLER,      .         .         .      Lyceum, 

j  Tyler  University, 

WACO,  .  .  .  Female  College,  . 
WAVERLY,  .  .  Waverly  Institute, 
WOODVILLE,  .  .  Woodville  College, 


VERMONT. 

Vt.  Hist,  and  Antiq.  Society,* 

Barre  Academy,  . 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

Bradford  Academy, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

Literary  and  Scientific  Inst., 

Vermont,  Lit.  and  Scientific  Inst., 

Library  Association,    . 

State  Agricultural  Society,  . 

Vermont  Asylum  for  Insane, 

Bristol  Lit.  and  Scientific  Inst., 


1838 


1858 


1842 


1,873 


G44 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,  ETC. 


Founded,  j    Volumes. 


BROWNINGTON,  .      Orleans  County  Grammar  School, 

BURLINGTON,    .         .      Burlington  Female  Seminary,      .      1835 
State  Agricultural  Society,  . 

'University  of  Vermont,*      .         .      1836         8,549 
College  of  Natural  History,  .      1826 
Medical  Department,    .         .      1821 
Phi  Sigma  Nu  Society,         .      1823         1,874 
Society  for  Religious  Inquiry,      1835  534 

University  Institute  Society,        ...          1,500 
CASTLETON,       .         .      Castleton  Medical  College,  .      "  .      1818  ! 

Castleton  Seminary,     . 
j  Rutland  County  Grammar  School, 
CHELSEA,  .         .  j  Chelsea  Academy, 

CHESTER,  .         .      Chester  Academy, 

CONCORD,  .         .         .      Essex  County  Grammar  School,  . 
DANVILLE,         .         .  I  Phillips  Academy, 
DERBY,      .         .         .  j  Derby  Academy, 

!  Derby  Library,    .         .         .         .  I   1853  500 

EAST  TOWNSEND,       .  j  Leland  Academy, 

ENON  COLLEGE,         .      Enon  College, 

ESSEX,      .         .         .      Chittenden  County  Institute, 

FAIRFAX,  .         .         .  !  New  Hampton  Theol.  Seminary,*     1829 

GLOVER,    .         .         .1   Orleans  Liberal  Institute,    .         .  j    .  .  . 

HINESBURGH,     .         .  ;  Hinesburgh  Academy,          .         .  \   1826 

JOHNSON,  .         .         .      Lamoille  Co.  Grammar  School, '.       ... 

LUDLOW,  .         .         ,      Black  River  Academy,         .         .  j    .  .  . 

Ludlow  Academy,        .         .         .  j    .  .  . 

MANCHESTER,    .         .      Burr  Seminary,    .         .         .         .... 

MC!NDOE'S  FALLS,     .  I  Mclndoe's  Falls  Seminary,  .         .      1853 
MIDDLEBUET,    .         .  :  Addison  Co.  Grammar  School,     .  ;   1797 

;-Middlebury  College,*  .         .         .  !   1800         5,000 
Philadelphia!!  Society,          .  j  1804  770 

Philomathesian,    .          .          .   j    .  .  .   !      ... 
Middlebury  Female  Seminary,     .  I    .  .  .  j      ... 
MONTPELIER,     .         .  |*State  Library,*    ....      1825  j      7,100 

Washington  Co.  Grammar  School,       .  .  .         ... 

NEWBURY,          .         .  j  Newbury  Seminary  and   Female 

j         Collegiate  Institute,        |         700 

NORTIIFIELD,     .          .      Northfield  Institution, 

NORWICH,          .         .      Norwich  University,*  .         .         .      1843  |      2,000 

PAWLET,   .         .         .      Mettowee  Academy,     . 

PEACIIAM,          .         .      Caledonia  County  Academy, 

RANDOLPH,        .         .      Orange  County  Grammar  School, 

ROYALTON,        .         .      Normal  Institute,         .         .         .       ...  I 

RUTLAND,          .         .      High  School  Library,  .         .         .      1857   !      1,000 
Rutland  Academy, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 
SHOREHAM,        .         .      Newton  Academy, 
SPRINGFIELD,    .         .  \  Wesleyan  Seminary,    . 
ST.  ALHANS,      .         .      Academy,    .... 


VERMONT — VIRGINIA. 


(345 


Place. 

Name  or  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

ST.  JOHXSBURY, 
TlIETFORD, 

TOWNSHEND, 
WEST  RANDOLPH, 
WEST  POULTNEY, 
WOODSTOCK, 

ALEXANDRIA,    . 

BERRYVILLE,     . 
BETHANY, 

BOTETOURT  SPRINGS, 

BOYDTON, 

CHARLOTTESVILLE,    . 

CHRISTIANSBURG, 
CLARKSBURG,    . 
CULPEPER, 
DANVILLE, 
EMORY,     . 

FAIRFAX,  . 

FREDERICKSBURG, 
HAMPDEN-SIDNEY, 

HAMPTON, 
LANGLY,  . 
LEESBURG, 
LEWISBURG, 
LEXINGTON, 

St.  Johnsbury  Academy  and  Nor- 

Thetford  Academy, 
Townshend  Academy, 
West  Randolph  Academy.  .         .  • 
Troy  Conference  Academy, 
Vermont  Medical  College,    . 

1835 

1794 
1853 

1840 

4,481 
300 
1,000 
600 
1,500 

515 
562 

2,000 
2,300 
2,000 

VIRGINIA. 

*  Alexandria  Library,*  . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Academy  Library, 
Library  Association,    . 

Adelphian  Society, 
American  Literary  Institute, 
Neotrophian  Society,    . 
Valley  Union  Seminary, 
^Randolph  Macon  College,*  . 
Franklin  Society, 
Washington  Society,     . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Young  Ladies'  Institute, 
Montgomery  Academy, 
Northwest  Virginia  Academy, 
Culpeper  Military  Institute, 
Lyceum,       ..... 
*Emory  and  Henry  College,* 
Calliopean  Society, 
Hermesian       " 
Literary  and  Theological  Inst.,     . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Hampden-Sidncy  College,* 
Philanthropic  Society,  . 
Union  Society, 
Union  Theological  Seminary, 
Chesapeake  Female  College, 
Langly  Literary  Club, 

1852 
1841 
1841 

1832 

1849 

400 

1867 
1839 

1826 

11,097 
2,717 
2,693 

1856 
1776 
1807 
1789 

1828 

560 
2,347 
2,765 
3,500 
4,443 
3,000 

Court  of  Appeals  Library,   . 
*Lexington  Library  Company, 
Virginia  Military  Institute,* 
Cadet's  Society,    . 
Virginia  Dialectic  Society,    . 
Washington  College,* 

1841 
1840 
1848 
1776 

4,000 
600 
272 
2,500 

646 


LIST   OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded 

Volumes. 

LEXIXGTON, 

LYNCHBURG, 
MADISON,  . 
MANCHESTER,    . 
MARTIXSBURG,  . 

Graham  Philanthropic  Soc., 
Washington  Literary  Soc.,    . 
*Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Library  Association,     . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1809 
1812 

1856 
1842 

1858 

2,500 
1,700 

'  353 

MORGANTOWX,    . 

NORFOLK, 

Monongalia  Academy, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
^'Merchants'  and    Mechanics'   Ex- 
chan°°e 

1814 
1856 

.  .  . 

NORTHUMBERLAND,    . 

Academy  Library, 

150 

PARKERSBURG,  . 
PETERSBURG,     . 

Literary  Association,  . 
Library  of  Petersburg, 
Younw  Men's  Christian  Assoc 

1844 
1853 

360 
4,700 

PORTSMOUTH,    . 

Library  Association,     . 
United  States  Navv  Yard 

PRUXTTTOTVN,    . 
RICHMOND, 

Va.  Male  and  Female  Coll.  Inst., 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Rector  College,* 

1851 

1856 
1840 

1,750 
320 
2,500 

Med.  Dept.  Harap.  Sid.  College,  . 
Richmond  College,*    . 
Mu  Si^ma  Rho  Society 

1838 
1843 

1,500 

Richmond  Library  Association 

State  Agricultural  Society 

ROMXEY,  . 

SALEM, 
STAUXTON, 

State  Library,*    .... 
Virginia  Baptist  Seminary,  . 
Virginia  Hist,  and  Phil.  Society, 
""Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Literary  Society, 
Potomac  Seminary, 
*Roanoke  College,* 
Institution  for  Deaf  and  Dumb, 

1823 
1832 
1831 
1854 
1819 
1851 
1854 

1839 

13,000 
1,000 
2,500 
2,170 
1.000 
700 
2,500 

W^sleyan  Female  Institute 

Western  Lunatic  Asylum,    . 

THEOLOGICAL  SEM.,  ) 
FAIRFAX  Co.,       ) 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Theological  Seminary, 
Missionary  Society 

1856 
1823 

7,500 

UNIV.  OF  VIRGINIA,  . 

University  of  Virg;nia,* 
Law  School, 
Medical  School,    . 
Younf  Men's  Christian  Assoc 

1825 
1819 

30,000 

WESTOX,  . 
WHEELING, 

WILLIAMS  BURG 

"Everett  Literary  Society,     . 
Wheeling  Institute, 
Eastern  Lunatic  Asylum 

1857 

50 

"William  and  Mary  College,* 
Law  School, 

1693 

8,000 
1,000 

VIRGINIA — WISCONSIN. 


647 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

WINCHESTER,    . 

Medical  College,  .... 

Valley  Female  Institute, 

.    .    . 

.    .    . 

-"Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1856 

1,062 

WISCONSIN. 

ALLEN'S  GROVE, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1858 

Al'PLETON. 

Lawrence  University,* 

1851 

4,500 

BEAVER  DAM,   . 

*Wayland  University,    . 

1855 

500 

BELOIT,    . 

*Beloit  College,-  .  "     . 

1848 

2.491 

Archom  Society,  . 

1848 

'TOO 

Missionary  Societv, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1858 

.  .  . 

DELAFIELD, 

Nashotah  House, 

1847 

2,700 

DELAVAN, 

Inst.  for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb, 

1853 

Fox  LAKE, 

Wisconsin  Female  College,  . 

GALESVILLE, 

Gales  ville  University,  . 

1854 

300 

GRAND  RAPIDS. 

Grand  Rapids  Universitv, 

HUDSON 

Hudson  Literarv  Association 

JANESVILLE, 

Female  Seminary, 

1854 

150 

Mechanics'  Institute,  . 

1856 

180 

State  Institution  for  the  Blind,     . 

1850 

.  .  . 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1858 

.  .  . 

JEFFERSON, 

Jefferson  Institute, 

1855 

250 

KENOSHA, 

High  School.        .... 

1851 

200 

Odd  Fellows'  Library, 

1850 

1,300 

LA  CROSSE, 

Northwestern  University,     . 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

Symphony  College, 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

MADISON, 

Executive  Library, 

1848 

600 

Female  Seminary, 

1856 

1.000 

High  School,        .... 

.  .  . 

'300 

Historical  Society  of  Wisconsin,* 

1854 

4,000 

Madison  Institute, 

1854 

700 

State  Agricultural  Society,  . 

1851 

300 

State  Library,      .... 

1836 

7,000 

Superintendent  of  Schools,  . 

1848 

500 

University  of  Wisconsin/"    . 

1848 

3,000 

Athenian,    .... 

.  .  . 

300 

Hesperian,  .... 

.  .  . 

300 

Medical  Department.    .         . 

Wisconsin  Nat.  Hist.  Association 

Young  Men's  Association,    . 

MANITOWOC, 

Younor  Men's  Institute, 

MAZO, 

Haskall  University, 

. 

Ml  LW  AUK  IE, 

Anger's  Circulating  Library, 

.  .  . 

3,000 

Catholic  Seminary, 

1855 

2,500 

648 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Irsstitution. 

Founded 

1 

1     Volumes. 

MlLWAUKIE, 

OGDEXSBURG,    . 
OSKKOSH, 

Cosmopolitan  Society, 
Female  College,  .... 
Curious  Society,    . 
German  and  English  Academy,  . 
German  and  French  Cir.  Library, 
Milvvaukie  University, 
Yallop's  Circulating  Library, 
*Young  Men's  Association,  . 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Ogdensburg  University, 
Youncc  Men's  Association,   . 

1858 
1850 
185G 
1851 
1850 
1856 
1851 
1848 
1855 

487 
217 
480 
4,000 
150 
800 
4,000 

PLATTEVILLE,   . 
PORTAGE,. 

Platteville  Academy,    . 
Philozaetcan, 
Younw  Men's  Institute, 

1845 

1,045 
500 

RACINE,    . 

Public  School  Library, 
Racine  College,  .... 
Philomathean  Society, 

1854 
1851 

1,300 
1,450 

RIPON, 
STE.  MARIE, 

SlXSIXAWA  MOUXD.    . 

WATERTOWX,     . 
WAUKESHA, 

WAL'PUX, 

Racine  Library  Association, 
Brockway  College, 
St.  Mary's  College, 
Sinsiniwa  Mound  College,    . 
Young  Men's  Association.    . 
Carroll  College,   .... 
Philomathean  Society,  . 

1852 
1857 

1853 
1857 
1846 
1855 
1854 

1,000 
900 

4,500 
200 
1,200 
100 
500 

WAUSHARA. 

Female  Seminary, 

GEORGETOWX,   . 

DISTRICT 
of 
COLUMBIA. 

Georgetown  College,    . 
Observatory, 

1792 

26,000 

WASHIXGTOX,    . 

Philodemic  Society, 
Philonomosian  Society, 
Reading-Room  Association,  . 
Art  Association, 

1830 
1839 
1850 

Central  Academy, 
Coast  Survey  Office,    . 
Columbia    Institution    for    Dumb 
and  Blind,      .... 
Columbian  College, 
Enosinian  Society, 
Philophrenian  Society,           .  1 
""Columbian  Library  Company, 
Copyright  Library, 

1832 

1857 
1821 
1822 
1856 
1852 
1831 

3,017 

5,000 
1,243 
313 
900 
12,000 

DISTRICT   OF   COLUMBIA — KANSAS. 


649 


Name  of  Institution. 


Founded.  |     Volumes. 


i  WASHINGTON, 


LAWRENCE, 

LEAVENWORTH  CITY, 
LECOMPTON, 


Department  of  the  Interior, 

Department  of  State,  . 

Department  of  the  Treasury, 

Department  of  War,   . 

Emerson  Institute, 

Engineer  Department, 

Executive  Mansion, 

Force  Library,     .         .         .         . 

Franklin  Fire  Company, 

Gonzaga  College, 

Hospital  for  the  Insane, 

Law  Library  of  Congress,    . 

Library  of  Congress,    . 

Library  of  the  House  of  Repre 
sentatives  (Documents), 

Light-House  Board, 

Masonic  Library,          . 

Med.  Depart.  Georgetown  Coll.,   . 

Metropolitan    Hook   and  Ladder 
Company,        . 

Xational  Institute, 

Xational  Medical  College,    . 

Xational  Observatory, 

Ordnance  Bureau, 

Patent  Office,       . 

Rittenhouse  Academy, 

Smithsonian  Institution, 

Solicitor's  Office,  Law  Library,    . 

Topographical  Engineers'  Bureau, 

Union  Academy, 

U.  S.  Agriculture 
^Washington  Library, 

Washington  Semi 

Western  Academy 


1789 
1832 


1851 


1850 


1840 
1825 
1842 

1837 


1849 
1840 


""Polytechnic  Association, 
^Scientific  and  Historical  Society, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

Territorial  Library, 


1858 
1858 


3,000 

14,000 

4,256 

3,500 

1,700 

3,000 

20.000 

100 


12,300 
50,700 

50,000 
600 
200 


250 
5,000 

1,000 
l',000 

8,856 


25,000 

3.200 

600 


Society,  . 
rJ,  .         .    •    . 
larv 

1814 

20 
13,00 

stian  Assoc.,    . 

1852 

2,90 

>AS. 

7,000 


650 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded 

Volumes. 

DAKOTAH  CITY, 

NEBRASKA. 

Dakotah  City  Library, 

FONTENELLE,      . 

Nebraska  University,  . 

OMAHA,     . 

^Nebraska  Historical  Societv, 

Territorial  Library, 

800 

SANTA  FE, 

NEW  MEXICO. 

*  Territorial  Library, 

ALBANY,  . 
LA  CREOLE, 

OREGON. 

"*  Albany  Library  and  Lit.  List.,     . 
Academical  Institute, 

1856 

191 

LAFAYETTE, 

Presbyterial  Academy, 

Yamhill  Agricultural  Societv, 

OREGON  CITY,  . 

Oregon  City  University, 
Oregon  College,  . 

1856 
1850 

200 

Tualatin  College, 

PORTLAND, 

ROSEBURG, 

^Umpqua  Academy, 

SALEM, 

Oregon  Institute, 

Territorial  Library, 
*Walfimet  University,* 

1857 

1GO 

SANTIAM,  . 

THE  GROVE, 

Pacific  University,*     . 

1858 

1,500 

OLYMPIA,  . 

WASHINGTON. 

Public  Library,   .... 
^Territorial  Library, 
Territorial  Agricultural  Societv,  . 

.  .  . 

1,500 

2,852 

SEATTLE,  . 

Territorial  University, 

1855 

ASSOCIATIONS,  ETC. 


651 


ASSOCIATIONS 


HOLDING  MEETINGS  IN  DIFFERENT  PLACES  AND  PUBLISHING 
PROCEEDINGS. 


AMERICAN   ASSOCIATION  FOR   THE 
ADVANCEMENT  OF  EDUCATION,    . 

AMERICAN  ASSOCIATION    FOR    THE 
ADVANCEMENT  OE  SCIENCE, 

AMERICAN  ASSOCIATION   OF  NOR 
MAL  SCHOOL  INSTRUCTORS, 


Founded.  ,  Secretary,  1858-59. 


AMERICAN  DENTAL  ASSOCIATION, 


AMERICAN  INSTITUTE  OF  HOMOEO 
PATHY,  

AMERICAN  MEDICAL  ASSOCIATION, 

AMERICAN  PHARMACEUTICAL  ASSO 
CIATION,  . 

AMERICAN  POMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY, 

ASSOCIATION  OF  MEDICAL  SUPER 
INTENDENTS  OF  AMERICAN  INSTI 
TUTIONS  FOR  THE  INSANE,  . 

CONFEDERATION  OF  YOUNG  MEN'S 
CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATIONS,  . 

INSTRUCTORS  OF  THE  BLIND,  . 

INSTRUCTORS  OF  THE  DEAF  AND 
DUMB, 

NATIONAL  TEACHERS'  ASSOCIATION, 


1849 

1847 
1855 


1844 
1847 

1851 


1845 
1854 


J.  Lovering,  Cambridge. 


R.  Edwards,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 


f  S.  N.  Bemiss,  M.D. 
(      ville,  Ky. 


1857 


,   Louis- 


Edw.  Parrish,  Philadelphia. 


f  Dr.  C.  H.  Nichols,  Wasli- 
(      ington,  D.  C. 

W.  M.  Gray,  Buffalo,  N.  Y 


J.  W.  Bulkley,  N.  Y. 


652 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

ABBOTSFORD,    . 
AUBIGNY, 
AYLMER,  . 

BAIE  DU  FEBVRE. 

BRITISH  AMERICA. 
CANADA. 

Academy,    
Academy,    ..... 
Catholic  Academy, 
Protestant  Academy,  . 

1855 
185G 
1854 
1855 
1853 

BATE  ST.  PAUL, 
BAUXSTOX, 
BEAUHARNOIS,  . 
BEAUMONT, 

Academy,   ..... 
Academy.    ..... 
Academy,    ..... 
Model  School,      .... 

1846 
1849 
1849 

170 

BEAUFORT, 
BELLEVILLE. 

Lunatic  Asylum. 

Seminary,    ..... 

BELOKIL,  . 

BERLIN,    . 
BERTHIER, 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Academy,    ..... 
Academy,    ..... 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
Academy,    ..... 

1856 
1846 
1854 

1825 

100 
250 

BONIN,  ARGFNTEUIL, 

Academy,    ..... 

1827 
1851 

BoUCHERVILLEj 
BOWMANVILLE,  . 

Canadian  Institute, 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 

1703 

5GO 

BRAMPTON, 

Mechanics'  Institute  and  Library, 

BRIGHTON', 

BROCKVILLE 

Library  Assoc  nnd  Mech.  Inst 

Youn°"  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

BUCKINGHAM,    . 

Academy,    ..... 

1854 

CAP  SANTE. 

Model  School,      .... 

CASSVILLE, 

Academy,    ..... 

CAUGHNAWAGA, 

Model  School,      .... 

CEDARS,    . 

ClIAMBLY, 

CHARLESTON,     . 
CHATEAUGNAY, 

CHATHAM, 

Academy,    ..... 
Academy,    ..... 
College  of  Chainbly,    . 
Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum,     . 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
Academy,    ..... 
Academy,   ..... 
Model  School,      .... 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 

1841 

1855 
1826 
1849 

1829 
1844 

60 
30 
1,500 

'   160 

CLARENCEVILLE, 
CLARENDON  CENTRF 

Academy,    ..... 
Academy, 

1843 
1855 

300 
237 

COATICOOK, 

1855 

CoBOURG, 

Mechanics'  Institute 

University  of  Victoria, 

1832 

CANADA. 


653 


Name  of  lustitutiot 


COMPTON,  .         .  j  Academy,    .....      1853 

COOKSHIRE,        .         .  I  Academy,    .         .         .         .         .  I  1854 

COTEAU  ST.  Louis,    .  !  Deaf  and  Dumb  Institution,         .  j   1849 

I  Model  School,      .         .         .         .... 

COTE  DES  NEIGES,     .  j  Model  School, 

COWANSVILLE,  .         .  j  Academy,    .....      1852 
DANVILLE,         .         .  j  Academy,    .....      1854 
DESCHAMBEAULT,      .      Model  School, 
DRUMMONDVILLE,      .      Library  Assoc.  and  Mech.  Inst., 
DUDSWELL,        .         .      Academy,    .....      1855 
DUNDAS,   .         .         .      Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 

DUNHAM,  .         .         .      Academy, 1852 

DURHAM,  .         .         .      Academy,    .....      1840 
FARNHAM  CENTRE,    .      Catholic  Academy,       .         .         .      1855 

Protestant, 1854 

FERGUS,    .         .         .      Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 
FOXTHILL,         .         .  !  Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
FRELEIGHSBURG,        .  i  Academy,    .....      185G 

GALT,        .         .         .  j  Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 

GASPE  BASIN,   .         .  j  Reading-Room  Association, 

GENTILLY,         .         .  j  Academy,    .....      1856  400 

GEORGEVILLE,  .         .      Academy,    .....      1854 

GRANBY,   .         .         .      Academy,    .... 

GUELPH,  .         .         .      Mechanics'  Institute,  .         .         .       ...         1,000 

HAMILTON,        .         .      Central  School,  . 

City  Hospital, 

Mechanics'  Institute.  . 

Mercantile  Library  Association,  .       .  .  .  |      2,000 
I   Orphan  Asylum, 
i  Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 

HEMMINGFOHD,          .      Mechanics'  Institute,  .         .         .  j    .  .  . 
HUNTINGDON,    .         .     Academy,    .         .         .         .         .  j   1852 

Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
INDUSTRY  VILLAGE,  .      Joliette  College, .         .         .         .      184G         1,321 
IKOQUOIS  VILLAGE,  .      Town  Library,     . 
KAMOURASKA,   .         .  I  Academy.    .....      1853 

Classical  College, 

St.  Ambroise  Academy,       .         .      1855 
KILDARE,  .         .      Asylum  for  Insane  Convicts, 

KINGSTON,         .         .      Asylum  for  Male  Criminal  Luna 
tics,        ..... 

General  Hospital, 

House  of  Industry,      .         .         .       ... 

Mechanics'  Institute,   .         .         .       ... 

Provincial  Penitentiary,       .         .       ... 

Regiopolis  College,      .         .         .      1835 

University  of  Queen's  College,    .      1841 
i  Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    .       ... 

KNOWLTON,       .         .  I  Academy, 1854 

L'AssoMPTiox,          .      Academy, 1847  100 


654 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Name  of  Institution. 


L?  ASSUMPTION,          .  1  College, !  1832  i      1,700 

I  Classical  College,         .         .         .  |    .  .  .  |      ... 
L'AvENiR,          .         .  '  Drummond  Mechanics'  Institute, 

j  Model  School, 

LA  BARA,  .         .      Mechanics'  Institute,   . 

LA  CHIXE,         .         .      Model  School,      . 
LA  CHUTE,         .         .      Classical  College,        .         .         .  j   1855         1,057 

i  Mechanics'  Institute,   . 
LA  COLLE,         .         .  i  Model  School,     . 
LA  NORAIE,       .         .  i  Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
L'ORIGINAL,      .         .      Mechanics'  Institute,  .         .         .  j    .  .  . 

LA  PRAIRIE,     .         .      Academy, j  1847 

Literary  Society,  .          .          .   !    .  .  . 

I  Model  School,      .         .         .         .       .  .  . 

LAVAL,      .         .         .  i  College  of  Laval,         .         .         .  i  1854  L    1,000 

LENNOXVILLE,  .         .  j  Bishop's  College,         .         .        .  I  1843        2,500 

i  Protestant  School  of  Theology,  .  j  1841         1,000 

L'IsLET,    .         .         ,  I  Academy, j   1850  |      ... 

LONDON,   .         .         .      City  Hospital,      .... 
i  Colonial  Church  and  School  So 
ciety  School,  .... 
County  Grammar  School,    . 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
Mercantile  Library  Association, 
Union  Common  School,       .         .       .  .  .  j      .  .  .     j 
{  Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    .       ... 
j  LONG  POINT,     .         .  |  Instit.  for  Female  Deaf  Mutes,    .      1853 

|  Academy, 1852 

LONGUEUIL,       .         .  j  Academy, 1843  900 

j  Academy,    .         .         .         .         .      1855 

LORETTE,  .         .         .  !  Boys'  Model  School,    .         .         .  j    .  .  . 
i  Girls'  Model  School,   .         .         .  i    .  .  . 

LOTBINIERE,      .         .  I  Academy, 1853 

!  MAGOG,     .         .         .      Model  School,     . 
j  MARTINTOWN,    .         .  j  Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc., 
MASSON,   .         .         .  !  Classical  College,        .         .         .  |  1847         1,000 
MELBOURNE,      .         .  |  Mechanics'  List,  and  Lib.  Assoc., 
|  METCALFE,        .        .     Mechanics'  Institute,  .         .        .,...,      ... 
|  MIRICKVILLE,    .         .  ,'  Mechanics'  Institute,   .         .         .       .  .  .         ... 

MISSISQUOI,       .         .  :  Academy, j  1854         1,000 

MONTGOMERY,  .         .     Academy, [1849  450 

MONTREAL,  .  .  Academy  of  Cong.  Notre  Dame,  1G53  1,750 
Academy  of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul,  1842  1,560 
Advocates'  Library, 
Agricultural  Association,  .  .  ! 
Amer.  Presbyterian  Free  School, 
Board  of  Agriculture, 
Botan.  and  Zoological  Gardens,  . 
British  and  Canadian  School, 
Cabinet  de  Lecture  Paroissial,  .  ...  24,000 


CANADA. 


655 


MONTREAL, 


NlCOLET, 


Name  of  Institutioi 


Canada  Sunday-School  Union, 
Canadian  Institute, 
Catholic  Commercial  Academy,  . 
Catholic  School  of  Theol.,  Grand 

Seminary  of  Montreal,  . 
Christian  Brothers'  Schoojs, 

College  Street,     . 

Dorchester  Street, 

Recollet          "     . 

St.  James       "     . 

Vitr6  "     . 

Church   of  England  Association 

for  Young  Men, 
Church  Society,  . 
Circulating  Library,    . 
College  of  Montreal,  . 
College  de  Ste.  Marie, 
Colonial  Church  and  School  Soc., 
Educational  Department,    . 
High  School  of  McGill  College,  . 
Home  and  School  of  Industry,     . 
Horticultural  Society, 
Indian  Department,     . 
Institut  Canadian  Fran9ais, 
Jacques  Cartier  Normal  School, . 
McGill  University  Society,  . 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
Medico-Chirurgical  Society, 
Mercantile  Library  Association,  . 
Merchants'  Exchange  and  Read- 

ing-Room,      . 
Montreal  College, 
Montreal  General  Hospital, 
National  School, 
Natural  History  Society, 
Orphan  Asylum,  Protestant, 
Orphan  Asylum,  R.  Catholic, 
Pointe-aux  Trembles  Academy,  . 
Royal  Institution, 
School  of  Medicine  and  Surgery, 
St.  Lawrence  School  of  Medicine, 
St.  Mary's  College, 

School  of  Law,    . 
University  of  McGill  College, 

Medical  Department,    . 

Normal  School,    . 
War  Department, 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

Academy, 

Catholic  School  of  Theology, 


1853 


8,000 
1,200 


1773 

1849 


1842 
1840 


11.000 
7^00 


1857 
1827 


1,000  I 

3,050 

3,800 


1854 


182; 


1G90 
1843 


1849 
1852 
1839 

1857 


200 
1,000 
7,100 

*1,500 

2,536 

200 


1854 
1854  I 


700 
500 


656 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

NlCOLET,  . 

NOTRE  DAME  DE  LEVI, 
OAKVILLE, 
OTTAWA  CITY,  . 

College  of  Nicolet,      . 
Academy,    ..... 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
Bytown  College,  .... 
Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

1804 
1853 

1849 

6,500 
1,170 

PHILLIPSBURG,  . 

1850 

NAPAXEE, 
NIAGARA,  . 
NORVAL,  . 

Mechanics'  Institute,    . 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
Farmers  and  Mechanics'  Inst.,    . 

1,000 

0  SHAW  A,    . 

OTTAWA,  . 

Mech.  Institute  and  Athenaeum,  . 

PERTH, 
P'TE  AUX  TREMBLES, 

Canadian  Institute, 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
Protestant  Institute,    . 

.  .  . 

i,ooo 

POINT  LEVI, 
POIXTE  CLAIRE, 

College   of    Notre    Dame    de   la 
Victoire,         .... 
Academy,    ..... 
Model  School,      .... 

1853 

1784 

2,000 

150 

PoiXTE  DU  LAC, 

PORT  HOPE, 

Mechanics'  Institute,  . 

POTTOX,    . 

1857 

PRESCOTT, 
PRIXCEVILLE,  STAX-  ) 

Mechanics'  Institute,  . 

FOLD,      .            .             j 

QUEBEC,    . 

British  and  Canadian  School, 

Canadian  Institute, 

Cath.  School  of  Theology,  Grand 
Seminary, 

1063 

1,500 

Church  Society,  .... 

General  Hospital, 
High  School,       .... 
Laval  Normal  School, 
Laval  Normal  and  Model  School, 

1725 

•1848 

1857 

900 
1,000 
200 

Laval  University, 
Library  Association,   . 
Literary  and  Historical  Society,  . 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 

1663 
1831 

3,700 

Minor  Seminary, 
National  School, 

1666 

18,000 

Orphan  Asylum, 

Point  aux  Trembles  Academy,    . 

1713 

Reading-Room,  .... 
Roman  Cath.  Inst.  of  St.  Roch,   . 

Seminary  of  Quebec,  . 
St.  Andrew's  School,  . 
St.  Patrick's  Catholic  Institute,  . 

1663 

22,633 

REXFREW, 

Ursuline  Academy, 

1640 

675 

CANADA. 


657 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded 

Volumes. 

RICHMOND, 

College  of  St.  Francis, 
Mechanics'  Institute  and  Library 

1,000 

RIGAUD,    . 

RlMOUSKI, 

RIVIERE  DES  PRAIRIES, 
RIVIERE  DU  LOUP,     . 
RIVIERE  OUFLLE 

College  of  Rigaud, 
Academy,  %.         .... 
Model  School,      .... 
Model  School,      .... 

1852 
1853 

1809 

500 
154 

ROCKWOOD 

Asylum  for  Female  Lunatics 

RONVILLE, 
ROXTON,    . 
SCARBORO 

Classical  College, 
Model  School,      .... 
Youno"  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

.  .  . 

1    SH^NNONVILLE 

Public  Library 

SHEFFORD, 
SHERBROOKE,     . 

Academy,    ..... 
Academy,    ..... 
Library  Assoc  and  Mech   Inst 

1834 
1830 

.  .  . 

Church  and  School  Society.         . 

SMITH'S  FALLS 

College  of  Sherbrooke, 
Mechanics'  Institute 

1855 

SOMERSET, 

SOREL, 

STANBRIDGE, 
STANSTEAD, 

Model  School,     .... 
Academy,    
Catholic  Academy, 
Protestant,.  ..... 
Academy,    
Academy,    ..... 
Library  Assoc.  and  Mech.  Assoc., 

1850 
1853 
1855 
1854 
1829 

.  .  . 

ST  \NSTE\D  PLAIN 

Library  Assoc.  and  Mech.  Inst. 

STR-YTFORD, 

Youn0"  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 

ST.  AIME,  . 

Mechanics'  Institute,  . 

1855 

1,000 

ST.  ANDRE, 

1854 

250 

ST.  ANDREWS,   . 

ST.  ANDREWS  DE 
KAMOURASKA, 
STE.  ANNE  LAPOCA- 

TIERE, 

STE.  ANNE  DE  LA 
PERADE, 
ST.  ANNE  LAPERADE, 
ST.   ANTOINE   DE 
TILLY, 
ST.  ATHANASE,  . 
ST.  BERNARD,    . 
ST.  CATHERINE'S, 
ST.  CESAIRE,     . 
ST.  CHARLES,    . 

Academy,    ..... 
Mech.  Institute  and  Lib.  Assoc.,  . 

Academy,    ..... 
College,       ..... 

Model  School,      .... 
Academy,    ..... 
Model  School,      .... 

Canadian  Institute  of  Iberville,  . 
Academy,    
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
Academy,    ..... 

1857 

1827 
1854 

1853 
1855 

6,000 

1,000 
200 
1,000 

ST.  CHARLES   IN-     } 

1855 

DUSTRIE,            .            j 

42 


658 


LIST   OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

ST.  CLEMENT   DE      ) 
BEAUHARNOIS,       ) 

Academy,    ..... 

1822 

25 

ST.  CONSTANT,  . 

Model  School,      .... 

.  .  . 

. 

ST.  CROIX, 

Academy,    

1849 

154 

ST.  CYPRIEN,     . 

Academy,          0  . 

1844 

.  .  . 

ST.  DENIS, 

Academy,    

1783 

175 

ST.  EDWARD, 

Model  School,      .... 

!  ST.  ELIZABETH, 

Academy,    

. 

ST.  EUSTACHE,  . 

Academy,    ..... 

1833 

.  .  . 

Academy,    ..... 

1855 

. 

ST.  FAMILLE,    . 

Academy,    

1686 

.  .  . 

ST.  FOYE, 

Academy,    ..... 

1851 

.  .  . 

Protestant  Academy,  . 

1851 

260 

ST.  FRANCIS,     . 

Model  School,     .... 

. 

. 

ST.  GENEVIEYE, 

Academy,    ..... 

1850 

'  162 

ST.  GERMAIN  ou      ) 

*•   RlMONSKI,       .             j 

Classical  College, 

1855 

300 

ST.  GREGQIRE,  . 

Academy,    ..... 

1853 

300 

Academy,    

1856 

. 

Model  School,      .... 

. 

. 

ST.  HENRI  DE  MAS-    } 

COUCHE,             .            j 

Academy,    .         .   • 

1854 

.  .  . 

College  of  St.  Henri,  . 

1852 

200 

Model  School,      .... 

. 

ST.  HILAIRE,     . 

Academy,    ..... 

1850 

. 

ST.  HUGUES,     . 

Academy,    .         . 

1855 

ST.  HYACINTHE, 

Academy,    ..... 

1854 

'  420 

Canadian  Institute, 

Catholic  School  of  Theology, 

500 

Classical  College, 

.  .  . 

. 

College,       ..... 

1811 

10,000 

Mechanics'  Institute,  . 

ST.  ISIDORE, 

Model  School,      . 

ST.  JACQUES,  C.  Mi-  1 

] 

Model  School,      .... 

NEUR,       .            .            j 

ST.  JACQUES  L'AcHi-  ( 

GAN, 

Academy,    ..... 

1851 

300 

ST.  JEAN,  DORCHES 
TER, 

Academy,    ..... 

1850 

600 

Catholic  Academy, 

1847 

300 

ST.  JEAN  ISLE  D'OR-  "[ 

LEANS,                 .            j 

Academy,    ..... 

1854 

.  .  . 

ST.  JEAN  PORT  JOLI, 

Literary  Institute, 

ST.  JEROME, 

Canadian  Institute, 

ST.  JOHN'S, 

High  School,        .... 

Library  Association,    . 

ST.  JOSEPH, 

Academy,    . 

1854 

ST.  JOSEPH  DE  LEVI, 

Model  School,      .... 

ST.  LAURENT,    . 

Academy,    . 

1847 

650 

ST.  LIN,    . 

Academy,    ..... 

CANADA. 


659 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Foundec 

Volumes. 

STE.  MARIE, 

STE.  MARIE, 
STE.  MARTHE,   . 
ST.  MARTIN, 

ST.  MARY'S, 
ST.  MICHEL, 

ST.  NICOLAS,     . 
ST.  OURS, 
ST.  PAUL   DE    L'!N-  j 

DUSTRIE,            .           j 

STE.  PHILOMEXE, 
ST.  ROCH, 
ST.  ROMUALD,  . 

STE.  SCHOLASTIQUE,  . 

ST.  SYLVESTRE, 
STE.  THERESE,  . 
STE.   THERESE   DE    j 
BLAIXVILLE,  .        j 
ST.  THOMAS, 
ST.  THOMAS  PIERRE-  | 

YILLE,    .            .             j 
ST.  TlMOTHEE,  . 
SUTTON,      . 

TERREBONNE,    . 

THOROLD, 
THREE  RIYERS, 

TORONTO,  . 

i 

Academy,    .... 
College  of  Ste.  Marie  de  Beauce 
Coll.  of  Ste.  Marie  de  Monnoir, 
Academy,    .... 
Observatory,  Meteorological  anc 
Electrical,      .... 
Mechanics'  Institute,   . 
Classical  College, 
Academy,    .... 
Academy,    ..... 
Canadian  Institute, 

Academy,   

Model  School,     .... 
Model  School,      .... 
Model  School,      .... 
Academy,    .         . 
Canadian  Institute, 
Model  School,     .... 
Academy,    ..... 

College,       ..... 
Academy,    ..... 
Academy,    ..... 
Academy,    

1822 
1855 
1853 

185G 

1853 
1850 
1855 

1853 

516 

'  200 
450 

1,000 

1850 

.  .  . 

1847 
1825 
1847 
1855 

1853 
1854 

5,000 

'  310 
1,500 

1,200 

Academy,    
Masson  College,  .... 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 

1826 

1847 

1G97 
1856 

Academy,    ..... 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
Adjutant-General's  Office,  . 
Board  of  Trade,  . 
Bureau  of  Agriculture  and  Sta 
tistics,  and  Patent  Office, 
Canadian  Institute, 
Church  Society,  .... 
Congregational  Theolog.  Instit.,  . 
Crown  Land  Department,    . 
Crown  Law  Department,     . 
Department  of  Public  Works,     . 
Editors'  and  Authors'  Lit.  Assoc., 
Educational  Department,     . 
Elgin   Association   for   Improve 
ment  of  Colored  People, 
Exchange  News  Room, 
Executive  Council  Office,    . 
General  Hospital, 

1849 
1846 

.  .  . 

.  .  . 

854 
'847 

.  .  . 

660 


LIST    OF    LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

TORONTO, 

Horticultural  Society 

House  of  Industry, 
Indian  Department,    . 
Inspector-General's  Department 

1837 

Knox's  College,  .... 
Missionary  Society, 
Law  Society  of  Upper  Canada,  . 
Legislative  Council  Library, 

1844 
1797 

a    .    .    . 

Library  of  Parliament 

Literary  Association,  . 
Magnetical    and    Meteorological 
Observatory,  .... 
Mechanics'  Institute,  . 
Post  Office  Department 

1853 

1846 

3,650 

Provincial  Agricultural  Assoc 

Provincial  Lunatic  Asylum, 
Provincial  Secretary's  Office 

1841 

School   of  Medicine    of  Toronto 
University,     .... 
School  of  Medicine  of  Victoria 
College,          .... 
St.  Michel's  College,   . 
Toronto  Literary  Association, 
Trinity  College,  .... 
Literary  Institute, 

1845 

1843 
1852 
1853 
1852 

United  Presb.  Divinity  Hall, 
University  College, 

1844 

University  College  Literary  and 
Scientific  Society,  . 

University  of  Toronto, 
Upper  Canada  College, 
Youn°"  Men's  St.  Patrick's  Assoc 

1827 
1829 

ViREWES, 

1855 

Chambres  de  Nouvelles, 

VAUDREUIL, 

VERCHEHES, 
VILLA  MARIA,  . 
WATERLOO. 

Classical  College,         . 
Academy,    ..... 
Academy,    ..... 
College  of  Vercheres, 
Academy,    
Academy,    .... 

1855 
1843 
1845 
1854 
1855 
1857 

32 

'  io'o 

700 

WEST  BROME,    . 

Model  School, 

WHITBY,  . 
YAM  YCHICIIE,    . 

Mechanics'  Institute,   . 
Academy,    .... 

1852 

*  250 

YOUVILLE, 

Academy,    
Academy,    ..... 

1853 
1854 

662 


LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,    ETC. 


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LIST    OF   LIBRARIES,  ETC. 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded 

Volumes. 

FREDERICTON,  . 

NEW 
BRUNSWICK. 

University  of  King's  College, 

SACKVILLE, 
ST.  ANDREWS,   . 

Baptist  Seminary, 
Wesleyan  Academy,     . 
Marine  Hospital, 

.    .    . 

•    •    • 

ST.  JOHN, 

Lunatic  Asylum, 

Marine  Hospital,           .         , 

Mechanics'  Institute,    . 

ST.  JOHN'S, 

NEWFOUND 
LAND. 

Agricultural  Society,    . 

Government  Library,  . 

Lunatic  Asylum, 

Mechanics'  Institute,    . 

.    .    . 

.    .    . 

CHESTER,  . 
HALIFAX, 

NOVA    SCOTIA. 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Christian  Family  Library,    . 

400 
2,000 

Free  Church  College,  . 

3,000 

11  000 

Mechanics'  Library,     . 
Public  Library,    .... 

1,500 

St.  Mary's  College, 

HORTON,  . 

Young  Men's  Christian  Assoc.,    . 
Public  Library,    .... 

2,000 

LIVERPOOL, 

Gorham  College, 
National  School,  .... 

PICTOU,    . 
WINDSOR, 

Mechanics'  Institute,    . 
Public  Library,    .               '   . 
Kind's  College,    . 

.  .  . 

Public  Library,    .... 

WOLFVILLE, 

Acadia  College,  .... 
Theological  Seminary, 

2,000 

YARMOUTH, 

Public  Library,    . 

PRINCE   EDWARD   ISLAND. 


665 


Place. 

Name  of  Institution. 

Founded. 

Volumes. 

BRACELET  P'T  ROAD 

PRINCE  EDWARD 
ISLAND. 

CHARLOTTETOWN, 

Catholic  Young  Men's  Lit.  Inst.,  . 

1856 

Hazzard's  Circulating  Library,     . 

Lunatic  Asyl.  and  House  of  Ind., 

Mechanics'  Institute,    . 
Normal  School,    .... 

Royal  Agricultural  Society,  . 

Theoloo-.  Sem.  of  the  Pres.  Church, 

. 

MARGATE,          .        . 

INDEX. 


Only  those  institutions  are  included  in  this  index  of  which  notices  are  given  in 
the  work,  and  not  those  mentioned  only  in  the  General  List,  page  585. 


Academic  Rhetorical  Lib.,  Georgetown, 

Del.  (A.  P.  Robinson),  22 
Academic  Soc.,  Lewisburg,  Pa.,  361 
Academy,  Albany,  N.  Y.,  229 
Academy,  Berryville.  Va.  (Jewett),  480 
Academy,  Meadville,  Pa.,  363 
Academy,      Plattville,     Wis.      (A.     R. 

McClaughry),  503 
Academy,  Topsfield,  Mass.(J.W.  Healy), 

167 
Academy  &  Cortlandt  Lib.,  Peekskill,  N. 

Y.,  298 
Academy   of    Fine    Arts,    Phil.    (J.    R. 

Lambdin),  415 
Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,  Phil.  Pa., 

(W.  S.  Zantzinger),  365,  519 
Academy  of  Science,  St.  Louis,  Mo.  (Dr. 

T.  C.  Hilgard),  196 
Adams,  Hon.  J.  H.,  459 
Adams,  J.  S.,  572 

Adelphi,  Galesburg,  III.  (A.  L.  Riggs),  37 
Adelphian,  Bethany,  Va.,  481 
Adelphian,  Hamilton,  N.  Y ,  252 
Adelphic,  Newark,  Del,  23 
Adelphic,    Schenectady,    N.    Y.    (R.    T. 

Paine),  300 

JEonian,  Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  252 
Agassiz,  Prof,  519 
Agric.    College,    Lansing,  Mich.    (J.   R. 

Williams),  187 
Agric.  Journals,  List  of,  230 
Agric.   Soc.  of  N.   Y.,    Albany    (B.    P. 

Johnson),  230 
Agric.    Soc.   of    Mich.,   Detroit    (J.    C. 

Holmes),  185 
Aiken,  Hon  Wm.,  456 
Alabama,  1 
Albany,  N.  Y.,  229 


Albion,  Mich.,  182 

Alden,  Rev.  Timothy,  362 

Alexander,  Rev.  Dr.,  491 

Alexandria,  Va.,  479 

Alexandria  Library,  479 

Allegheny,  Pa.,  342 

Alleghany      College,      Meadville,      Pa. 

(Jewett),  362 
Alleghany  Lit.  Soc.,  Meadville,  Pa.  (W. 

B.  Holt),  362 
Alpha  Delta  Phi  Soc.,  Cambridge,  Mass., 

130 
Alpha  Kappa  Soc.,  Marietta,  0.  (C.  A. 

Stanley),  331,  332 

Alpha  Pi  Delta  Soc.,.Cassville,  Ga.,  27 
Alpha  Zeta  Soc.,  Upper  Alton,  III.   (J. 

P.  Law  ton),  42 
Alton,  111.,  32 

Altonian  Lit.  Soc.,  Le  Roy,  N.  Y.,  254 
Am.  Acad.  Arts  &  Sciences,  Boston,  Mass. 

(Jewett),  92 
Am.  Antiquarian  Soc.,  Worcester,  Mass. 

(Jewett,  S.  F.  Haven),  172 
Am.  Bible  Union,  N.  Y.  (W.  H.Wyckoff), 

255 
Am.  Bd.  of  Com.  for  For.  Mis.,  Boston, 

Mass.  (Jewett,  R.  Anderson),  92 
Am.   Geog.   &  Stalls.    Soc.,  N.    Y.,  (M. 

Lefferts,  W.  C.  H.  Waddell),  256 
Am.  Institute,  N.  Y.  (E.  A.  Harris),  257 
Am.  Lit.  Inst ,  Bethany,  Va.  (A.  Elliott), 

481 
Am.   Oriental  Soc.,  New  Haven,  Conn. 

(W.D.Whitney),  17 
Am.  Philosophical  Soc.,  Phil ,  Pa.  (Jew 
ett,  J.  P.  Lesley),  381 
Am.  Sunday-school  Union,  Phil.,  Pa.  (F. 

A.  Packard),  375 


INDEX. 


Am.  Whig.  Soc.,  Princeton,  N.  J.,  227 

Amherst,  Mass.,  90 

Amherst  College,  Amherst,  Mass.  (L.  M. 

Boltwood),  90 

Amphictyon  Soc.,  Lima,  N.  Y.,  255 
Andover,  Mass.,  90 
Annapolis,  Md.,  77 
Ann  Arbor,  Mich.,  183 
Antioch  College,  Yellow  Springs,  0.  (C. 

W.  Christy),  341 
Antiq.  &  Hist.  Soc.,  Dorchester,  Mass  (E. 

Holden),  141 
Appollonian     Soc.,     Franklin      College. 

Tenn.  (G.  A.  Kinne),  464 
Appleton  Acad.  New  Ipswich,  N.  H.  (E. 

T.  Quimby),  215 
Appleton,  Wis.,  498 
Appleton  &  Co.,  567 
Appleton,  Samuel,  498 
Apprentices'  and  Demilt  Lib.,  N.  Y.  (W. 

Van  Norden),  259 
Apprentices'   Library,  Charleston,  S.  C. 

(Jewett,  .T.  Johnson),  447 
Apprentices'  Lib.  Co.,  Phil.,  Pa.  (Jewett, 

Jesse  Ogden),  378 
Arey,  Henry  W.,  385 
Arrangement  of  Books,  414,  449 
Ashmun  Institute,  New  Castle,  Del.,  23 
Asso.  Theolog.  Sem.  Xenia,  0.,  369 
Astor  Library,  N.  Y.,  xvii,  260 
Athena,  Charlotteville,  N.  Y.,  245 
Athena,  Wilbraham,  Mass.,  169 
Athenean,     Bloomington,    Ind.     (T.    J. 

Wolfe),  43 
Athenaeum,   Boston,  Mass.   (Jewett,  W. 

F.  Poole),  93 
Athenaeum  and  Reading-room,  Brooklyn, 

N.  Y.  (B.  R.  Taylor),  238 
Athemeum,  East  Windsor,  Conn.,  7 
Athenoeum,  Fall    River,  Mass.    (P.  W. 

Leland),  142 
Athenaeum,     Hartford,     Conn.     (J.     A. 

Boughton),  12 

Athenaeum,  Haverhill,  Mass.  (J.  V.  Smi 
ley,  R.  T.  Slocurnb),  145 
Athenaeum,    Nantucket,  Mass.    (Jewett, 

Miss  M.  Mitchell,  Miss  S.  F.  Bar 
nard),  151 
Athenaeum,  Phil.  (W.  J.  Barclay,  Jewett), 

379 
Athenaeum,  Portland,  Me.    (Jewett,  Jas. 

Merrill),  14 
Athenosum,   Portsmouth,  N.    H.    (J.    S. 

Pfeiffer,  Jewett),  215 
Athenaeum,  Providence,  R.  I.,  xvii,  440 
Athenaeum  and  Mech.  Assn.,  Rochester, 

N.  Y.  (P.  S.  Wilson),  298 


Athenaeum,  Rockland,  Me.  (Eliza  Spald- 

ing),  76 
Athenseum,   Roxbury,   Mass.    (Rev.   B. 

Kent),  157 
Athemtnm,  Salem,  Mass.  (Jewett,  H.  J. 

Cross),  158 
Athenseum,    West    Newton,    Mass.    (L. 

Lucas),  168 
Athenoeum,  Zanesville,  O.  (A.  Peters,  W. 

M.  Lyons,  W.  W.  Wallace),  341 
Athenisedes,  Albion,  Mich.,  182 
Athenian,  Athens,  O.,  310,  311 
Athenian,  Brunswick,  Me.  (B.  W.  Pond, 

T.  H.  Little),  67 
Athenian,  Columbia,  Mo.,  193 
Athens,  Ga.,  25 
Athens,  O.,310 
Auburn,  N.  Y.,238 
Augusta,  Ga.,  26 
Augusta,  Ky.,  55 
Augusta,  Me.,  64 
Augusta  College,  Augusta,  Ky.  (J.  Doni- 

phan),  55 

Austin,  Texas,  472 
Austin   College,  Huntsville,  Texas  (W. 

C.  Somerville),  472 

Backus,  Rev.  Isaac,  446 

Bacon,  Henry  D.,  197 

Bacon,  Rev.  Dr.,  509 

Baird,  Lieut.,  307 

Baird,  Prof.  S.  F.,  v.  xxii 

Baldwin,  Judge,  19 

Baldwin  Univ.,  Berea,  0.  (Rev.  J. 
Wheeler),  3L1 

Baltimore,  Md.,  78 

Baltimore  Lib.,  Baltimore,  Md.  (J.  S. 
Selby),  80 

Bangor,  Me.,  65 

Barclay,  David,  408 

Barclay,  Robert,  399 

Bardstown,  Ky.,  56 

Bar  Lib.,  Providence,  R.  I.  (B.  N.  Lap- 
ham,  J.  P.  Knowles),445 

Barnard,  Henry,  8,  533,  571,  575 

Barney,  H.  H.,  316,  563 

Barnwell,  Hon.  R.  W.,  458 

Bartlett,  Hon.  Wm.,  206 

Barton,  Dr.  Benj.  S.,  417 

Bashford,  Governor,  501 

Bates,  Joshua,  117 

Baton  Rouge,  La.,  61 

Baylor  Univ.,  Independence,  Texas  (D. 
R.  Wallace),  473 

Belles-Lettres  Soc.,  Carlisle,  Pa.,  346 

Belles-Lettres  Soc  ,  Coll.  of  St.  James, 
Md.  (J.  C.  Passmore),  89 


INDEX. 


669 


BeloitColl.,  Betoit,Wis  (J.  Eraerson),498 

Beloit,  Wis.,  498 

Bell's  Commercial  College,  Chicago,  111. 

(D.  V.  Bell),  34 
Belleville,  Canada,  528 
Belleville,  111.,  33 
Benezet,  Anthony,  407 
Bentley,  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.,  362 
Berea,  0.,  311 
Berkely,  Bishop,  10,  429 
Berryville,  Va.,  480 
Bethany,  Va.,  480 
Bethany    College,  Bethany,  Va.   (P.  W. 

Mosbleck),  480 

Beth  Hacma,  Maryville,  Tenn.,  467 
Beth     Hacma     Ve     Berith,     Maryville, 

Tenn.,  467 
Bethel  College,  Russellville,  Ky.  (B.  T. 

Blewett),  61 
Bethune,  Rev.  Dr.,  533 
Bibles,  409 
Bigelow  Lib.  Assn.,  Clinton.  Mass.  (J.  H. 

Vose),  140 

Binney,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  G.,  509 
Birmingham,  Conn.,  6 
Blair,  Dr.  James,  493,  497 
Bland,  Thomas,  432 
Bleakly,  John,  400 
Blind    Institution,  Jacksonville,    111.  (J. 

Rhoads),  39 
Bloomintgon,  Ind.,  43 
Board  of  Education,  Cleveland,  0.,  322 
Bd.  of  Mis.  of  Pres.  Church,  Phil.,  382 
Bohn,  Christian,  491 
Books  arranged  by  subjects,  386 
Books  called  for,  xvii.241,  242.  254,  260, 

324.,  342,  381,  438,  482,  523 
Books  described,  409 
Boston,  Mass.,  92 
Boston  Lib.  Soc ,  Boston,  Mass.  (Jewett, 

II.  Wainwright,  C.  Browne),  98 
Botetourt,  Lord,  496 

Bowditch  Library,  Boston  (H.  J.  Bow- 
ditch,  Jewett),  100 
Bowdoin  College,  Brunswick,  Me.  (C.  C 

Everett),  67 

Boyle,  Hon.  Robert,  494,  497 
Boydton,  Va.,  481 

Brianerd  Evang.  Soc.  Easton,  Pa.,  348 
Brattleborough,  Vt.,  475 
Bridgewater,  Mass.,  121 
Brientnall,  Jos.,  390 
Bright,  James,  408 
British  America,  528 
Britt,  Chauncy  C.,  499 
Brookfield,  N.  H.,  218 
Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  238 


Brooklyn  Institute,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  241 
Brothers   in    Unity    Soc.,   New   Haven, 

Conn.  (Jewett),  18 
Brownell,  Bishop,  10 
Brown,  John,  433 
Brown.  Moses,  440 
Brown,  Nicholas,  434 
Brown,  Obadiah,  440 
Brown,  P.  P.,  253 
Brown    University,    Providence,    R.    I. 

(Jewett,  R.  A.  Guild),  433 
Brunswick,  Me.,  67 
BrutS,  Rev.  S.  G.,  51 
Bucksport,  Me.,  70 
Buffalo,  N.  Y.,241 
Buildings  for  Libraries,  vi 
j  Bull,  A.  H.,  475 
j  Burgess,  Bishop,  12 
j  Burlington,  Iowa,  52 
|  Burlington,  N.  J.,  219 
I  Burlington,  Vt.  476 
j  Burlington    College,   Burlington,   N.    J. 

(Jewett),  219 
Butler,  Cyrus,  444 
Byberry,  Pa.,  344 
Bytown  College,  Ottawa,  Canada,  535 

California,  2 

Calliopean,     Crawfordsville,    Ind.     (M. 

Post),  44 

Calliopean,  Emory,  Va.,  481 
Calliopean,  Kent's  Hill,  Me.  (H.  P.  Tor- 

sey),  72 

Calliopean,  New  Haven,  Conn.,  20 
Cambridge    High     School,    Cambridge, 

Mass.  (Sarah  L.  Binney),  131 
Cambridge,  Mass.,  122 
Cambridgeport,  Mass.,  139 
Campbell,  Ga.,  400 
Canada,  528 
Canadian   Cong.    Theol.   Inst,  Toronto. 

Canada,  537 

Canadian  Inst.,  Toronto,  Canada,  537 
Canadian  Journal,  538 
Canonsburg,  Pa.,  339,  344 
Cape  Girardeau,  Mo.,  192 
Carbondale,  111  ,  34 
Carlisle,  Pa.,  346 
Carmel,  N.  Y.,244 
Carpenters'  Company.  Phil.,  Pa.,  382 
Carroll  College,  Waukesha,  Wis.  (J.  A. 

Savage),  504 
Cass,  Lewis,  500,  520 
Cassville,  Ga.,  27 
Castine,  Me.,  71 
Catalogues,  xir,  118,  132,  216,  368,  406, 

414,  436,449,476,487 


670 


INDEX. 


Catalogues,  cost  of,  xvi 

Catholic  Diocesan  Lib.,  Vincennes,  Ind. 

(E.  Anclran),  51 
Cazenovia,  N.  Y.,  244 
Centenary  College  of  La.,  Jackson  (Rev 

J.  C.  Miller),  62 
Central  College  of  Iowa,  Des  Moines 

Iowa  (Rev.  R.  Weiser),  53 
Central  College,  0.  (J.  Q.  Howard),  312 
Central  High  School,Phil.(J.  S.  Hart), 382 
Central  Univ.  of  Iowa,  Pella,  55 
Centre  College,Danville,Ky.(O.Beatty),56 
Centreville,  Ind.,  44 
Chalkley,  Thomas,  407 
Chaplin,  Hon.  C.  G.,  432 
Charit.  Mech.  Assn.,  Salem,  Mass.  (T.  M. 

Dix),  161 
Chapel  Hill,  307 
Chapin,  Rev.  Dr.,  509 
Chapman,  Thomas,  15 
Charleston,  S.  C.,  447 
Charleston  College,  S.  C.  (Jewett,  F.   S. 

Holmes),  448 
Charlestown,  Mass.,  139 
Charlotte  Hall,  Md.,  87 
Charlotte   Hall    School,  Md.  (N.  F.   D. 

Browne),  87 
Charlotteville,  N.  Y.,  245 
Chase,  Governor  S.  P.,  5G7 
Chelsea,  Mass.,  140 
Cheraw,  S.  C.,  457 
Cherokee  Baptist  College,  Cassville,  Ga. 

(Rev.  T.  Rambaut),  27 
Cherriman,  J.  B.,  541 
Chester  Co.  Atherueum,  West  Chester,  Pa. 

(Jewett,  W.  Darlington),  427 
Chester  Co.  Cab.  of  Nat.  Sci.,  West  Ches 
ter,  Pa,,  427 
Chester,  Pa.,  348 
Chestertown,  Md.,  88 
Chicago,  111.,  34 

Chi  Delta,  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  466 
Chilicothe,  0.,  312 
Chowan  Fein.  Colleg.  Inst.,  Murfreesboro, 

N.  C.  (Rev.  W.  Hooper),  309 
Chouveau,  Pierre  J.  0.,  577 
Cincinnati,  0.,  313 
Circ.    Lib.,    Haverhill,   Mass.    (W.    H. 

Flanders),  145 
Circ.  Lib  ,   Dorchester    and  Milton    (N. 

Martin),  142 
Cist,  Charles.  396 
City  School  Lib.,  Lowell,  Mass.  (Jewett, 

Josiah  Hubbard,  J.  Judkins),  148 
Clarkville,  Tenn.,  463 
Classes  of  books  read,  xvii 
Classification,  x,  150,  198,  266,  460,  487 


Claypoole,  Abraham,  399 

Clay  Union,  Huntsville,  Texas,  473 

Cleveland,  0.,  322 

Clever  Fellows'  Soc.,  Albion,  Mich.,  182 

Clinton,  Mass.,  140 

Clinton,  N.  Y.,  245 

Cliosophic  Soc.,  Princeton,  N.  J.  (W.  H. 

Woodward),  227 
Clymer,  Ga.,  415 
Coast  Survey  Library,  Washington,  D.  C., 

520 

Cobourg,  Canada,  528 
Cochran,  James  C.,  551 
Colborne,  Sir  John,  549 
Coleman,  William,  390 
Cole,  Rev.  A.  D.,  503 
College  of  Pharmacy,  Boston,  Mass.  (H. 

W.  Lincoln),  102 

Coll.  of  William  &  Mary,  Williamsburg, 
Va.  (T.  T.  L.  Smead,  M.  J.  Smead), 
492. 
College  of  St.  James,  Md.  (Rev.  J.  H. 

Coit),  88 
College  of  New  Jersey,  Princeton  (Prof. 

G.  M.  Giger),  226 
College  of  N'va  S'va  de  Guadalupe,  Santa 

Ines,  Cal.  (C.  Rubis),  6 
ollege  of  the    Holy  Cross,  Worcester, 

Mass.  (Jewett),  179 
College  of  St.  Thomas  of  Villanova,  Phil., 

(Jewett),  382 
College  of  Pharmacy,  Phil.  (S.  F.  Troth), 

420 

Collins,  Henry,  429 
Collinson,  Peter,  392,  408 
Color,  Public  Lib.,  for  People  of,  Phil.  (J. 

M.  Bustill),  420 
!olumbian  College, N.  Y.  (Jewett,  W.  A. 

Jones),  271 
Columbia,  Mo.,  192 
Columbia,  S.  C.,  457 
Columbia,  Tenn.,  463 
Columbia  College,  Washington,  D.  C.  (E. 

T.  Fristoe,  W.  Q.  Force),  507 
Columbus,  Ga.,  28 
Columbus,  0.,  323 
Comer's    Commercial    College,   Boston, 

Mass.,  101 

Common  School  Libraries,  552 
California,  552 
Connecticut,  553 
Indiana,  554 
Iowa,  555 
Massachusetts,  555 
Michigan,  556 
Missouri,  557 
New  Hampshire,  557 


INDEX. 


671 


Common  School  Libraries — 

New  York,  558 

Ohio,  502 

Pennsylvania,  570 

Rhode  Island,  571 

Vermont,  572 

Wisconsin,  572 

Upper  Canada,  576 

Lower  Canada,  577 
Concord,  N.  H.,  205 
Cong.  Lib.  Assn.,  Boston,  Mass.  (Rev.  J. 

B.  Felt),  101 
Connecticut,  6 
Coolidge,  Dr.  R.  H.,  582 
Copyright  Books  and  Law,  519 
Copyright  Library,  Washington,  D.  C.  (W. 

J.  Bromwell),  51 1 
Cortlandt  Lib.,  Peekskill,  N.  Y.,  298 
Court   of    Appeals,    Rochester,    N.    Y. 

(Jewett,  H.  C.  Bloss),  299 
Cox,  Henry,  400 
Cox,  James,  400 
Crawfordsville,  Ind.,  44 
Cromwell,  Conn.  7 
Crowe,  Rev.  John  F.,  51 
Culver,  D.,  410 

Cumberland  Coll.,  Nashville,  Tenn.,  469 
Cumberland     College,    Princeton,     Ky. 

(Rev.  R.  Beard),  60 
Cumberland  Univ.,  Lebanon,  Tenn.   (T. 

C.  Anderson),  466 

Dana,  George,  440 
Danville,  Ky.,  56 
Darlington,  Dr.  William,  428 
Dartmouth    College,    Hanover,    N.    H. 

(Jewett,  0.  P.  Hubbard),  210 
Davenport,  Iowa,  53 
Davidson  Academy,  Nashville,  Tenn., 468 
Davidson  College,  308 
Dawlate,  Thomas  R.,  497 
Day,  Hon.  Thomas,  7 
Dayton,  0.,  324 
Deaf  and  Dumb  Institut.,  Columbus,  0. 

(C.  Stone),  323 

Deaf  and  Dumb  Inst,  Delavan,  Wis.  499. 
Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum,  Fulton,  Mo.(W. 

D.  Kerr),  193 

Deaf  and  Dumb  Institut.,  Indianapolis, 

Ind.  (S.  F.  Dunlap),  46 
Deaf  and  Dumb  Institut,  Jacksonville, 

111.  (P.  G.  Gillet),  41 
De  Bow's  Summary  of  Libraries,  xxiv 
Deerfield,  Mass.,  141 
Deerfield    Academy,    Deerfield,    Mass. 

(Rev.  P.  Smith),  141 
Delafield,  Wis.,  499 


De  la  Hailandiere,  Rev.  C.  G.,  51 

Delavan,  Wis.,  499 

Delaware,  22 

Delaware,  0.,  324 

Delaware  College,  Newark,  Del.  (B.  D. 

Porter),  23 
Delta  Phi  Lit.  Soc.,  Newark,  Del.  (R.  H. 

Williams),  23 
Demosthenian  Soc.,  Athens,  Ga.   (W.  T. 

Mitchell),  26 
Denison  Univ.,  Granville,  0.   (J.  Hall), 

328 
Department  of  State,  Washington,  D.  C. 

(Jewett,  H.  D.  Johnson,  Geo.  Hill), 

510 

Derby,  H.  W.,  44,  563 
Description  of  Books,  403 
Des  Moines,  Iowa,  53 
Des  Moines  College,West  Point,  Iowa  (W. 

C.  Holliday),  55 
Detroit,  Mich.,  184 
Detroit  Observatory,  Ann  Arbor,  Mich., 

184 
Diagnothian,  Lancaster,  Pa.  (J.  R.  Stauf- 

fer),  359,  360 
Dialectic,  Chapel  Hill,  308 
Dialectic  Soc.  of  Cadets,  Lexington,  Va.. 

483 
Dickinson  College,  Carlisle,  Pa.  (Jewett), 

346 

Diego,  Rev.  F.  Garcia,  6 
Dillwyn,  William,  397 
Dinwiddie,  Robt.,  497 
District  of  Columbia,  505 
Dix,  Miss  D.  L.,  37 
Dobson,  Judah,  421 
Dorchester,  Mass.,  141 
Dorchester  and  Milton,  Mass.,  142 
Douglass,  John  T.,  199 
Dover,  Del.,  22 

Dowse  Library,  Boston,  Mass.,  105 
Draper,  Lyman  C.,  501,  574 
Dublin,  N.  H.,  207 
Duncan.  L.  A.,  64 

East  India  Marine  Soc.,  Salem,    Mass. 

(Jewett),  160 
East    Maine   Confer.    Sem.,   Bucksport, 

Me.,  70 

Eastman,  B.  C.,  503 
East  Tenn.,  Univer.,  Knoxville  (Jewett, 

G.  Cooke),  466 
Easton,  Pa.,  348 
East  Windsor,  Conn.,  7 
Eclectic    Med.  Inst.,  Cincinnati,  0.  (D. 

McCarty),  313 
Eclectics,  Albion,  Mich.,  182 


672 


INDEX. 


Edese,  Ben.,  Printing-press,  G6 
Edwards,  Edward,  vi,  x,  xxiv 
Edwards,  Morgan,  433 
Eliot  Lib.  Assn.,  Jamaica  Plain,  Mass. 

(J.  Severns,  T.  J.  Brewer),  146 
Ellicott's  Mills,  Mil.,  89 
Elliott,  Rev.  Stephen,  458 
Elton,  John  P.,  12 
Emerson,  George  B.,  564 
Emory,  Va.,  481 

Emory  College,  Oxford,  Ga.  (Jewett),  30 
Emory  and  Henry  College,  Emory,  Va. 

(Jewett),  481 
Engineer  Department,  Washington,  D.  C. 

(Jewett),  511 

Engravings  in  Smithsonian  Library,  518 
Enosinian,   Washington,  D.    C.    (C.    W. 

Hassler),  510 
Errata,  xxviii 
Erie,  Pa.  (Jewett),  349 
Eroalthean,Hiawassee  College,Tenn.,  465 
Erodelphian,  Oxford,  0.   (H.  M.McCrac- 

ken),  334 
Eromathean,  Germantown,  Tenn.  (A.  M. 

Rafter),  464 
Eromathesian,  Hiawassee  College,  Tenn., 

465 

Erosophian  Adelphi,  Waterville,  Me.,  77 
Erosophian,  Nashville,  Tenn  (0.  B.  Flow 
ers),  472 
Essex  Agric.  Soc.,  Salem,  Mass.  (Jewett), 

160 
Essex  Inst,  Salem,  Mass.  (Jewett,  J.  H. 

Stone,  M.  A.  Stickney),  160 
Essex   N.    Dist.    Med.    Soc,   Haverhill, 

Mass.,  145 
Essex  S.  Dist.  Med.  Soc.,  Salem,  Mass. 

(L.  R.  Stone),  160 
Euphronian,  Franklin  College,  Tenn.  (H. 

R.  Moore),  464 
Eupian,  Lewisburg,  Pa.,  361 
Eusophian,  Independence,  Texas,  473 
Euzelian,  Forestville,N.C.(C.  S.  Ellis).308 
Evanston,  111.,  36 
Evansville,  Ind.,  45 
Excelsior,  Chicago,  111.,  35 
Excelsior,  Springfield,  0.  (E.  Palmer,  E. 

Deeds),  335 
Exchanges,  xxii 
Exeter,  N,  H.,  208 

Parian,  T.  J.,  454,  455 

Fairfax,  Vt,  214 

Fairmount  Theol.  Sem.  Cincinn.  0.,  313 

Fall  River,  Mass.,  142 

Fallsington,  Pa.,  349 

Fayette.  Mo,  193 


Female  Acad.,  Salem,  N.  C.  (Rev.  R.  De 
Schweinitz),  310 

Female  College,  Milwaukie,  Wis.  (S.  E. 
Huntingdon),  502 

Fern.  Coll.  Inst.  and  Wesleyan  Sem.,  Al 
bion,  Mich.  (C.  C.  Olds.  Rev.  T.  H. 
Sinex),  182 

Fem.  Inst.,  Columbia,  Tenn  (Jewett).463 

Fern.  Sem.,  Frederick,  Md.  (H.  Winches 
ter),  89 

Few  Soc.,  Oxford,  Ga.,  30 

First  Free  Public  Library,  154 

First  Mechanics'  Library,  108 

First  Mercantile  Library,  110 

Fisk,  Stephen  P.,  445 

Fitch,  John,  399 

Flaget,  Rev.  Bishop,  56 

Flint,  Mich.,  186 

Florida,  24 

Forbes,  P.  J.,  292 

Fordham,  N.  Y.,  246 

Forest  Club,  Houlton,  Me.  (C.  H.  Carle- 
ton),  72 

Forrestville,  N.  C.,  308 

Forshey,  Col;  C.  G.,  474 

Foster,  Hon.  Theodore,  446 

Fothergill,  Dr.  John,  408,  416 

Four  Monthly  Meeting  of  Friends,  407 

Frampton,  Dr.  Lingard  A.,  449 

Frankfort,  Ky.,  57 

Franklin,  Benj.,  391,  393,  397,  398,  406* 

Franklin,  Mass.,  143 

Franklin  College,  Tenn.  (T.  Fanning), 
464  • 

Franklin  College,  or  Univ.  of  Ga.,  Athens, 
Ga.,  25 

Franklin  Inst,  Phil.,  Pa.  (Jewett,  W. 
Hamilton),  383 

Franklin  Inst,  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  302 

Franklin  and  Marshall  College,  Lancas 
ter,  Pa.,  357 

Franklin  Lib.  Assn.,  Cambridge,  Mass. 
(J.  P.  Richardson),  139 

Franklin  Lib.  Assn.  Hudson,  N.  Y.  (F. 
Bruoh),  254 

Franklin  Lib.  Assn.,  Lawrence,  Mass. 
(F.  G.  Clarke,  G.  A.  Gordon),  146 

Franklin  Lit.  Soc.,  Canonsburg,  Pa.,  345 

Franklin  Lyceum,  Providence,  R.  I.  (W. 
H.  Green),  438 

Franklin  Soc.,  Boydton,  Va.,  481 

Franklin  Soc.,  Easton,  Pa.,  348 

Franklin  Soc.,Mobile,  Ala.(L.  S.  Leeds),  1 

Franklin  Soc.  Providence,  R.  I.  (C.  N. 
Hoyt),  437,  439 

Frederick  City,  Md.,  89 

Free  Academy,  N.  Y.  (J.  G.  Barton),  276 


INDEX. 


G73 


Free  Academy,  Norwich,  Conn.,  21 
Free  Heading-room  Assn.,  Phil.,  383 
Friendly  Assn.,  Cromwell,  Conn.  (A.  F. 

Warner,  D.  B.  Brooks),  7 
Friends'  Boarding-school,  Providence,  R. 

I.,  440 

Friends',  collection  of  books  of,  409 
Friends',  Library  Assn.  of  Phil.,  389 
Friends'  Library  of  Four  Monthly  Meet 
ings,  407,  409 
Fulton,  Mo,  193 

Galesburg,  111.,  30 

Gambier.  0.,  326 

Gardiner,  Me.,  71 

Gayarre",  Hon.  C  ,  62 

Genesee  College,  Lima,  N.   Y.  (Prof.  S. 

Hoyt,  Jos.  Cummings),  254 
Genesee  Lyceum,  Lima,  N.  Y.,  255 
Geneva,  N.  Y  ,  247 
Georgetown,  Del.,  22 
Georgetown,  D.  C.,  505 
Georgetown  College,  D.  C.  (Jas.  Curley, 

Jewett),  505 
Georgetown    College,  Georgetown,   Ky., 

(Jewett,  D.  Thomas,  D.R.Campbell), 

58 

Georgetown,  Ky.,  58 
Georgia,  25 
German  Lib.  of  St.  Clair  Co.,  Belleville, 

111.  (Jewett,  A.  Schott),  33 
German  Soc.,  Phil.,  Pa  (J.  A.  Donath),384 
Germantown,  Tenn.,  464 
Gettysburg,  Pa.,  349 
Gholson,  Thomas  S.,  485 
Gibbs,  Hon.  William  C.,  432 
Gibbs,  Miss  Sarah,  571 
Gilmanton,  N.  H.,  209 
Girard  College,  Phil.,  Pa.(H.W.Arey),385 
Glasgow,  Ky.,  58 
Godfrey,  111.,  37 
Godfrey,  Thomas,  391 
Goethian  Soc.,  Lancaster,  Pa.,  359 
Golden  Branch  Soc.,  Exeter.  N.   H.  (H. 

G.  Palfrey,  J.  E.  Janvier),  208 
Goodwin,  Rev.  D.  R.,  10 
Grace,  Robert,  391,  392 
Graham  Philan.  Soc.,  Lexington,  Va.  (J. 

H.  Boyd),  484 
Granville,  0  ,  328 
Gray,  Dr.  Asa,  183 
Gray,  Mr.,  394 
Great  Falls,  N.  H.,  209 
Greencastle,  Ind.,  46 
Green,  Dr.  John,  181 
Greenfield,  Mass.,  144 
Greeneville,  Tenn.,  465 

43 


Greeneville  College,  Greeneville,  Tenn. 

(S.  V.  McCorkle),  465 
Greenwich,  N.  J.,  219 
Greenwich  Lib.,  Greenwich,  N,  J.  (S.  K. 

Kollock,  N.  Newkirk),  219 
Greenwood,  S.  C,  461 
Grenada,  Miss.,  189 
Griffin,  Ga.,  28 
Groton,  Mass  ,  144 
Groton,  N.  H.,  210 
Growden,  Joseph,  392 
Guild,  R.  A.,  437 

Halifax,  Nova  Scotia,  550 

Hall,  Dr.  J.  C.,  521 

Hallowell,  Me.,  71 

Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  251 

Hamilton  College,  Clinton,  N.  Y.  (Jewett, 

Prof.  A.  J.  Upson),  245 
Hampden  Sidney,  Va.,  482 
Humpden  Sidney  College,  Va.  (C.  Mar 
tin),  482 

Hancock  Lib.  Assn.,  Warsaw,  111.,  42 
Hannibal,  Mo.,  194 
Hanover,  N.  H.,  210 

Hanover  College,  South    Hanover,  Ind. 
(Rev.  J.  F.  Crowe,  J.  Edwards),  51 
Harrisburg,  Pa.,  351 
Harrison,  Joseph,  430 
Hartford,  Conn.,  7 
Hartford  Co.  Law  Assn.,  Hartford,  Conn. 

(C.  J.  Hoadly),  7,  9 
Hartsville,  Pa.,  332 
Hartwick,  N.  Y.,  253 
Harvard     College,     Cambridge,     Mass. 

(Jewett,  J.  H.  Sibley),  122 
Harvard  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,Cambridge,Mass. 

(E.  Swift,  Jr.),  131 
Hassler,  Mr.,  520 
Hasty  Pudding  Club,  Cambridge,  Mass. 

(Jewett,  G.  B.  Chase),  130 
Hatboro,  Pa.,  352 
Haven,  S.  F.,  177 
Haverford,  Pa.,  353 
Haverford  College,  Haverford,  Pa.,  353 
Haverhill,  Mass.,  145 
Heidelberg    College,    Tiffin,    0.    (J.    H. 

Good),  337 
Henry,  Patrick.  496 
Henry,  Prof.  Jos.,  229,  516,  517 
Henry,  Rev.  Dr.,  45S 
Hermean  Soc.,  Geneva,  N.  Y.  (J.  H.  Tink- 

ham),  251 
Hermesian,  Emory,  Va  ,481 
Herron,  Hon.  A.  S.,  62 
Hewes,  Josiah,  398 
Hiawassee  Coll.,  Tenn.(J.  H.Bruner),465 


674 


INDEX. 


Hildreth,  Dr.  S.  P.  331 

Hillsboro,  111.,  37 

Hillsboro  College,  Hillsboro,  111.  (J.  M. 

Lingle),  37 
Hillsborougb,  0.,  328 
Hist,    and    Antiq.    Soc.,  Montpelier,  Vt. 

(Jewett),  478 
Hist,  and  Geol.  Inst,  Burlington,  Iowa 

(R.  M.  Green),  52 

Hist,  and  Phil.  Soc.,  Ash  tabula  Co.,  Jef 
ferson,  0.,  330 
Hist,  and  Phil,  Soc.,  Mo.,  Jefferson  City, 

Mo.  (Jewett),  194 
Hist,  and  Phil.  Soc.  of  0.,  Cincinnati,  0. 

(Rev.  W.  B.  Rally),  313 
Hist,    and    Phil.    Soc.,    Richmond,    Va. 

(Jewett),  488 

Hist.  Soc.,  Chicago,  111.  (W.  Barry),  34 
Hist.  Soc.  Cincinnati,  0.(G.  Graham),  313 
Hist.  Soc.  of  Conn.  (Jewett),  S 
Hist.  Soc.  of  Florida,  St.  Augustine  (R. 

B.  Gibbs),  25 
Hist.    Soc.    of   Georgia,    Savannah,    Ga. 

(Jewett),  31 
Hist.   Soc.,  Indianapolis,  Ind.  (John   B. 

Dillon),  40 
Hist.    Soc.   of   Iowa,  Iowa    City   (John 

Pattee),  54 
Hist.  Soc.  of  Maine,  Brunswick,  Me.  (A. 

S.  Packard),  09 
Hist.  Soc.  of  Maryland,  Baltimore,  Md. 

(Jewett),  79 
Hist.  Soc.  of  Massachusetts,  Boston,  Mass. 

(Jewett),  102 
Hist.  Soc.  of  Michigan,  Detroit  (Geo.  S. 

Frost),  184 

Hist.  Soc.  of  Minnesota,  St.  Paul,  188 
Hist.  Soc.  of  New  Hampshire,  Concord 

(Jewett),  205 
Hist.   Soc.  of  New  Jersey,  Newark  (S. 

H.  Congar),  223 

Hist.  Soc.  of  New  York  (Jewett),  288 
Hist.  Soc.  of  Pennsylvania,  Phil.  (Jewett, 

T.  Ward),  385 
Hist.  Soc.  of  Rhode  Island,  Providence, 

(Jewett,  E.  M.  Stone),  446 
Hist.  Soc.  of  Wisconsin,  Madison  (L.  C 

Draper),  499 
Hitchcock,  Gen  ,  3 
Hoadly,  C.  J.,  12 
Hoadly,  Geo.,  Cincinnati,  0.,  314 
Hobart,  Bishop,  on  Objects  of  Colleges, 

250 
Hobart  Free  College,  Geneva.  N.  Y.  (B. 

Hale,  Rev.  K.  Metcalf),  247 
Hodges  Institute,  Greenwood,  S.  C.  (W. 

P.  McKellar),  401 


Hodgins,  Thos.,  528 

Hogan,  J  ,  202 

Holmes,  F.  S ,  450 

Holt,  Nathan,  352 

Hopkins,  Admiral  Ezekiel,  440 

Hopkinson,  Thos.,  391 

Horticultural  Society  of  Penn.,  Phil.  (T. 

P.  James).  415 
Hospital,  Boston.  Mass.,  105 
Hospital,    Perm.;   Phil.    (Jewett,  W.   H. 

Gobrecht,  W.  A.  Dobbyn),  410 
Hospital,  N.  Y.  (Jewett),  288 
Hottinger,  Baron,  432 
Houlton,  Me.,  72 
House  of  Representatives,  Washington, 

D.  C.  (C.  B  Adams),  513 
Howe,  Dr.,  Printing  for  the  Blind,  40 
Howard  High  School,  Fayette,  Mo.  (Rev. 

W.  T.  Lucky),  193 
Howard,  P.  T.,  487 
Hudson,  N.  Y.,  254 
Hudson,  0.,  329 
Humphreys,  Gen.  D.,  18 
Huntsville,  Texas,  472 


Illinois,  32 

Illinois     College,    Jacksonville    (R.    C. 

Crampton),  37 
Illinois  Institute,  43 
Illinois  State  University,  Springfield,  111. 

(S.  W.  Harkey),  41 
Independence,  Texas,  473 
Indiana,  43 
Indiana  Asbury  University,  Greencastle, 

Ind.  (S.  A.  Lattimore),  40 
Indianapolis,  Ind.,  40 
Ingham  Collegiate  Inst.,  Le  Roy,  N.  Y. 

(Rev.  S.  H.  Cox),  254 
Injury  done  to  Books,  322,  448 
Insane  Asylum,  Columbus,  O.  (R.  Hills), 

323 
Insane  Asylum,  Fulton,  Mo.  (Dr.  T.  R. 

H.  Smith),  193 
Insane  Asylum,  Utica,  N.  Y.  (J.  B.  Cha- 

pin),  305 

Insane  Hospital,  Augusta,  Me.,  05 
Insane  Hospital,  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  40 
Insane    Hospital,  Jacksonville,   111.    (A. 

McFarland),  37 
Insane  Hospital  of  Penn.,  Harrisburg,  Pa. 

(Jno.  Curwen),  351 
Insane  Hospital,  Phil.  (T.  S.  Kirkbride), 

417 

Insects,  injury  by,  448 
Institute,  Albany,  N.   Y.  (J.  H.  Hickox), 

229 


INDEX. 


G75 


Institute  for  Colored  Youth,  Phil.  (J.  M. 

Bustill),  387 
Institute  of  1770,  Cambridge,  Mass.  (E. 

S.  Dunster),  128 
Institute,  Phil.,  419 
Institute,  Springfield,  Mass.  (George  A. 

Otis),  1G5 
Iowa,  52 
Iowa  City,  54 
Iowa  College,  Davenport,  Iowa  (Rev.  E. 

Ripley),  53 
Iowa  Wesleyan  Univ.,  Mt.  Pleasant  (Rev. 

L.  W.  Berry),  54 
Ironton,  0.,  330 

Irving  Lit.  Inst.,  Erie,  Pa.,  Jewett,  349 
Irving  Soc.  (College  of  St.  James),  Md., 

89 


Jackson      College,      Columbia.      Tenn. 

(Jewett,  S.  W.  Mitchell),  454 
Jackson,  La.,  02 
Jackson,  Miss.,  189 
Jackson,  Tenn.,  4 05 
Jacksonville.  Fla.,  24 
Jacksonville^  111 ,  37 
Jamaica  Plain,  Miss.,  140 
James  I,  400 
Jefferson  City,  Mo.,  194 
Jefferson   College,  Canonsburg.  Pa.   (A. 

Williams),  344 

Jefferson  Lit.  Soc.,  Washington,  O.,  338 
Jefferson,  O.,  330 

Jefferson,  Thomas,  497,  507,  508,  512 
Jewett,  Prof.  C.  C.,  v,  xxiii,  434 
Johnston,  Robert,  432 
Jones,  W.  F.,  481 
Jonestown,  Pa ,  354 
Jordan,  Robert,  407 
Jubilee  College,  Robin's  Nest,  111.,  39 
Juvenile  Library,  Dublin,  N.  H.  (Rev. 

W.  F.  Bridge),  207 


Kalamazoo,  Mich.  ISO 

Kansas,  505 

Kent's  Hill,  Me.,  72 

Kentucky,  55 

Kenyon  College  and  Theol.  Sem.  of  the 

Diocese  of  Ohio,  Garnbier  (Jewett, 

Rev.  J.  H.  C.  Bonte),  320 
Kimball  Union  Acad.,  Meriden,  N.   H. 

(C.  S.  Richards),  214 
King,  Chas.  B.,  432 
King  of  Prussia,  Pa.,  350 
King's    College,  Windsor,   Nova    Scotia. 

550 


Kingston,  Canada,  529 

Kingston,  G.  T.,  541 

Knox  College,  Galesburg,  111.  (A.  Kurd), 

30 

Knox's  College,  Toronto,  538 
Knoxville,  Tenn.,  400 


Ladies'  Auxiliary  Christ.  Assn.,  Charles 
ton,  S.  C.,  457 
Ladies'     Home     Lib.,    Thomaston,    Me. 

(Mary  J.  Bailey),  70 
Ladies'  Lib.,  Kalamazoo,  Mich.  (Mrs.  H. 

A.   J.  Seeley,  Henrietta  S.  Taylor), 

180 

Ladies'  Lit.  Soc.,  Lima,  N.  Y.,  255 
Ladies'  Sigourney  Lib.,  Logansport,  Ind. 

(Jewett,  Mrs.  J.  Vigus),  47 
Lafayette  Coll.,  Easton,  Pa.,  Jewett,  348 
Lancaster,  Mass.,  140 
Lancaster,  Pa,  357 
Lane,  Sarah,  417 
Lane  Theol  Sem.,  Cincinnati,  O.(Jewett), 

314 

Languages,  Books  in  Different,  xxi 
Lansing,  Mich.,  187 
Laporte,  Ind.,  47 
Larcombe,  Rev.  T.,  383 
Laurie,  Rev.  Dr.,  521 
Laval,  Francois  de  Montmorency,  535 
Laval  Univ.,  Quebec,  Canada,  535 
Law  Assn.,  Hartford,  Conn.,  7,  9 
Law  Assn.,  Phil.    (Jewett,  J.  W.  Wai- 

lace),  387 

Law  Institute,  N.  Y.  (Jewett),  290 
Law  Library,  Cambridge,  Mass.,  127 
Law  Lib.,  Cincinnati,  O.  (Geo.  Hoadley, 

John  Bradley),  314 
Law  Lib.,  Louisville,  Ky.,  GO 
Law  Lib.   of  Congress,  Washington,  D. 

C.,  512 
Law  Library,  St.  Louis,  Mo.  (C.  D.  Drake), 

200 
Lawrence    Acad.,  Groton,  Mass.  (E.  J. 

Marsh),  114 
Lawrence,  Mass.,  140 
Lawrence  Univ.,  Appleton,  Wis.  (N.  E. 

Cobleigh),  498 

Law  Soc.  of  U.  C.,  Toronto,  Canada,  538 
Lear,  Tobias,  399 
Lebanon,  111 ,  38 
Lebanon,  Tenn.,  400 
Lectures,  199 
Lefroy,  Col.,  540,  541 
Legislative  Lib.  of  S    C.,  Columbia  (J. 

G.  Bowman).  457 
Lenox,  Mass ,  148 


INDEX. 


Lennoxville,  Conn..  530  '  Lib.  Co.,  Wilmington.  Del.  (A.  II.  Grim- 
Leonard,  Or.,  007  shaw.  W.  Caule.  K.  T.  Taylor).  04 

Le  Roy,  N.  V.,  054  i  Lib.,  Brooklyn,  N.   Y.  (Jewett,  O.  Hull), 
Lettsom,  Dr.,  -117  030 

Lewisburg.  Pa.,  3ol  Library,  Castine,  Me.  (C.  J.  Abbott),  71 

Lexington.  Ky  ,  50  :  Library,  Concord, N.  H.  (\V.  F.  Goodwin), 
Lexington,  Mo..   100  000 

Lexington.  S.  C.,  400  Library,  Exeter.  N.    II.  (X.  Shine,  N.  F. 
Lexington,  Va.,  4  S3  Carter1),  OOS 

Lib.  Assn  ,  Alton,  111.  (U.  Smith),  30  '  Library,  Franklin.  Mass..  143 

Lib.  Assn..  Brnttleboro  (C.  S.  Thompson,  j  Library,  Grenada,  Miss.  (J.  W.  Garev), 

K.  .1.  Carpenter.  L.  G.  Mead).  -175  ISO 

Lib.  Assn.,  Carbondale,  111.  (R.  K.  Brush).  Library,  Groton,  X.  11.,  010 

34  Library,  Lancaster,   Mass.   (H.  C.   Kim- 
Lib.  Assn.,  Chelsea,  Mass.  (J.   H.  Butts). :  ball),  1  to 

I -10  Librarv,  Lexington,  Ky.,  50 

Lib.  Assn.,  Dayton.  O.  (G.  W.  Ilonek.  G.  Library,  Manchester,  X.  II.  (F.  I>.  Katon), 

W.  Smith),  324  OJO 

Lib.  Assn.,  Kvansville,  tnd   (.1.  F   Crisp1!.  Library.    Xew    Bedford,    Mass.    (R.    C. 

45  Ingraham),  150 

Lib.  Assn..  Greenfield,  Mass   i^C.  Allen),  Library.    Xewburyport.    Mass.     (H.     A. 

I -I -I  Tenney),   155 

Lib.  Assn  ,  Ironton.  O   (W.  W.  .lohnsou).  Library.    Petersburg,    Va.    ^T.    S.    Plea- 

330  sains),  -IS5 

Lib.   Assn..  Lenox.  Mass    (J.  llotehkin).  Library.  Qiiiivy.  111.  ^S.  Jonas^l.  3S 

I  IS  Library,   Steub'enville.  O.    (M.  H.  Urqn- 
Lib.  Assn,  Lynn.  Mass    ^X.  J.  HoldenV  hart,  .las.  Wyatt.  .1.  M.  ShaneV  337 

150  Librarv,  Vineennes,  Ind.  (Je\vett\  30 

Lih.  Assn,  Madison,  Ind.  (\\  C.  Byrno\  Library,  Washington,  D.  C.  (W.  Q.  Force), 

-IS  501 

Lib.  Assn.,  Madison.  Va.  (Jewett).  -tS-l  Library,  West  Roxlniry.  Mass..  loS 

Lib.  Assn  ,  Xorth  Htooktield,  Mass.  ^Kev.  Library.  Wobnrn,  Mass.  ^L.  L.  Whitney), 

C.  dishing,  Cieo   H    Lowe).  15o  170 

Lib.  Assn..  Peoria.  111..  SS  ,  Library  of  Congress,   Washington,  P.  C. 
Lib.   Assn,  Salmon   Falls,  X.   H.   (G.  B.  (J.  S.  Meehan).  Ml 

Sawyer1).  01S  Lib.  S.v..  Charleston,  S.  C.   (Jewett.  A. 
Lib.  Assn..  St.  Anthony.  Minn.  ^Jewett).'  H.  Ma.'vek\  -150 

1SS  ;  Lillie.  Rev.  Adam,  537 

Lib.   Assn.,  Swampseott,   Mass.    ^W.  D.  Lima,  X.  Y.,  054 

Bvaeket^.  loo  Lindsey,  Rev.  Philip.  460.  470 
Lib.  Assn  ,  of  Friends,  Phil    (X.   Kite,  J. '  Linoniun     Siv..     Xew     Haven,     Conn. 

S.  Stokes),  3SO  (JewettV  IS 

Library  HniKlmgs,  vi  List  of  Libraries,  etc.,  5S5 

Lib.  Co..  Chester.  Pa.   (J.  P.  F.yre,  J.  M.  Literary  Adelphi,  Xew  Hampton.  X.  II. 

M.  Alien).  3  IS  (f.  W.  Chadwiek.  D.  J.  B.  Sargent, 

Lib.   Co.  F.aston.  Pa.  ^B.  Clemens,  B    R.  J.  F.rskiae.  J.  P.  Xatting\.  014 

S\\iftV34S  Lit.   and    Bib.    Institut.,  New   Hampton, 
Lib.  Co.,  Kalsington.  Pa.   (K.   Hance.  R.  X.  H.014 

Snnerwaite.  Margaret  Pruv\  340  Lit.  and  Hist.  Soe..  Quebec.  Canada,  53t> 

Lib.  Co.  Newcastle,  Del  (S.  Gnthrie).  03  Lit.  and  Sei.  Sw .  Toronto.  Canada.  545 

L:b.  Co  .Xorristown,  Pa.^W.  Mv-Devmott).  Literary  Assn.,  Parkersbnrg.Va  ( Jewett). 

3o4  4S"l 

Lib.     Co.,    Philadelphia    (L.    P.     Smith.  Literary  Assn.,  Toronto.  Canada.  543 

JewetO.  300  Literary   Fraternity,  Waterville.  Me.   (J. 
Lib.  Co..  Providence,  R.  L.  441  C/Fales).  77" 

Lib.    Co.,  Sandy   Sp-riiii:  ^R.  T.  BentonV  Literary    Institute.    Hannibal.    Mo.    (H. 

SO  Meredith).  104 


INDEX. 


b  <  t 


Lit.  Boo.,  Cheruw,  S.  C.    (J.  J.  Wester-; 

veil).  -lf>7 

Lit.  Sen1.,  liouniey,  Va.  (Jewett),  489 
Loiran.  James:,  391,  401 
Logan,  Win.,  397,  -101 
Loganian  Lib,  Phil.,  390,  -101 
Loganian,  Havericmt,  Pa.,  353 
Logan  sport,  1ml.,  47 
Louisiana,  01 
Louis  XVI,  497 
Louisville,  l\y.,  00 
Lou-ell.  Mass.,  148 
Lutheran   Hist.  Soe.,  Gettysburg,  Pa.  (S.  ! 

S.  Selnnueker),  300 
Lyceum  and  Lib.  Sue.,  New  Orleans,  La. 

(Jewett),  03 
Lyceum  and  Lib.  Assn.,  West  Hoboken, 

N.  J.  (J.  Aleorn,  John  Syins),  228 
Lyceum  and  Lib,  Assn.,  Worcester,  Mass. 

(J.  W.  Higginson,  N.  Paine),  ISO 
Lyceum,  Ca/.enovia,  N.  Y.,  244 
Lyceum,  Manchester,  Mass.  (G.  F.  Rust), 

150 
Lyceum   of   Nat.   Hist,  N.   Y.   (Jewett), 

27G 

Lyceum,  Roxboro,  Pa.,  420 
Lyceum    Soe.,  Crawfordsville,  Ind.    (C. 

R.  Ilaskell),  45 
Lyndhnrst,  Lord,  432 
Lynn.  Mass.,  lf>0 

Machias,  Me.,  73 

Macken/.ie,  Win  ,  400,  402 

MacMullin,  J.,  292 

Macon,  Ga.,  29 

Madison,  Ind.,  48 

Madison,  James,  491.  507,  508 

Madison  Univ.,  Hamilton,  N.  Y.  (Jewett, 

P.  B.  Spear),  251 
Madison,  Va.,  484 
Madison,  Wis.,  499 
Magnetic  Instruments,  542 
Magnetical  and    Meteorol.  Observatory, 

Toronto,  540 
Maine,  04 

Manchester,  Mass.,  150 
Manchester,  N.  II.,  212 
Manton,  Amasa,  571 
Manual  Labor  School  for  Indigent  Boys, 

Baltimore,  Md.,  78 
Manufac.  and   Village  Lib.,  Great  Falls, 

N.   II.  (II.    E.  Sawyer,  J.  A.   Bur- 

leigh),  209 
Manuscripts,  403 
Map-case,  445 
Marietta    College,    Marietta,    0.    (E.    P. 

Walker,  Jewett,  Thos.  Vinton),  331 


Marietta  Hist.  Assn.,  Marietta,  0.,  332 
Marietta  Lib.,   Marietta,  0.    (T.  Vinton), 

333 

Marietta,  0,  331 
Marlborough,  Mass,  151 
Marrigault,  Gabriel,  455 
Marshall  College,  Grillin,  Ga.,  2S 
Marshall  College,  Lancaster,  Pa.,  35S 
Martin,  C.,  482 
Maryland,  77 
Marysville     Lib.  Assoc.  Cal.,    (John  T. 

McLean),  2 
Mary vi lie  College,  Maryville,  Tenn.   (J. 

"S.  Craig,  S.  B.  King),  407 
Maryville,  Tenn.,  407 
Masonic  College,  Lexington,  Mo.  (W.  T. 

Davis),  190 
Massachusetts,  90 
Mattapan   Lib.  Assn  ,  Dorchester,  Mass. 

(John  S   Smith),  142 
Maturin,  Rev.  E.,  550 
Mausoleum  in  Texas,  474 
Maxwell,  Mr.,  488 
Maryland  Institute,  Baltimore,  Md.  (Jno 

"S.  Selby),  81 
McDonell,  Bishop,  520 
McDowell,  Dr.,  421 
McGill,  James,  532 

McGill  Univ.  Soe,,  Montreal,  Canada,  534 
McGrawville,  N.  Y  ,  255 
McKendree  College,  Lebanon,  111.  (G.  C. 

Jones),  38 

McKen/.ie,  John,  453 
McLain,  T.  J,  329 
McLellan,  Hon.  Brice,  05 
Meadville,  Pa.,  302 
Mechanical  Fire  Co.,  Baltimore.  Md.  (R. 

B.  McColm),  84 
Mecb.  Apprentices'  Lib.  Assn.,  Boston, 

Mass.  (W.  S.  Reading,  Jewett),  108 
Mecb.  Assn.,  Gardiner,  Me.  (II.  K.  Mor- 

rell,  Jas  D   Moore),  71 
Meeb.  Assn.,  Bangor,  Me.  (W.  Bartlett),0(; 
Mech     Assn.,  Worcester,  Mass.   (W.  W. 

Rice),  180 

Maine  Charit.  Mech.  Assn.,  Portland,  73 
Maine  Wcsleyan  Sem.,  Kent's  Hill,  72 
Mechanics1  Institute,  Chicago,  111.,  35 
Mech.  Inst,  Cincinnati,  0  (J.  B.  Heich), 

315,  310 

Mech.  Inst,  Louisville,  Ky.,  00 
Mech.     List.,    Nashville,    Tenn.     (J.    A. 

Creighton,  John  Meigs),  4t')7 
Mech.  Inst.,  N.  Y.  (Jewett),  277 
Meeh.  Inst.,  Richmond,  Va  ,  489 
Mech      Inst.,    Southwark,    Phil.    (T.    J. 

Comly),  409 


678 


INDEX. 


Mech.  Inst.,  Toronto,  Canada,  544 
Mech.    Lib,  Lancaster,  Pa.    (P.    McCo- 

nomy),  300 

Mech.  Lib,  Newport,  R.  I.  (Jevvett),428  j 
Mech.  Lib.,  Portland,  Me.   (P.  W.  Neal, ; 

H.  Willis),  73 

Mech.  Soc.,  Detroit  (John  Farrar),  185     j 
Medford,  Mass.,  151 
Medical  College,  Albany,  N.  Y.  (T.  Hun),  [ 

229 

Medical  College,  Laporte,  Ind  ,  47 
Medical  College,  Cincinnati,  0.  (Jewett), 

314 
Medical  College  of  Ga.  (Jewett,  Dr.  L 

A.  Dugas),  20 
Medical  College,  Savannah,  Ga.  (J.  Har- ! 

ris).  31 

Medical  College,  Washington,  D.  C.,  509 
Med.  Dept.,  Lexington,  Ky.  (R.Peter),  GO  ! 
Med.  Lib,  Cambridge,  Mass.,  128 
Med.  Lib.,  Hanover,  N.  H.,  210 
Med.  School  of  Me ,  Brunswick,  70 
Med.  Soc.  of  State  of  S.  C,  Charleston, 

S.  C.  (Jewett,  H.  K.  Frost),  450 
Mercantile    Lib.  Assn.,  Bangor,  Me.  (T.  j 

Smith),  05 
Mercan.  Lib.  Assn.,  Boston,  Mass.  (E.  B. 

Hinckley),  110 
Mercan.  Lib.  Assn.,  New  Orleans,  La., 

03 
Mercan.  Lib.  Assn.,N.  Y.  (S.  H.  Grant), 

277 
Mercan.   Lib.  Assn.,  Portsmouth.  N.   H. 

(J.  W.  Tnckerman),  217 
Mercan.  Lib.  Assn.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 

(H.  Davis,  W.  H.  Mowe),  xvii,  3 
Mercan.  Lib.  Assn.,  St.  Louis,  Mo.   (W. 

P.  Curtis),  197 
Mercan.  Lib.   Co.,  Baltimore,  Md.   (Jas. 

Green).  85 
Mercan.  Lib.  Co.,  Phil.  (S.  C.  Brace,  J. 

Edmonds),  410 

Mercan.  Lib.,  Portland,  Me.  (F.  Robin 
son,  H.  Willis),  73 
Mercersburg,  Pa.,  304 
Mercer  Univ.,  Penfiekl,  Ga.  (Jewett),  30 
Merchants'  and  Clerks'  Lib.  Assn.,  N.  Y. 

(M.  L.  Schaefer),  288 
Meriden,  N.  H.,  214 
Metcalf,  Hon.  Theron,  433 
Meteorological    Observatory  and  Instru 
ments,  542 
Methodist   General    Bib.  Inst.,  Concord, 

N.  H.,205 
Miami  University,  Oxford,  0.  (Jewett,  C. 

Elliot),  334 
Michaux,  Andre.  455 


Michigan,  182 

Middlebury    College,    Middlebury,    Vt. 

(Jewett),  477 
Middlebury,  Vt..  477 
Middlesex  Mech.  Assn.,  Lowell,  Mass. 

(Jewett,  J.  Powers),  149 
Middlesex  N.   Dist.   Med.  Soc.,  Lowell, 

Mass.  (N.  B.  Edwards),  150 
Middletown,  Conn.,  15 
Milledgeville,  Ga.,29 
Miles,  J.  W.,  450 
Military  Libraries,  582 
Miller  Academy,  Washington,  0.   (J.  E. 

Alexander),  338 
Millington,  Dr.  John,  497 
Mills,  C.,  555 
Milwaukie,  Wis.,  502 
Minnesota,  188 
Mishawum  Literary  Assn.,  Charlestown, 

Mass.  (W.  H.  Finney),  139 
Misokosmian  Soc.,  Providence,  R.  I. ,437 
Missionary  Soc.,  Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  252 
Missionary  Soc.,  Toronto,  538 
Mississippi,  189 
Missouri,  192 
Missouri  Univ.,  Columbia,  Mo.    (B.   S. 

Head),  192 
Mobile,  Ala.,  1 
Monroe,  James,  495,  509 
Monterey  Cal.  Lib.  Assn.  (D.  R.  Ashley),2 
Montgomery    Masonic    College,    Tenn., 

403 
Monticello    Fern.     Sem.,    Godfrey,    111. 

(Miss  P.  Fobes),  37 
Montpelier,  Vt.,  478 
Montreal,  Canada,  531 
Morris  Inst.   and  Apprentices'  Lib.   (E. 

J.  Cooper),  219 
Morrison,  Jacob,  503 
Morristown,  N.  J.,  219 
Mount  Lebanon,  La.,  03 
Mount  Pleasant  College,  Pa.,  339 
Mount  Pleasant,  Iowa,  54 
Mount  Pleasant,  N.  C.,  309 
Mount  Vernon  Soc.,  Chestertown,  Md., 

88 

Moyamensing  Lit.  Irist.,  Phil.  (W.  Dick- 
son,  T.  E.  Harper),  415 
Munford,  G.  W.,  488 
Murfreesboro,  N.  C.,  309 
Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  407 
Museums,  547 

Museum  of  Nat.  Hist.,  Charleston,  450 
Museum  of  Smithsonian  Institution,  519 
Musical  Fund  Soc.,  Boston,  Mass.,  116 
Mu  Sigma  R-ho    Soc.,  Richmond,  Va., 
487 


INDEX. 


G79 


Nantucket,  Mass.,  151 

Nash,  Gen.  Francis,  4G8 

Nashotah  House,  or  Theol.  Sem.,  Dela- 
field,  Wis.  (A.  D.  Cole),  499 

Nashville,  Tenn.,  407 

National  Institute,  Washington,  D.  C. 
(Jewett,  J.  Tyssowski,  W.  W.  Tur 
ner),  513 

National  Observatory,  Washington,  D.  C. 
(J.  S.  Hubbard),  514 

Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  Bridgewater,  Mass.  (P. 
Howes),  121 

Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  Montreal,  Canada,  532 

Naval  Acad.,  Annapolis,  Md.  (W.  Chau- 
venet),  78 

Naval  Hospital,  Pensacola,Fla.  (Jewett), 
24 

Neander's  Library,  300 

Nebraska,  525 

Neotrophian,  Bethany,  Va.  (W.  F.  Jones), 
481 

Nettleton  Rhetorical  Soc.,  East  Windsor, 
Conn.,  7 

Newark,  Del.,  23 

Newark,  N.  J.,  220 

Newark  Lib.  Assn.  (F.  W.  Ricord),  220 

New  Bedford,  Mass.,  152 

New  Bedford  Free  Pub.  Library,  xvii,  152 

Newberry  College  and  Theol.  Sem., New- 
berry,  S.  C. 

New  Britain,  Conn.,  1G 

New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  223 

Newburg,  N.  Y.,  255 

Newburyport,  Mass.,  155 

Newcastle,  Del.,  23 

New  England  Hist,  and  Gen.  Soc.,  Bos 
ton,  Mass. (Jewett,  T.  B.Wyman),116 

New  Hampshire,  205 

New  Hampton,  N.  H.,  214 

New  Haven,  Conn.,  16 

New  Ipswich,  N.  H.,  215 

New  Jersey,  2 1 9 

New  London,  Conn.,  21 

New  Mexico,  525 

New  Orleans,  La.,  03 

Newport,  R.  I.,  428 

Newspapers,  403,  404 

Newton  Centre,  Mass.,  150 

Newton  Colleg.  Inst.,  Newton,  N.'  J.  (J. 
S.  Smith),  220 

Newton,  N.  J..  220 

Newton  Theol.  Ir.st.,  Newton  Centre, 
Mass.  (A.  Hovey),  150 

New  York,  229 

New  York  City,  255 

N.  Y.  Central  College,  McGrawville,  N. 
Y.  (A.  Smith),  255 


N.  Y.   Conference    Sem.,  Charlotteville, 

N.  Y.  (Prof.  A.  Flack),  245 
N.  Y.  Soc.  Lib.,  N.  Y.  (Jewett),  291 
Nichols,  Jos.  H.,  503 
Nobili,  Rev.  John,  5 
Normal  School,  Albany,  N.  Y.  (Jewett), 

230 
Normal  School,  Westfield,  Mass.  (J.  L. 

Martin),  107 
Norris,  Samuel,  394 
Norristown,  Pa.,  304 
Northampton,  Mass.,  156 
North  Brookiield,  Mass.,  150 
North  Carolina,  307 
Northern  Acad.  of  Arts  and  Sci.,  Hanover, 

N.  H.  (Jewett,  Prof.  E.  D.  Sanborn), 

210,  212 
Northwestern  Univ.,  Evanston,  111.   (W. 

D.  Godrnan),  36 
Norwich,  Conn.,  21 
Norwich,  Vt.,  478 
Norwich  Univ.,  (Jewett,  A.   Jackman). 

478 

Notre  Dame  du  Lac,  Ind.,  50 
Nova  Scotia,  550 
Number  of  volumes  Read,  xx 
Nu  Pi  Kappa  Soc.,  Gambier,  0.  (W.  H. 

Hays,  W.  R.  Madeira),  327,  328 


Oakland  College,  Oakland,  Miss.  (Jewett. 

R.  Patterson),  190 
Oakland  Fern.  Inst.,  Norristown,  Pa.  (J. 

G.  Ralston),  364 
Oakland    Fern.    Sem.,  Hillsborough,  0. 

(J.  McD.  Matthews),  328 
Oakland,  Miss.,  190 
Obetlin  College,  0.  (H.  Hill),  333 
Oberlin,  0.,  333 

Observatory,  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.,  184 
Observatory,  Georgetown,  D.  C.,  500 
Observatory,  Haverford,  Pa.,  354 
Observatory,   Mag.    and    Met,   Toronto, 

540 
Odd  Fellows'  Lib.,  Baltimore,  Md.  (Jno. 

Shotten),  85 

Odd  Fellows'  Lib.,  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  4 
Ogilvie,  Jas.,  431 
Oglethorpe     Univ.,    Milledgeville,    Ga. 

(Jewett,  C.  W.  Lane),  29 
Ohio,  310 
Ohio  Univ.,  Athens,  0.  (W.  H.  Young), 

310 
Ohio  Wesleyan  Univ.,  Delaware,  0.  (S. 

W.  Williams),  324 
Old  Colony  Hist.  Soc.,  Taunton,  Mass. 

(S.  H.  Emery),  166 


680 


INDEX. 


Old  Colony  Pilgrim  Soc.,  Plymouth, 
Mass.  (Jevvett),  157 

Olympia,  Wash.  Ter.,  526 

Omacatl  Soc.,  N.  Y.  (H.  Baldwin),  294 

OneidaConf.  Sem.,Cazenovia,N.  Y.  (H. 
Bannister),  244 

Oregon,  525 

Orthological  Soc.,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  202 

Osgood,  Rev.  Samuel,  435 

Otis,  Joseph,  22 

Otis  Lib.,  Norwich,  Conn.  (H.  B.  Buck 
ingham),  22 

Ottawa,  Canada,  535 

Otterbein  Univ..  Westerville,  0.  (J.  Hay- 
wood),  338 

Oxford,  Ga.,  30 

Oxford,  Miss.,  191 

Oxford,  0.,  334 


Pacific   Mills,   Lawrence,   Mass.    (John 

Fallen),  147 
Pacific  Univ.,  The  Grove,  Oregon  (S.  H. 

Marsh),  526 

Packard,  Fred.  A.,  377,  579 
Packard,  Rev.  J.,  491 
Parish    Lib.,    Cambridge,  Mass.    (C.    F 

Livermore),  139 
Parish    Lib.,  Marlborough,  Mass.    (Jas. 

Alger),  ]51 
Parkersburg,  Va.,  484 
Parthenon,  Albion,  Mich.,  182 
Parthenon,  Hartford,  Conn.,  12 
Patent  Office,  Washington,  D.  C.  (W.  W. 

Turner),  514 
Peabody   Inst.,  Baltimore,  Md.   (W.   E. 

Mayhew),  86 
Peabody  Inst.,  South  Danvers,  Mass.  (F. 

Poole,  E.  B.  Hinckley),  161 
Peck  Lib.,  Norwich  Conn.,  21 
Peekskill,  N.  Y.,  298 
Peithologian  Soc.,  Middletown,  Conn.  (G. 

C.  Smith),  15 
Pella,  Iowa,  55 
Pemberton,  John,  408 
Penn,  John,  393,  394 
Penn,  Thomas,  392,  394,  401 
Penfield,  Ga.,  30 
Penfield,  Josiah,  30 
Penitentiary,  Alton,  III.  (S.    Y.  McMas- 

ters),  32 

Penitentiary,  Phil.  (F.  Larcomb),  383 
Pennsylvania,  342 
Penn.    College,  Gettysburg,  Pa.    (F.  A. 

Muhlenberg),  349 
Penn.  Fern.  College,  Pcrkiomen  Bridge, 

Pa,  365 


Pensacola,  Fla.,  24 
Peoria,  111.,  38 
Periodicals,  230,281 
Perkiomen  Bridge,  Pa.,  365 
|  Pernot,  C.,  247 
Perrin's    Circulating    Lib.,    Providence, 

R.  I.  (D.  Perrin),  440 
Petersburg,  Va.,  485 
Pencinian  Soc.,  Brunswick,  Me.  (G.  C. 

Moses,  B.  B.  Kingsbury),  68 
Phcenix  Soc.,  Clinton,  N.  Y.,  246 
Phi  Beta  Kappa,  Cambridge,  Mass.  (G. 

C.  Sawyer),  131 

Phi  Beta  Kappa,  Williamsburg,  Va.,  495 
Phi  Delta,  Hudson,  0.  (H.  M.  Newton), 

329 

Phi  Delta,  Milledgeville,  Ga.,  29 
Phi  Gamma  Soc.,  Oxford,  Ga.,  30 
Phi  Kappa,  Athens.  Ga.,  20 
Philadelphia,  Pa.,  344,  365 
Philadelphia  Lib.,  Phil.,  390 
Philadelphian,  Meriden,  N.  H.  (A.  Lit 
tle),  214 
Philadelphian,  Middlebmy,  Vt.   (M.  L. 

Mead),  477 

Philalethian,  Fulton,  Mo.,  194 
Philalethian,  South  Hanover,  Ind.  (J.  B. 

McClure),  51 

Philalethic,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  202 
Philanthropic,    Hampden    Sidney,    Va. 

(N.  E.  Venable),  482 
Philermenian,  Providence,  R.   I.   (C.   E. 

Barrows,  J.  Bond),  437 
Phileuphradigne,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  202 
Philherrnenian,  Cincinnati,  0.,  317 
Phillips'  Acad.,  Andover,  Mass.,  90 
Philips' Exeter  Acad.,  Exeter,  N.  H.,  208 
Philodemic,  Georgetown,  D.  C.,  506 
Philo   Franklin,  Meadville,  Pa.    (C.  R. 

Stuntz),  363 
Philo  Literary  Soc.,  Canonsburg,  Pa.   (F. 

Chambers),  345 

Philo  Lit.  Soc.,  Washington,  0.,  338 
Philologian,    Williamstown,     Mass.     (C. 

Marsh,  S.  E.  Elmore),  170 
Philological,  Greencastle,  Ind.,  46 
Philologic,  Fulton,  Mo.,  194 
Philomathean,  Albion,  Mich.,  182 
Philomathean,  Athens,  0.,  310 
Philomathean,  Bloomington,  Ind.,  43 
Philomathean,  Charlotteville,  N.  Y.,  245 
Philomathean,  Huntsville,  Texas,  473 
Philomathean,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  421 
Philomathean,  Racine,  Wis.,  503 
Philomathean,  Schenectady,  N.    Y.   (H. 

K.  Lovell),  300 
Philomathean,  Springfield,  111.,  41 


INDEX. 


681 


Philomath  can,  Waukesha,  Wis.    (E.    P. 

Pitkin),  504 

Philomathesian,  Cazenovia,  N.  Y.,  244 
Philomathesian,  Forestville,  N.  C.  (J.  T. 

Walker),  309 
Philomathesian,  Gambler,  0.  (J.  F.  Ohl), 

327 
Philomathesian,   Independence,    Texas, 

473 

Philomathesian,  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  466 
Philomathic,  Univ.  of  Ala.  (George  Lit 
tle),  2 

Philonomosian,  Georgetown,  D.  C.,  507 
Philopedian,  Cincinnati,  0.,  317 
Philophrenian,  Washington,  D.  C.  (J.  L. 

Holmes),  510 

Philophronean,  Hartwick,  N.  Y.,  253 
Philorhetorian,  Middletown,  Conn.,  15 
Philosophian,  Lebanon,  111.  (T.  A.  Par 
ker),  38 
Philosophian,   Springfield,   111.    (H.   M. 

Brewer),  337 

Philosophical,  Byberry,  Pa.,  344 
Philotechnic,  Hanover,  N.  H.,  210 
Philotechnian,  Williamstown,  Mass.   (J. 

Deane,  Jas.  Orton),  171 
Philozethian,  Hudson,  0.  (T.  J.  McLain, 

A.  Carroll),  329 
Phi    Sigma  Nu,  Burlington,  Vt.   (C.  A. 

Kent,  J.  R.  Hickok),  477 
Phrenakosmian  Lib.,  Gettysburg,  Pa.  (J. 

M.  Hughes,  Geo.  A.  Long,  J.  W.  L. 

Doch),  350 
Physio.  Med.  College  of  0.,  Cincinnati,  0, 

(W.  H.  Cook),  316 
Pickering,  Hon.  John,  435 
Pierian  Assn.,  Wilbraham,  Mass.,  169 
Pittsburg,  Pa.,  425 
Platonian,  Greencastle,  Ind,  46 
Platonian,  Lebanon,  111.,  38 
Platteville,  Wis.,  503 
Plymouth,  Mass.,  157 
Porcellain  Club,  Cambridge,  Mass.   (E. 

J.  Brown,  Jewett),  130 
Porter  Rhetorical  Soc.,  Andover,  Mass.91 
Portland,  Me.,  73 
Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  215 
Portsmouth,  Va.,  486 
Pottsville,  Pa.,  426 
Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y.,  298 
Poulson,  Zachariah,  399 
Prescott,  Gen.,  431 
Preston,  Hon.  W.  C.,  459 
Preston,  Rev.  Samuel,  400 
Priestley.  Dr.  Jas.,  469 
Prince  Lib.,  Boston,  Mass.  (Jewett),  116 
Princeton,  Ky.,  60 


Princeton,  N.  J.,  226 

Printers'  Free  Library,  N.  Y.  (P.  C.  Baker, 

Jewett),  294 
Prison  Lib.,  Lansing,  Mich.  (J.  Scotford), 

187 
Prison,  Waupun,  Wis.   (A.    W.  Starks), 

504 
Providence  Lyceum,  Providence,  R.  I., 

438 

Providence,  R.  I.,  433 
Pruntytown,  Va.,  486 
Psi  Gamma,  Marietta,  0.  (W.  C.  Condit), 

331,  332 
Publications  of  Amer.  S.   S.  Union,  &c., 

578 
Pub.  Lib.  of  City  of  Boston,  Mass.   (E. 

Capen),  117 

Pub.  School  Lib.,  New  Orleans,  La.,  63 
Pub.  School  Lib.,  Ponghkeepsie,  N.  Y. 

(J.  Van  Kleck),  298 

Punchard  Free  School  Lib.,  South  Ando 
ver,  Mass.,  161 


Quebec,  Canada,  535 
Queen  Elizabeth,  400 
Quincy,  111.,  38 


Racine  College,  Racine,  Wis.  (R.  Park), 

503 

Racine,  Wis.,  503 
Raleigh,  N.  C.,  309 
Randolph  Macon  College,  Boydton,  Va. 

(W.  A.  Smith),  481 
Ransom,  Col.  T.  B.,  478 
Rare  Books,  11,  491 
Rawle,  Wm.,  392 
Raymond  Colleg.  Inst.,  Carmel,  N.  Y., 

244 
Reading-room  Assn.,  Georgetown,  D  C., 

506 
Rector  College,  Pruntytown,Va.(Jewett), 

486 

Redwood,  Abraham,  429,  432 
Redwood  Lib.,  Newport,  R.  I.  (Jewett, 

A.  Bush),  429 
Reed,  Wm.  B.,  386 
Regiopolis  College,  Kingston,  Canada, 

529 
Relig.  Charit.  Lib.,  Woburn,  Mass.  (Dr. 

T.  Rickard),  172 
Republican    Institut.,  Boston,  Mass.  (C. 

K-  Dillaway),  119 

Rhetorical  Soc.,  Gilmanton,  N.  H.,  209 
Rhode  Island,  428 
Richardson,  Gen.  W.  H.,  483 


082 


INDEX. 


Richardson,  Prof.  W.  G.,  2 

Richards,  Rev.  Win.,  434 

Richmond  College,  Ya.  (Jewett,  R.  Ry- 

land),  486 
Richmond,  Va.,  480 
Riddell,  Lieut.,  541 
Roanoke    College,    Salem,   Va.    (S.    C. 

Wells,  D.  M.  Blackwelder),  490 
Robertson,  James,  4GS 
Bobbins,  Rev.  Thos.,  8 
Robins'  Nest,  111.,  39 
Rochester,  N.  Y.,  298 
Rockland,  Me.,  70 
Romney  Classical  Inst.,  490 
Romney,  Va.,  489 
Routine  Duties  in  a  Library,  xi 
Roxboro,  Pa.,  426 
Roxbury,  Mass.,  157 
Rumford  Soc.,  Cambridge,  Mass.,  130 
Russellville,  Ky.,  01 
Eutersville,  Texas,  473 
Rutgers  College,  New  Brunswick,  N.  J. 

(S.  A.  Vrankan,  J.  W.  Beardslee),  I 

223 
Ryerson,  Rev.  E.,  529,  552,  57G 


Sabine,  Gen.,  540 

Sacred  Musical  Soc.,  Gilmanton,  N.  H., 

209 

Salaries  of  Librarians,  xxiii 
Salem,  Mass.,  158 
Salem,  N.  C.,  310 
Salem,  Oregon,  526 
Salem,  Va.,  490 
Salisbury,  Stephen,  178 
Salmon  Falls,  N.  H.,  218 
Sandy  Spring,  Md.,  89 
San  Francisco,  Cal.,  3 
Santa  Clara  College,  Cal.  (Jno.  Nobili),  5 
Santa  Ines,  Cal.,  G 
Savannah,  Ga.,  31 
Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  300 
School  Lib.,  Cincinnati,  0.  (R  E.  Heich),  I 

315,  316 
School    of  Medicine,    Toronto,    Canada, 

544 

Schott,  Anthony,  33 
Scientific  Assn",Pottsville,Pa.  (S.  Lewis, 

J.  H.  Wythes),  426 
Scientific  Inst.,  Flint,  Mich.  (F.  H.  Ran- 

kin),  186 

Seabury,  Bishop,  9 
Seamen's  Friend  Soc.,  Phil.,  419 
Seaton,  Lord,  549 
Seminary,  Belleville,  Canada,  528 
Sheffield.  Jos.  E.,  12 


Shelby  College,  Shelbyville,  Ky.  (G.  C. 

Waller),  61 
Shelby  Male  High  School,  German  town, 

Tenn.  (A.  M.  Rafter),  404 
Shelbyville,  Ky.,  61 
Shurtleff'  College,  Upper  Alton,  111.  (Rev. 

J.  Bulkley),  42 
Shurtleff,  Nath.  B.,  xv 
Sigournian  Soc.,  Centreville,  Ind.,  44 
Sigourney  Lib.,  Hillsborough,  0.,  328 
Silence,  Statue  of,  322 
Silliman,  Aug.  E.,  432 
Smibert,  429 
Smith,  John  J.,  390 
Smith,  J.  S.,  226 
Smith,  Rev.  Wm.,  421 
Smithsonian  Institution,  Washington,  D. 

C.,  514 

Smith,  W.  R.,  Hist,  of  Wis.,  501 
Smith,  Anson,  567 
Smyth,  Rev.  Dr.,  461 
Social   Friends,  Hanover,  N.  H.  (G.  E. 

Home,  C.  C.  Conant),  210,  211 
Social  Lib.,  Bucksport,  Me.  (I.  N.  Chase), 

71 

Social  Lib,  Deerfield,  Mass.  (C.  S.Wil 
liams),  141 
Social  Lib,,  Hallowell,  Me.(J.  C.  Dwight), 

71 
Social  Lib.,  Machias,  Me.(  C.  W.  Porter), 

Social  Lib.,  Taunton,  Mass.  (C.  H.  Brig- 
ham),  1GG 

Soc.  of  Cadets,  Lexington,  Va  ,  483 
Soc.  of  California  Pioneers  (N.  B.  Per 
kins),  5 

Soc.  of  Inquiry,  Andover,  Mass.,  91 
Soc.  of  Inquiry,  Bangor,  Me.,  67 
Soc.  of  Inquiry,  Columbia,  S.  C..  461 
Soc.  of  Inquiry,  East  Windsor,  Conn.,  7 
Soc.  of  Inquiry,  Fulton,  Mo.,  194 
Soc.  of  Inquiry,  Gilmanton,  N.  H.,  209 
Soc.  of  Inquiry,  Hanover,  N.  H.,  210 
Soc.  of  Inquiry,  Lewisburg,  Pa.,  361 
Soc.  of  Inquiry,  Marietta,  0.,  331,  332 
Soc.  of  Mechanics  and  Tradesmen,  N.  Y. 

(W.  Van  Norden),  259 
Soc.  of  Nat.  Hist.,  Boston,  Mass.   (C.  K. 

Dillaway,  Jewett),  99 
Soc.  of  Nat.  Hist.,  Portland,  Me.,  75 
Soc.   for  Religious    Inquiry,  Burlington, 
Vt.  (T.  S.  Buckingham,  G.  J.  Bard), 
477 
Soc.  of  Moral    and    Religious   Inquiry, 

Upper  Alton,  111.,  42 
Soc.  of  Religious  Inquiry,  South  Hanover, 
Ind..  51 


INDEX. 


683 


Soc.  of  Theol.  Research. New  Hampton, 

N.  IL,  215 
Soule  University,  Chappell  Hill,  Texas, 

xxviii 

South  Andover,  Mass.,  161 
South  Carolina,  447 
South  Carolina  College,Columbia(Jewett, 

B.W.  Means,  F.W.  McMasters),458 
South  Danvers,  Mass.,  101 
South  Hanover,  Ind.,  51 
South  Parish  Lib.,  Portsmouth,  N.    H.  ! 

(Mrs.    J.    H.    Haven,  Mrs.   E.  C. 

Haven),  217 
Southwark  Lib.,  Co.,  Phil  (J.  Joyce,  T.  ! 

J.  Comly,  E.  S.  Hall),  420 
Southwick,  Solomon,  432 
Spingler  Institute,  N.  Y.  (G.  D.  Abbott), 

295 

Spotswood,  Gov.  Alex.,  49G,  497 
Springfield,  III.,  39 
Springfield,  Mass.,  105 
Springfield,  0.,  335 
Spring  Garden  Inst.,  Phil ,  421 
St.  Anthony,  Minn.,  188 
St.  Augustine,  Fla.,  25 
St.  Charles  College,  Ellicott's  Mills,  Mil. 

(0.  L.  Jenkins),  89 
St.     John's     College,     Annapolis,     Md. 

(Jewett),  78 
St.  John's  College,  Fordham,  N.  Y.  (C. 

Per  not),  240 
St.    Joseph's    College,    Bardtown,    Ky. 

(Jewett,  S.   De  Blieck,  L.  Durnor- 

tier).  50 

St.  Louis,  Mo,  196 
St.     Mary's     College,    Baltimore,     Md. 

(Jewett),  80 

St.  Mary's  College,  Ky.,  246 
St.  Mary's  Lib.  Assn.,  Albany,  N.  Y.  (B. 

McCaffrey),  235 
St.  Mary's  Lib.,  Notre  Dame  Du  Lac,  Ind. 

(N.  H.  Gillespie,  Jewett),  50 
St.  Michael's  Coll.,  Toronto,  Canada,  543 
St.  Paul,  Minn.,  188 
St.  Vincent's   College,  Cape  Girardeau, 

Mo.  (J.  J.  McGerry),  192 
St.  Xavier  College,Cincinnati,  0.( Jewett), 

317 

Stapleton,  N.  Y.,  301 
Starks,  A.  W.,  504 
State  Lib.,  Conn.,  Hartford  (C.  J.  Hoad- 

ley),  S 

State  Lib.,  Del,  Dover,  22 
State  Lib.,  Florida,  Tallahassee,  25 
State   Lib..   Ga.,   Milledgeville    (T.    F. 

Condon),  29 
State  Lib.,  111.,  Springfield,  41 


State    Lib.,   Ind.,    Indianapolis  (Jewett 

S.  D.  Lyon),  47 
State  Lib.,  Iowa,  Des  Moines    (Jewett, 

S.  J.  Coulter),  53 
State  Lib.,  Ky.,  Frankfort  (Jewett,  J.  C. 

Hensley),  57 
State  Lib.,  La.,  Baton  Rouge  (H.  Droz). 

01 
State    Lib.,   Me.,  Augusta    (Jewett,  A. 

Jackson),  64 
State  Lib.,  Md.,  Annapolis  (Jewett,  L. 

Boyle),  77 
State   Lib.,   Mass.,  Boston    (Jewett,  B. 

Sears,  S.  C.  Jackson),  100 
State  Lib.,  Mich.,  Lansing  (Jewett),  187 
State    Lib.,    Minn.,    St.  Paul's    (R.    A. 

Smith,  J.  J.  McCullough),  188 
State  Lib.,  Miss.,  Jackson  (Jewett,  H.  H. 

Chalmers),  189 
State  Lib.,  Mo.,  Jefferson  City   (TV.   E. 

Dnnscomb),  195 
State  Lib.,  N.  H.,  Concord  (Jewett,  TV. 

F.  Goodwin),  206 
State  Lib.,  N.  J.,  Trenton  (C.  J.  Ihrie), 

227 
State  Lib.,  N.  Y.,  Albany  (Jewett,  J.  H. 

Hickox,  F.  B.  Hough),  232 
State  Lib.,  N.C.,  Raleigh  (0.  H.  Perry), 

309 
State  Lib.,  0.,  Columbus  (TV.  T.  Cogge- 

shall),  323 
State  Lib.,  Pa.,  Harrisburg  (TV.  R.  De- 

witt),  351 
State    Lib.,    Tenn.,    Nashville    (R.    J. 

Meigs),  407 

State  Lib.,  Texas,  Austin  (Jewett).  472 
State  Lib.,  Vermont,  Montpelier  (D.  P. 

Thompson,  H.  Webster),  478 
State  Lib.,  Va.,  Richmond  (G.  TV.  Mun- 

ford),  487 
State    Lib.,  TVis.,  Madison   (Jewett,  H. 

Rublee),  501 
State  Normal  School,  New  Britain,  Conn. 

(D.  N.  Camp),  16 
State    Reform    School,   West    Meriden, 

Conn.  (S.  B.  Little),  22 
Statistical  Tables,  xxiii 
Staughton,  Rev.  Dr.  TVm.,  509 
Stiles,  President,  10 
Stiles,  Rev.  Ezra,  430 
Steubenville,  0.,  337 
Stewart  College,  Clarksville,  Tenn.,  463 
Stewart,  TVm.  M.,  463 
Stockton,  Cal.,  6 
Strachan,  Rev.  Dr.,  548 
Strong  Place  Baptist  Church,  Brooklyn. 

N.  Y.  (Eras.  Everett),  239 


684 


INDEX. 


Sunday-school  Libraries,  578 

Supreme  Court  Library,  Austin,  Texas, 

472 
Supreme  Court  Lib.,  Washington,  D.  C., 

512 

Swampscott,  Mass.,  166 
Svvatara  Lit.  Inst.,  Jonestown,  Pa.,  354 
Syclserfe,  Dr.  Walter,  393 
Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  302 


Tallahassee,  Fla.,  25 

Taunton,  Mass.,  166 

Taylor,  Zachary,  492 

Territorial  Lib.,  Kansas,  xxviii,  525 

Territorial  Lib.,  Nebraska,  xxviii,  525 

Territorial    Lib.,  Olympia,  Wash.    Ter. 

(B.  F.  Kendall),  526 
Territorial  Lib.,  Salem,  Oregon,  526 
Territorial  Lib.,  Utah,  526 
Territories,  525 
Tennent  School,  Hartsville,  Pa.  (Rev.  M. 

Long),  352 
Tennessee,  463 
Tenney,  Jonathan,  557 
Texas,  472 
Texas  Monumental  and  Military  Inst., 

Rutersville  (C.  G.  Forshey),  473 
Thalian  Soc.,  Milledgeville,  Ga.,  29 
The  Grove,  Oregon.  526 
Theol.  and  Class   Sem.,  Hart  wick,  N.  Y. 

(Rev.  L.  Sternberg),  253 
Theol.   Inst.,  East  Windsor,  Conn.   (W. 

Thompson),  7 

Theol.  Lib.,  Cambridge,  Mass.,  128 
Theol.    School,  Meadville,  Pa.    (N.    S. 

Folsom),  363 
Theol.  Sem.,  Alleghany,  Pa.  (Jewett,  M. 

W.  Jacobus),  342 
Theol.   Sem.,  Andover,  Mass.   (Jewett), 

90 
Theol.  Sem.,  Ass.  Ref.  Ch.,  Newbury, 

N.  Y.  (Jewett),  255 
Theol.    Sem.,  Auburn,  N.   Y.   (Prof.   S. 

M.  Hopkins),  238 
Theol.    Sem.,    Bangor,    Me.    (S.    K.   B. 

Perkins,  E.  Pond),  67 
Theol.  Sem.,  Chicago,  111.  (A.  S.  Kedzie), 

35 

Theol.  Sem.,  Delafield,  Wis.,  499 
Theol.  Sem.,  Fairfax  Co.,  Va.  (J.  Pack 
ard),  491 
Theol.   Sem.,  Gilmanton,  N.  H.  (R.  M. 

Sargent),  209 

Theol.  Sem.,  Greenville,  S.  C.,  xxviii 
Theol.   Sem.  of  Diocese  of  Ohio,  Gam- 
bier,  O.,  326 


Theol.   Sem.  of  Evang.   Luth.  Ch.,  Get 
tysburg,  Pa.  (Jewett),  350 
Theol.   Sem.  of  German  Ref.  Ch.,  Mer- 

cersburg,  Pa.  (P.  Schaff),  364 
Theol.  Sem.  of  German  Ref.  Ch.,  Tiffin, 

0.  (J.  H.  Good),  338 
Theol.   Sem.,  Princeton,  N.  J.   (Jewett, 

Prof.  W.  H.  Greene),  227 
Theol.   Sem.  Columbia,  S.  C.  (Jewett), 

460 

Theol.  Sem.  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  300 
Theol.   Sem.    (Luth.),  Lexington,  S.   C. 

(Jewett),  462 
Theol.  Sem.,  Xenia,  0.  (S.  M.  L.  Kier,  J. 

H.  Taylor),  339 

Theol.  Soc.,  Hartwick,  N.  Y.,  253 
Theta  Alpha  Soc.,  Lewisburg,  Pa.,  361 
Theta  Phi    Soc.,   Charlotteville,  N.    Y., 

245 

Thomas,  Isaiah,  362 
ThomastonFem.  Lib.,Thomaston,Me.,76 
Thomaston,  Me.,  76 
Thompson,  Chas.,  394 
Thornton,  Dr.  Wm.,  398 
Thorpe,  George,  494 
Tiffin,  0.,  337 
Timothee,  Louis,  392 
Todd,  John,  397 
Tomlinson,  John,  430 
Topsfield,  Mass.,  167 
Toronto,  Canada,  537 
Torrey,  Prof.  Joseph,  476 
Totten,  Rev.  Silas,  10 
Transylvania     Univ.,    Lexington,     Ky. 

(Jewett),  59 
Treasury  Dept.,  Washington,  D.  C.   (J. 

D.  Hogan),  520 
Trenton,  N.  J.,  227 
Trinity  College,  Hartford,  Conn.   (C.  J. 

Hoadly),  9 
Trinity  Colleg.  Lit.  Inst.,  Toronto,  Can., 

549 

Troy,  N.  Y.,  303 
Trumbull,  J.  H.,  8 
Tuft's  College.  Medford,  Mass.  (H.  Bal- 

lou,  2d),  151 
Turner,  Prof.  W.  W.,  xv 
Tuscaloosa,  Ala.,  1 


Union  College,  Schenectady,  N.  Y.  (Jew 
ett,  J.  Pearson),  300 

Union  Lib.  Dublin,  N.  H.  (Jewett),  207 

Union  Lib.,  Hatboro,  Pa.  (G.  J.  Mitchell, 
J.  Morton),  352 

Union  Lib.  of  Upper  Merion,  King  of 
Prussia,  Pa.  (C.  J.  Elliott),  356 


INDEX. 


685 


Union  Lib ,  Wakefield,  N.  H.  (W.  Saw 
yer,  Jr.),  218 

Union  Lit,  Soc.,  Columbia,  Mo.  (B.  S. 
Head),  193 

Union  Lit.  Soc.,  South  Hanover,  Ind.,  f)l 

Union  Lit.  Soc  ,  West  Point,  Iowa,  55 

Union,  N.  H.,  218 

Union  Phil.  Soc.,  Carlisle,  Pa.,  34 G 

Union  Phil.  Soc.,  Wilbraham,  Mass,  169 

Union  Soc.,  Clinton,  N.  Y.,  246 

Union  Soc.,  Hampden  Sidney,  Va.  (E. 
Mosely),  4S2 

Union  Theol.  Sem.,  N,  Y.  (H  B.  Smith, 
Jewett),  295 

Union  Theol.  Sem.  (Pres ),  Hampden 
Sidney,  Va.  (B.  Smith),  483 

Union  Univ ,  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.  (H. 
Y.  Riddle),  467 

United  Brothers'  Soc.,  Providence,  R.  I. 
(S.  W.  Abbott,  G.  L.  Stedman),  438 

United  Fraternity,  Hanover,  N.  H.  (D. 
R  Carter,  D.  D.  Patten,  H.  J.  Board- 
man),  210,  211 

United  Pres.  Divinity  Hall.  Toronto, 
Canada,  544 

U.  S.  Military  Acad  ,  West  Point,  N.  Y. 
(Lieut.  A.  Baird),  305 

U.  S.  Naval  Lyceum,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
(Lieut.  J.  W.  A.  Nicholson),  239 

University  College,  Toronto,  Canada,  544 

University,  Mt.  Lebanon,  La.  (B.  Egan), 
63 

Univ.  of  Ala.  (Jewett,  J.  D.  Rhodes,  W. 
S.  Wyman),  1 

Univ.  of  Bishop's  College,  Lennoxville, 
Canada,  530 

Univ.  of  City  of  N.  Y.  (H.  Crosby),  296 

Univ.  of  Ga.,  or  Franklin  College,  Athens, 
Ga.  (Jewett),  25 

Univ.  of  Ind.,  Bloomington,  43 

Univ.  of  Lewisburg,  Lewisburg,  Pa  ,  361 

Univ.  of  McGill  Coll.,  Montreal,  Can.,  532 

Univ.  of  Mich  ,  Ann  Arbor  (J.  L.  Tap- 
pan),  183 

Univ.  of  Minn.,  St.  Anthony,  Minn.  (J. 
Atwater),  188 

Univ.  of  Miss.,  Oxford,  Miss.  (C.  H.  Lee), 
191 

Univ.  of  Nashville,  Tenn.  (E.  Wads- 
worth),  468 

Univ.  of  N.  C.,  Chapel  Hill  (Jewett,  M. 
Pinnex),  307 

Univ.  of  Notre  Dame,  Notre  Dame  du 
Lac,  50 

Univ.  of  Penna.,  Phil.  (Jewett),  421 

Univ.  of  Queen's  College,  Kingston,  Can., 
530 


Univ.  of  Rochester,  Rochester,  N.  Y.  (Z. 
Freeman,  M.  B.  Anderson),  300 

Univ.  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.  (F.  Logan,  J.  F. 
Diels,  W.  H.  Hill),  202 

Univ.  of  Toronto,  Toronto,  Canada,  545 

Univ.  of  Trinity  College,  Toronto,  Can., 
547 

Univ.  of  Vermont,  Burlington  (N.  G. 
Clark),  476 

Univ.  of  Victoria  College,  Cobourg,  Ca 
nada,  528 

Univ.  of  Virginia  (W.  Wertenbaker),  491 

Univ.  of  Wis.,  Madison  (J.  W.  Sterling), 
502 

Upper  Alton,  III,  42 

Upper  Canada  College,  Toronto,  Canada, 
549 

Upper  Middleton,  Conn  ,  7 

Urban  a,  O.,  338 

Urbana  Univ.,  Urbana,  O.  (M.  G.  Wil 
liams,  C.  W.  Cathcart),  338 

Urania  College,  Glasgow,  Ky.  (D.  C.  Nut 
ting),  58 

Utah,  526 

Utilior  Soc.,  Springfield,  111.  (T.  R.  Easter- 
day),  41 

Utica,  N.  Y.,  305 

Valuable  Books,  459,  460 

Vanderburg  Co.  Lib.,  Evansville,  Ind. 
(W.H.Walker),  4  5 

Van  Norden,  W.,  260 

Vanuxem,  Prof.  463 

Vattemare,  A.,  xxii,  501 

Vaughan,  Benj.,  65 

j  Vaughan  and  McClellan  Lib.,  Augusta, 
Me.  (J.  C.  Smith),  65 

Vermont,  475 

Village  Lib,  Union,  N.  H.  (W.  B.  Rey 
nolds),  218 

Vincennes,  Ind.,  51,  52 

Vinton,  Alfred,  198 

Virginia,  479 

Virginia  Male  and  Fern.  Colleg.  Inst.  (N. 
B.  Webster),  486 

Virginia  Military  Inst.,  (T.  II.  William 
son),  483 

Vocalist  Assn.,  St.  Louis,  Mo.  (F.  G. 
Speth,  A.  Kehr),  204 

Wabash    College,    Crawfordsville,    Ind. 

(Jewett,  J.  L.  Campbell),  44 
Wagner   Free    Inst.   of  Sci.,  Phil.   (W. 

Wagner,  J.  T.  Walton),  422 
Wagner,  Prof.  W.,  422,  423 
Wakefield,  N.  H.,  218 
Walmsley,  Wm.  M.,  411 


686 


INDEX. 


Wain,  Robt.,  410 

Walter,  Thos.  U.,  512 

War  Dept,  Washington,  D.  C.  (Jewett), 

520 

Warsaw,  111  ,  42 
Washington    College,  Chestertown,  Md. 

(Jewett,  Prof.  A.  Sutton),  88 
Washington     College,     Lexington,     Va. 

(Jewett),  483 
Washington,  D.  C.,  507 
Washington,  George,  95,  399,  492,  496, 

507 

Washington  Lit.  Soc.,  Lexington,  Va.,  484 
Washington,  0.,  338 
Washington  Soc.,  Boydton,  Va.,  481 
Washington  Soc.,  Easton,  Pa.,  348 
Washington  Territory,  520 
Waterman,  Nathan,  446 
Waterville      College,     Waterville,     Me. 

(Jewett,  Prof.  S.  1C.  Smith),  77 
Waterville,  Me.,  77 
Waukeeha,  Wis.,  504 
Waupun,  Wis.,  504 

Waverly  Soc.,  Coll.  of  St.  James,  Md.,  89 
Webb,  Thos.  H.,435 
WesleyanAcad.,Wilbraham,Mass.  (Rev. 

M.  Raymond),  108 
Wesleyan  College,  Albion,  Mich.  (C.  C. 

Olds),  182 
Wesleyan  Female  College,  Macon,  Ga. 

(Jewett,  Rev.  C.  W.  Smith),  29 
Wesleyan  Female  College,  Wilmington, 

Del.,  24 
Wesleyan   Lit.   Assn.,  Charlotteville,  N. 

Y.,  245 
Wesleyan     Univ.,    Middletown,    Conn. 

(Jewett,  J.  Van  Vleck),  15 
West,  Benj.,  400 
West  Chester,  Pa.,  427 
West.  Acad.    Nat.    Sci.,  Cincinnati,  0., 

317 

Western  Carolina  Male  Acad.,  Mt.  Plea 
sant,  N.  C.,  309 
Western  Military  In  St.,  Nashville,  Tenn., 

471 
Western    Reserve    College,  Hudson,    0. 

(Jewett),  329 
Western   Tueol.    Sem.,  Alleghany,  Pa., 

342 
Western  Univ.  of  Penna.,  Pittsburg  (W. 

T.  McDonald),  425 
Westerville,  0.,  338 
Westfield,  Mass.,  107 
West  Hoboken,  N.  J.,  228 
West  Meriden,  Conn.,  22 
Westminster  College,  Fulton,  Mo.  (S.  S. 

Laws),  193 


West  Newton,  Mass.,  108 

West  Phil.   List.   (J.  Allen,  E.  Watson), 

423 

West  Point,  Iowa,  55 
West  Point,  N.  Y.,  305 
West  Roxbury,  Mass..  108 
West  Tennessee  College,  Jackson,  Tenn., 

465 

Wharton,  T.  J.,  381 
Wheaton,  III.,  43 
Whitcomb,  Hon.  Jas.,  46 
White,  Philo,  503 

Whitewater  College,  Centreville,  Ind.,  44 
Wilbraham,  Mass.,  108 
Williamsbnrg,  Va.,  492,  495 
Williams'   College,  Williamstown,  Mass. 

(Jewett).  109 

Williams,  Mrs.  Harriet  Peck,  21 
Williams,  Rev.  Dr.  John,  10 
Williamstown,  Mass.,  109 
Willis,  H.,  74 
Wilmington,  Del.,  24 
Wilson,  Dr.,  538 
Windsor,  Nova  Scotia,  550 
Winnisimmet  Lit.   Inst.,  Chelsea,  Mass. 

(E.  H.  Osgood),  140 
Winsor's    Circulating    Lib.,    Providence, 

R.  I,  (E.  S.  Winsor),  447 
Winthrop,  lion.  James,  302 
Wisconsin,  498 
Wise,  John,  479 
Wise,  Rev.  Daniel,  579 
Wittenburg  College,  Springfield,  0.   (H. 

K.  Giger,  J.  Sprecherj,  335 
Woburn,  Mass.,  172 
Woods,  Jos.,  397 
Wood,  Wm  ,  108 
Worcester    Dist.    Med.    Soc.,    Worcester, 

Mass.  (H.  Clark,  W.  Workman),  ISO 
Worcester,  Mass.,  172 
Wren,  Sir  Christopher,  490 
Wright,  H.  A.,  573 

Xenia,  0.,  339 

Yale  College,  New  Haven,  Conn.  (Jewett, 

E.  C.  Herrick),  10 
Yellow  Springs,  0.,  341 

Young  Ladies'  Assn.,  Albion,  Mich.,  182 
Young  Ladies'  Lit.  and  Lib.  Assn.,  Nor- 

ristown,  Pa.,  305 
Young    Men's    Inst.,  Phil.    (W.    Welsh), 

424 
Young  Men's  Assn.,  Albany,  N.  Y.  (A. 

F.  Lansing,  Jewett),  230 

Young  Men's  Assn.,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  (W. 
Ives),  xvii,  241 


INDEX. 


687 


Young  Men's  Assn.,  Chicago,  111.  (H.  D. 

French),  36 
Young  Men's  Assn.,  Milwaukie,  Wis.  (W. 

Bilton,  J.  R.  Brigham,G.  Cogswell), 

51-2 
Young   Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Alexandria, 

Va.,  479 
Young    Men's    Chris.   Assn.,   Baltimore, 

Md.,  87 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn..  Boston,  Mass. 

(T.  T.  Bailey),  120 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Brooklyn,  N. 

Y.,  240 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Charleston,  S. 

C-,  450 
Young    Men's   Chris.   Assn.,    Columbus, 

Ga  ,  28 
Young  Meirs  Chris.  Assn.,  Concord,  N. 

II.,  207 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Halifax,  N.  S., 

550 
Young   Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Harrisburg, 

Pa.  (S.  A.  Holmes),  352 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Independence, 

Texas,  473 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Jacksonville, 

Fla.  (A.  T.  Holloman),  24 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Lancaster,  Pa. 

(P.  Wager,  Jr.),  300 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Macon,  Ga. 

(N.  Van  Geisen),  29 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Manchester, 

N.  H.  (S.  Bunton),  213 
Young    Men's    Chris.    Assn.,    Montreal, 

Canada,  531 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  New  Orleans, 

La.,  04 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  N.  Y.  (E.  C. 

Marshall),  297 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Philadelphia, 

Pa.,  xxviii 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Pittsburg  (R. 

D.  Tilson),  425 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Portland,  Me. 

(B.  Chickering,  Z.  Jellison),  75 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Portsmouth, 

N.  H.  (W.  Seavey,  J.  C.  Works),  217 
Young  Men's   Chris.  Assn.,  Providence, 

R.  I.  (W.  C.  Mills),  447 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Richmond,  Va. 

(W.  H.  Walker,  A.  M.  Bailey),  488 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  San  Francisco, 

Cal.,  5 
Young    Men's    Chris.   Assn.,  Savannah, 

Ga.,  32 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Stapleton,  N. 

Y.,  301 


Yotmg  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

(R.  A.  Davison),  204 
Young    Men's    Chris.    Assn.,    Stockton, 

Cal.,  6 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  St.  Paul,  Minn., 

189 
Young  Men's  Assn.,  Troy,  N.  Y.  (H.  P. 

Filer),  303 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Assn.,  Washington, 

D.  C.,  522 
Young  Men's  Chris.  Union,  Boston,  Mass., 

120 
Young   Men's  Chris.  Union,  Buffalo,  N. 

Y.,  244 
Young  Men's    Chris.   Union,  Cincinnati, 

0.  (T.  C.  Fitch),  318 
Young    Men's   Chris.    Union   (German), 

Cincinnati,  0  ,  320 
Young  Men's  Debating  Club,  Wilbraham. 

Mass.,  168 
Young  Men's  Evang.  Union,  Charlestown, 

Mass.,  140 
Young  Men's  Gymnasium  and  Lib.  Assn.. 

Chilicothe,  0.  (E.  II.  Allen),  312 
Young  Men's  Inst.,  Birmingham,  Conn. 

(A.  H.  Gilbert,  C.  D.  Russell),  6 
Young  Men's  Inst.,  Hartford,  Conn.,  13 
Young  Men's  Inst.,  New  Haven,  Conn. 

(A.  Day),  20 
Young  Men's  Inst.,  Northampton,  Mass. 

(Miss  C.S.  Laid  ley,Jos.Lathrop),150 
Young   Men's  Lib.  Assn.,  Augusta,  Ga. 

(H.  Moore),  27 
Young  Men's  Lit.  Assn.,  Davenport,  Iowa, 

53 
Young  Men's  Lib.  Assn.,  New  London, 

Conn.  (A.  Coit),  21 
Young  Men's  Lit.  Assn.,  Savannah,  Ga. 

(R.  L.  Crolty),  32 
Young  Men's  Lib.  Assn.,  Taunton,  Mass., 

160 
Young  Men's  Lib.  Assn .,  Worcester,  Mass., 

181 
Young   Men's    Mercan.   Lib.,   Pittsburg, 

Pa.,  (A.  Hay,  G.  H.  Anderson,  J.  C. 

Schaad),  425 
Young  Men's   Mercan.  Lib.,  Cincinnati, 

0.  (R.  H.  Stephenson),  320 
Young  Men's  Soc.,  Detroit  (Jewett),  185 
Young  Men's  St.  Patrick's  Assn.,  Toronto, 

Canada,  549 
Youths'   Free   Lib.,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  (J. 

McGeorge,  Jewett),  241 


Zanesville,  0.,  341 
Zelosophic  Soc.,  Phil.,  422 


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